My dog lifts a back leg and it twitches. What's causing this?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 12.5 lbs
My 8 year old jack russell's back leg sometimes 'drifts' in the air when out on walks. It's not like a limp as she doesn't hop or anything, its more like she chooses to walk on 3 legs. Then today I noticed when she was sitting, that same leg had a sort of twitch/ spasm. again not severely and almost not noticeable but it's there.for a jack russell she has never been great at jumping or climbing stairs which i've always found odd but now starting to think perhaps she's never been right?any advice
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 3rd, 2017
What you're describing sounds like a condition called a luxating patella. This is when the knee cap slides in and out of its groove. This condition overtime can lead to arthritis and potential he predispose a dog to tearing a ligament in the knee. Your veterinarian maybe to do an orthopedic exam and tell you if this is the case.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on
Hello. I am sorry that Twiggy is having this issue. The most likely cause would be a luxating patella. This is when the knee-cap will pop in and out. This explains the on and off leg holding up. This can be corrected with surgery if it is bothering her. She could also have arthritis, or a ruptured cruciate ligament. I would recommend having her knee checked by the vet, as there are possible treatment options that would help make her more comfortable. Good luck with Twiggy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on April 17th, 2018
Poor Siri! It sounds like she is in a great deal of pain. I would have your vet take a look at her. It could be muscle cramps but it could also be something more complicated like a broken toe, a luxating patella (knee cap), a torn ligament in the knee, arthritis, cancer, neck/back pain and much more. I would not give her any human pain meds as most are toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to determine the cause and get her started on the proper treatment plan. I would take a video if you are able to help your vet figure out what is going on. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on June 12th, 2019
Signs like this could be caused by pain, orthopedic issues in the hip or knee, or neurological issues. Since the pain medications didn't make it better, I would recommend that Gem get rechecked by the vet. They should do a thorough orthopedic and neurologic exam of the leg, and they may recommend x-rays to look at the bones and internal structures. If they can't figure out what is causing her symptoms, they may refer her to a specialist for additional testing and a second opinion.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My pet has some back-leg problem for some time, it mostly limps it leg but sometimes also takes some support from it, I believe that the condition is becoming worse. I think that it is a Jack Russell terrier.
Hello, I have a 'terrier owner' question. My Chorkie sometimes lifts his back leg for one stride then walking normally again without a care in the world. I've checked his foot, and nothing is wrong. Is it some sort of terrier wierdness or do other do
Just noticed that Maggie lefts her back leg but is not in pain. When I walk her there is no problem but when she is upstairs and has been lying down she lefts the leg...
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 ?
Hi I would love ur help my dog starts to hold her back leg up after sitting or lying down for a sort while looks stiff too in second pic u can see the left hip is a bit swollen
hello, my male JRT (bailey) hops and skips sometimes whilst walking, ive heard this could be a dislocated knee but his knee looks normal, can you help me please?
My morkie is limping. His hind leg
I’m worried that my dog has a luxated patella. She’s a 6 lb mini yorkie/maltese. She’s 4 years old and pretty active, healthy weight, and is generally healthy. She was acting fine and then all of a sudden she started acting weird, crouching while she
6 days ago my dog was caught in my cousin's legs while playing outside. He tried not to use his leg then after about 15 minutes he started to walk on it with a limp. After 2 hours hours he was completely back to normal. Since then the leg has given o
I have 5 months old Japanese spitz dog he hurt her leg when he was jumping I gave him Arnica 200,my confussion is he seems some time it's doesn't hurt he walk properly but sometimes he he put up that leg which he hurt before so what to do plss sugges
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
