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My dog's leg is swollen from knee to paw. Is it serious? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 5 months old

My dogs leg is swollen around the knee joint on her back left leg. The front looks the most inflamed but it’s all the way down her paw. She isn’t reacting to me touching it at all but wouldn’t jump up onto the bed and is clearly uncomfortable.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2020

Wow, Demi's leg is quite swollen in the pictures! She could have broken a bone, torn a ligament or muscle, or have a severe infection in the leg. Based on the amount of swelling, this is an emergency and she needs to see a vet now. please take her into one immediately to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

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4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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3 days ago I noticed my dog had a swollen back foot/leg. I took her to the vet yesterday and we were given antibiotics and pain meds. I just wanted to know if any doctors have seen anything like this and what you think it could be my vet said to fini
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Our dog escaped from her crate while we were out and we believe her back leg was trapped at some point. When we returned home she was limping on it, and now today (the next day) it is swollen quite a lot and she is still limping on it. she doesn’t ac
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My Zoey took a leap from my bed and hurt her right leg. She will not put weight on her right or left leg. The injured leg also feels kind of swollen. It also seems her knee is what's bothering her. Do you know what could be wrong with her?
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Hi, my dog left the house and came back with cuts all over his legs and one of his legs was really swollen. He can't walk in his left leg he is always limping. I just wanted to ask if you can tell me how I can identify if it's broken or just sprained
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Hello.. Good Day! I just want to know why did my dog's right foot is so swollen? It's been 2 days and we don't know what happened. Thank you so much.
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