Ask the Veterinarian/Limping Dog

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Expert: - 2/8/2011


Question
About 10 days ago, my dog came in from outside not putting any weight on her rear left leg.  She did not seem in any pain when I went to massage, manipulate, and apply pressure all over the leg.  It was as it almost didn't hurt her at all.  She continued to eat/drink, go outside, etc...she just limped around.  After a few days there was improvment, especially in the mornings.  Now after 10 days, she seems to put weight on it in the mornings and slowly by evening is back to limping again.  Should I take her to the vet or give her more time?  She does not appear to be in any kind of discomfort or pain either.  Any thoughts?

Answer
Well actually limping and not putting weight on her leg shows that she IS in pain. Limping is a sign of pain. Non-weight bearing on a limb shows pain and/or instability of that limb somewhere.

Most likely she has sprained or torn a ligament in her knee.
While that will not seem painful when she is lying down and you are rubbing it, it makes it very hard and painful for her to put any of her own weight on her leg.

Yes she needs to see the vet. That way you will know what it wrong and where to go from there.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

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!

Experience

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.

Education/Credentials
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!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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