My dog's joints are swollen and she's limping after playing. Sore?

Question

My 4 year old female dog can stand up. She isn't very active consistently. The last 5 days she was at my parents with 3 other healthy dogs in a fenced in yard running around and playing most of the daytime hours. She she just sore? I did notice her front right leg and left leg joints are very swollen as well. She also still eats and seems normal when laying down. Any of your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old | 40 lbs

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

I am very sorry to hear that Ava is having trouble standing, swollen joints and is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may have trouble walking, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. If Ava was running around more tribe usual in the past 5 days injury to one of the structures in her bones, muscles, joints, or ligaments is possible. In order to determine the precise cause of Ava's problems it would be best to take her in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Ava comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Ava seems very uncomfortable or depressed, Ava is collapsed and cannot move herself at all, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Ava needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma cases in limping dogs, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Ava improves. Here is what you can do to treat Ava at home for the next 24 hours; Keep Ava as comfortable as possible, and strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Ava any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain, inability to walk, or limping continue after 24 hours then take Ava to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Ava feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.

My dog's joints are swollen and she's limping after playing. Sore?

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