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My Saint Bernard is limping and breathing heavily. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Female | spayed | 7 years and 4 months old | 150 lbs

My saint bernard is alternating limping with back and front left legs with heavy breathing which started yesterday afternoon with the back leg. There are no signs of injury (swelling, cut, or break) she is an inside dog and never out of our sight even when outside(she likes to escape). What could be the cause?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lexi. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She will be thoroughly examined and hopefully the source of her pain can be determined. She could have arthritis that has started in her hindlimbs and now affecting her front end. There are rare immune diseases that can affect the joints as well. If this is not the case, a neurological condition could be to blame. The veterinarian may recommend x-rays to help reach a diagnosis. In the meantime, keep her quiet. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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