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Dog leg infected, swollen, can't use it. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 9 years and 3 months old

My dog got injured acouple years ago by a pig, his leg then recovered but now it is infected. The wound keeps moving further down his leg closer to his foot! He can't use that leg at all, just hold it up all bent, where his knee is, it's all swollen and hard? What could I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2017

Poor Turbo! You need to take him into a vet right away. It sounds serious that he can't use his leg at all, and he need medical attention immediately from a vet. The vet can determine the best course of treatment for him, which may include antibiotics. Please take him into a vet ASAP.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh my! I doubt that an injury a couple of years ago is the cause of your pets current infection. There may be another injury that occurred, or another cause of the leg swelling altogether. You can try soaking the leg in a warm water bath of Epsom Salt for 5-10 minutes to alleviate some of the soreness. Then soak the leg and/or flush the wounds thoroughly with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water. Then you need to get Turbo on oral antibiotics. If the leg is as infected as you say, oral antibiotics prescribed by your local vet are a must, or the leg can't be expected to get better. Best of luck with Turbo! I hope he recovers soon.

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