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My dog is limping, paw swollen, not eating. What to do without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | neutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 60 lbs

My dog started limping yesterday and his paw looks swollen although I don’t remember anything happening to him for him to be injured. He hasn’t moved for at least 16 hours he won’t even get up to eat or drink water, I just had to give him water through a straw in a “suck & spit it in his mouth” fashion just so I know he’s at least drinking something. I can’t afford a vet visit right now and I’m so worried.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on April 20th, 2018

I'm sorry to hear that Diamond isn't doing well. There are many potential reasons for lameness and lethargy. The first thing that comes to mind would be a tick-related illness such as Lyme disease. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause significant joint inflammation, fever and general malaise. I would ensure that Diamond has easy access to food and water and that you offer him some yummy options such as low-sodium chicken broth to drink and boiled chicken to eat. You can also try applying a cool compress to his swollen paw. If these ministrations are not successful and Diamond continues to be lethargic and inappetant, I would strongly recommend that you have him seen by a veterinarian. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are relatively easy to diagnose and are treatable. Other potential causes for his symptoms would be an injury, infection or cancer. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what is going on.

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