Why is my Yorkie limping on three legs? Could it be her knee?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 2 months old
Why Is My Yorkie Limping and Walking on Three Legs?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 11th, 2016
There is a very common problem in Yorkies called a luxating patella that often causes these symptoms. Basically, the knee cap pops out of place and causes her to hold the leg up intermittently. This is the first thing your vet will probably check for - it can usually be diagnosed during the exam. If this isn't the problem, then she may have some other type of injury to her leg, such as a torn knee ligament, or something more minor such as a sprain or pulled muscle. I would recommend keeping her calm and quiet for the rest of the night. If she is still holding her leg up in the morning, then she should see a vet to find out what's wrong.
72Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
There are many possible reasons for limping including injury and infection to any part of the leg but yorkshire terriers are especially prone by a vet to knee injuries and dislocating kneecaps. Please get her assessed by a vet and possibly a physiotherapist in order to identify the location of her pain and discomfort and guide appropriate treatment
42Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 7th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Favoring the leg is a sign she is in pain. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 12th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible Suzi has a luxating patella. This is common in small breed dogs. It means the patella (knee cap) is not sitting in the groove of the knee and sometimes slips out of place. When that happens, the knee cannot bend properly and therefore the pet limps. I would recommend taking Suzi to the vet to confirm this is what is going on. They may need to take radiographs to rule out other concerns. Even though you cannot find the pain, there could be some. If the vet finds it, they will be able to prescribe something safe for her to take. Good luck and kisses to Suzi!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 19th, 2018
Check her paw to make sure she doesn’t have nettles in it. The most common cause of intermittent lameness in Yorkie’s is a luxating patella. It can be genetic or from an injury. The knee cap jumps out of the groove when walking or jumping. Often when they straighten the leg it will go back in place again and then the dog will walk normally. I recommend a veterinary exam to check for this. If it’s minor usually building muscle in the thighs will help keep it in place. If it’s severe often surgery is needed to correct this. Yours sounds like a mild patella luxation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rose.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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