Ask the Veterinarian/Puppy Limping

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Expert: - 12/10/2009


Question
I have a 11 month old German shepard mix and she has started not wanting to put a lot of weight on her back left leg. Her limp will come and go, sometimes when she gets up from a nap she will limp and then it will go away. She will also limp at times and then go out and play and run around just fine. When I have checked her leg there are no points of tenderness, redness or swelling. She does not seem to be in any pain, even when I have palpitated the leg and her belly. I don't know if she needs to go to the vet or if there are some things that I can do to make it better at home. Any thoughts would help thank you.

Answer
Becca,
My worries about Shepard that limps is hip problems. While it could very well be something else when you mention BACK leg I do worry.
I would get her to the vet's as soon as feasible and get her looked at. He/she will be able to let you know if it's hip related or not.

It could be something very simple, but in case it's not, get a complete exam from the doc.

I will hope for simple but please let me know what happens.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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