Why is my dog's back leg stiff in the morning? Could it be arthritis?

Question

Hello, I noticed that my dog has some kind of stiffness on her right back leg usually is worse in the morning or after her nap. I tried to locate the pain but she does not show any signs. We go on daily walks and we visited her vet 1 month ago. She is taking antiartrozin, a supplement with glucosamin in it to help her with her joints. I also started doing massages on her back leg. I am scared that she may have arthritis. Please let me know your opinion or how can I help her. Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old | 59 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

I recommend to call your veterinarian and ask if they checked for the source of lameness. Sometimes on a physical exam, the doctor will palpate an abnormal joint and this is likely the source of the lameness. The true way to diagnose arthritis is with a radiograph and I recommend to have that done so that you at least know what you are dealing with it so you can better address it. Pets can also injury ligaments which can look similar to arthritis but are managed differently. That is wonderful that you have her on a joint supplement. Here are a few other things you can do if it is arthritis: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-ways-to-manage-your-dogs-arthritis/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/arthritis-in-dogs-101-what-you-should-know/ Daily, low impact activities are essential to maintain muscle tone and stability. Royal Canin makes a diet called Mobility support which I think works better than any supplement and you may consider feeding Nikita this diet. I hope this helps to give you some ideas.

Why is my dog's back leg stiff in the morning? Could it be arthritis?

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