Why is my young rescue dog limping and showing joint pain?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 months and 5 days old | 52 lbs
Hi, I have med size multi breed pup, ridgeback dingo bull mastiff sort of dog. We found her 9 mths ago hairless, mange starving 7 weeks old near dead. we had her to the vet who helped us get her thro that but now she has sore joints often limping on different legs of liking and looking at affending joints, She runs around with a border collie on and off but then pays the piper. She is happy, eats well, looks good healthy coat good colour gums and tongue and teeth any advise appreciated.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 25th, 2017
There are a number of possibilities including developmental joint disease, infectious arthritis such as lymes disease and nutritional imbalance. I strongly recommend a full physical exam and possibly xrays by your vet as soon as possible, they can also prescribe pain relief as appropriate
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 27th, 2018
There are many things that can cause a limp including an injury to soft tissues, joint related, developmental/congenital problems, neurologic problems, and bone issues, etc. There is no way to know without additional testing what caused your pets limp nor if it can be cured (because this would require knowing the cause). Response to an anti inflammatory suggests pain and inflammation present but this does not mean it was arthritis related especially if very acute and with your dog being so young. German shepherds are very well known to have some congenital/developmental issues, especially with their elbows. A full orthopedic and neurologic exam and xrays of the painful area would be the first steps. But, if his limp resolves with a course of medication this is good and suggests a temporary problem, unless it recurs off medication. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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