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My dog's leg is swollen and she can't bear weight. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 100 lbs

My blue nose pitbull Angel back left leg is swollen at the joint I guess it would be considered her ankle it's doubled in size as warm to the touch sometimes her foot and toes are swollen also I was wondering how serious this is and I can't afford to take her in and what I could do for her at home and what it may be also she is not bearing any weight on it at all

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 21st, 2018

Poor Angel! It's actually quite serious that it's swollen and she cannot bear any weight on it. This is not something that can be treated at home, she absolutely has to see a vet for it. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Please make an appointment for her asap. Best of luck.

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