My puppy limps on its back leg, then walks fine. Should I worry?

Question

My 6mo large breed puppy is limping on her back leg (left) it started this morning out of no where. She doesn't seem to be in pain but wont put weight on it. Yet after a few minutes standing she is back to jumpling and walking. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 35 lbs

Debi Matlack · Accepted Answer

Some causes of hindlimb lameness in growing dogs that are less than 12 months of age include: Hip dysplasia, Avascular necrosis of the femoral head - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, where the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die Osteochondritis of stifle - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the knee joint Patella luxation - medial or lateral disorder, in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location Osteochondritis of the hock - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the hock, the joint of the hind leg Panosteitis – inflammation of the bones Hypertrophic osteodystrophy - a disease characterized by decreased blood flow to the part of the bone adjacent to the joint Trauma to the soft tissue, bone, or joint Infection – may be local, or generalized (systemic) Nutritional imbalances Congenital abnormalities (present at birth) If the lameness persists, even if she seems better afterward, I recommend getting her seen by your vet as soon as possible to check for one of these conditions and get her started on treatment if need be.

My puppy limps on its back leg, then walks fine. Should I worry?

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