My senior dog has sudden rear leg pain. Is it arthritis or injury?

Question

13 yo Maltese/jack Russell mix. Rear right leg in pain. No external injuries. He was limping off and on for the past 2 days. Now in pain when attempting to put weight on leg. I'm thinking arthritis. Your thoughts?Art. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 years and 4 months old | 22 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

The most common rear leg injury is a cranial cruciate tear or strain. This is similar to a torn ACL in humans. Also small dogs can have a luxating patella that can cause lameness. Usually arthritis is more gradual coming on and doesn't result in a lameness in a few days. Please keep Avatar quiet, leash walk only to potty and bring him in for an exam. They will X-ray the leg to see if it's arthritis in his hip or knee and feel to see if the cruciate ligament is injured of if there is a luxating patella. Some dogs do well healing without surgery If it's just a mild injury. If the cruciate ligament is fully torn he may need surgery to fix it. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Avatar.

My senior dog has sudden rear leg pain. Is it arthritis or injury?

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