My dog fell and is limping. Should I ice her leg or visit the vet?

Question

My 7 year old Dobie tried to jump on our bed but slipped and fell backwards on the floor, she then jumped back up ok but afterwards was limping on her front left leg. She doesn’t react when putting pressure up and down her leg or toes. There are no cuts, visible bruising or swelling. After I massaged her leg, she took off running for 10-15 yards normally and then started limping again. It’s been 24 hours I took her on 2 walks yesterday and I’m not sure what to do. Should I ice her leg? Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 80 lbs

Tomasz Wnuk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Cold compresses every few hours and strict rest (short walks on a leash only) will be the best way to allow healing after this trauma. However, if in 2-3 days Athena is not back to normal, a visit at your local vets will be recommended. Intermittent lameness like this can be related to a pulled muscle or mild inflammation within knee or hip joint but it could be also due more serious problems, like a torn ligament in the knee, slipped patella and more. If there is no improvement to the cold compresses and rest, your vet will likely recommend x-rays of the leg to make the definite diagnosis and to recommend best treatment for Athena.

My dog fell and is limping. Should I ice her leg or visit the vet?

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