Why does my chihuahua limp sometimes but run fine on all four legs?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 4 lbs
There is nothing wrong with my chihuahua's leg from what i can see but there are a lot of time i see her walking or sometimes running with one leg up like its hurt. But when she is running full speed she runs on all 4s. Why does she do this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 31st, 2017
It is very likely she has a condition called patellar luxation. This is where the ligament in the knee goes in an out of the socket. She can have this surgically repaired if it becomes a chronic issue and impedes on her quality of life. Otherwise joint supplements (i.e. Dasuquin) may be able to help reduce some inflammation and pain in the joint itself. Have your vet do a simple physical exam and check the knees. Patellar luxation is detectable by a physical exam and doesn't require radiographs to diagnose. I wish you well at the vet. Best wishes with Mindy and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 29th, 2016
Poor Peanut! Given that she is a toy breed dog, she could be suffering from a condition called a luxating patella. This is when the kneecap moves out of it's correct anatomical position, and it would cause her pain, leading her to limp. The limping could also be caused by a spine, hip, or joint issue. I would recommend taking Peanut into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing her limping, and can prescribe a treatment for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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