My dog is limping. Is an X-ray worth it, or should I just rest him?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  Since Benji has been limping on and off for the past month, I am assuming that the anti-inflammatory did not make much of a difference in his limping. As your vet mentioned, common causes of limping include muscle strains, ligament strains, cruciate ligament ruptures (equivalent of the ACL in humans) or hip dysplasia. If a dog is comfortable, it can be reasonable to restrict his activity for several weeks to a small room or large crate to prevent any running, jumping or playing to allow a possible injury to heal. However, if the limping persists or worsens, x-rays and further diagnostics are likely needed to try to get to the bottom of the issue. X-rays have limited benefit in diagnosing soft tissue (muscle, ligament) injuries, but are extremely beneficial in diagnosing changes with bony structures. If you have been resting Benji for the past few weeks and he has not improved, it sounds as though it is time for an x-ray. I hope that all goes well!

  

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 2nd, 2019

  Poor guy. Unfortunately x-rays aren't clear when posted here. They come out extremely fuzzy. Also they only include the hips and knees, he may have an issue lower down on his leg (paw, metatarsal region). Wherever he seems painful on physical exam is where we tend to focus our x-ray on. You can consider having the x-rays repeated focusing on his lower leg only. I would also consider a consult with an orthopedic specialist. He may even need to have an ultrasound or MRI done to detect the underlying issue for certain. Whenever there are no obvious x-ray findings you are often dealing with a ligament injury which can occur in the knee or even the lower metatarsal region. In the meantime I would continue to cage rest Zooky and give him pain medication as needed to keep him comfortable. I hope that Zooky is able to make a full and speedy recovery soon! Best wishes and take care.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 8th, 2017

  Hello there. Sorry Sampson is having this issue. I know it doesn't seem like he is pain to you because he is still walking and running around but I assure you he is in pain. Limping by definition means that the limb hurts therefore he is not putting as much weight on that leg (or he may not be using it at all). If your leg hurts you limp - same thing. I realize that xrays may be expensive but they may be needed to figure out what is going on. Did your vet not give you any anti-inflammatory/pain medications to give Sampson to see if that would help? If he just has a muscle sprain/strain or another type of soft tissue injury that may help. If they didn't give you any medications I would call back and ask for some. Regardless of whether he takes any medication or not, you MUST rest him. If he keeps running around he is just going to injure it more and it will take longer to heal. He needs STRICT rest - no running, jumping, playing or stairs. You can walk him outside to use the bathroom (on a leash) and then right back inside. Do this at least two weeks. If he seems better then you can gradually start increasing his exercise. CONTROLLED exercise - ex: walking on a leash. No free running until he is 100% back to normal. If no improvement in two weeks of rest then you will likely need to get the xrays done and/or some additional diagnostics. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

  

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