My dog hops on one back leg when running, then acts normal. Why?

Question

Panda sometimes hops when he runs so his right hind is non weight bearing he does it for 2 or 3 strides then continues normally does not look lame or stay lame and does not do it all the time ideas as to why he would do that ? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 months and 7 days old

Juliana, DVM · Accepted Answer

Limping and skipping that quickly resolves within a few strides is often due to something called a luxating patella. This is a condition where the knee cap can move out of its groove and then pop back in. It is not an uncommon condition in Smaller breed dogs. If he is overall comfortable and happy I would ask your vet about this at your next visit. Other potential causes include a strain/sprain or other soft tissue injury.

My dog hops on one back leg when running, then acts normal. Why?

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