My dog is limping and holding her leg up. Should I take her to vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 1st, 2020

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. I do recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. She sounds very painful. She will be examined to try to isolate her source of pain. For example, she could be painful in her lower back, hips, knees or some combination of the above. Medications can be different given the location of the pain. You are correct in the x-rays will likely be recommended. This helps to guide longterm management if necessary. In the meantime, keep her quiet and help her to move when necessary. You can roll a towel and use it as sling under her hips to help her get around. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

  

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  Answered By Dr. Davis

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 23rd, 2017

  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.

  

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  Answered By Maria DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 21st, 2017

  I am so sorry Mia hurt herself. I recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning. My concern is with dogs that all of a sudden have hind limb pain is a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This could be a partial or full tear. A cranial cruciate ligament rupture is like an ACL in a football player. I recommend tonight resting Mia. No off leash activity, just out to the bathroom and then back inside. Your veterinarian will evaluate her hind limb and see if the knee feels like the ligament was ruptured. They may recommend an X-ray looking for effusion in her joint, which can also indicate a ligament rupture. They will also evaluate her hips and the rest of her leg making sure there is nothing else. They then can dispense medications to help with any inflammation and pain. I hope Mia feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 1st, 2019

  `No, I doubt the leg is just "tender". Based on your description it is most likely a tear of the cruciate ligament that is located in the knee or a luxating patella (knee cap not staying in place). Both are very common orthopedic conditions. I suggest you take her back to the vet and ask them to check for these two things. If you are not happy with the previous vet maybe you should get a second opinion from another vet. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952244 ) ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952566 ) Between the two conditions, I suspect the problem is the cruciate ligament but without examining her myself it is difficult to say for sure.

  

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