My dog's elbow healed, but she still won't use her leg. What's wrong?

Question

22 lbs cocker, 13 yrs old, broke left elbow in March, two pins and huge cast keeping leg out at angle for 8 wks. One pin removed. xrays show fracture healed. She holds leg up and hops on 3 legs will not walk. She has feeling in leg, will "shake a paw, some digging, take her swimming each day. she is very happy and does not slow her down. Jumps down from couch and bed. In Mexico and no real vet/rehab help. Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 22 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. It is very possible that the elbow joint has some significant arthritis in it. You are already doing the best type of rehab for her by taking her swimming daily. Overtime, the joint may become a bit more mobile, but as long as she seems happy, I would not be too concerned. Besides swimming, gentle range of motion exercises ( moving her leg in a circular motion gently extending & flexing the joint ) and using warm compresses on the joint 2-3 times a day will certainly help. Make sure she is on a good glucosamine chondroitin sulfate supplement, too. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My dog's elbow healed, but she still won't use her leg. What's wrong?

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