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Why is my pitbull limping on her back leg after running, no pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 45 lbs

My 3 year old pittbull hasnt been walking on right back leg for a week now after running up our back hillside. She doesn’t seem to be in pain though when we touch it and she will use her toes when standing still or walking slowly. What might be wrong? Is there anything we can do at home to help her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on October 13th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Storm. Just by the description an ACL injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) would be suspected but there are other causes also including hip or other joint problems (arthritis, degenerative joint disease), trauma, puncture wounds, fractures, soft tissue injuries to tendons/ligaments, muscle injuries, tick transmitted diseases, etc. ACL injuries usually occur when dogs are chasing squirrels, cats, birds, etc across the yard. They are fine and then they return lame, holding up the leg or bearing partial weight. That ligament when examined microscopically is undergoing a degenerative process in almost all of the cases. The strain on the ligament eventually tears or rips it completely. That same process can occur in the other knee and that's why this is so important to diagnose properly. Some dogs tear one ACL, get it fixed and then tear the other one. There are multiple ways to fix an ACL rupture or tear and I would discuss these with your veterinarian. Some of the newer techniques are specialized procedures only certain vets perform and they require that hardware (plates, screws) be put into the area to stabilize the knee joint. One older technique is called the lateral imbrication technique and I still think it works well if an experienced surgeon does it. It is much cheaper also compared to the newer procedures. There are some braces out now also for dogs that are unable to have a surgical repair done but I don't have any experience with those. So I would advise taking Storm to your vet if this condition persists, worsens, or other signs develop. They can evaluate her, gather a history, and then make a diagnostic plan, and eventual treatment plan. A physical exam may include sedation/anesthesia and x-rays to fully assess the knee. Good luck with Storm.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2017

    Poor girl. She may have a CCL rupture/tear which is similar to an athletic ACL tear in people. This is quite common to occur in large breed dogs after they take off running too abruptly, injuring the knee ligament. I would recommend having her leg and knees radiographed by your vet to determine if this is truly the cause and then discuss treatment plan options. Poor girl. If it is a ligament tear then surgery is the only way to resolve it. I do not recommend giving her any over the counter human pain medication as this can be quite toxic to a pets liver and kidneys. There is also a chance that she may just have a really bad muscle sprain; however, these will usually resolve within a 4-7 days. I hope Pretty is able to make a full and speedy recovery from her leg injury.

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