Dog limping but seems fine. What to do when vet X-rays are too expensive?

Question

Dog limping no pain, still walks/runs/swims. What can I do? Took him to the vet and they said we can do X-rays but they are expensive. Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 90 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

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!

Dog limping but seems fine. What to do when vet X-rays are too expensive?

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