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Expert: - 1/26/2012


Question
My 7 month old Doberman puppy was playing with another dog a couple of days ago when he suddenly yelped and started limping on his front leg. This only lasted seconds then he was off running and playing again. Later that same day the same thing happened again. I made sure the next day he rested and did not play with any other dogs. Yesterday it happened again and a couple of times at home when he had jumped up. The limping lasts for seconds then he is fine. There is no swelling that I can see and he seems oblivious when I check his legs and paws..there is no sign that he is in any discomfort. Is it likely that he has just pulled a muscle or has a slight sprain? What would you advise...

Answer
Your puppy might have damaged a growth plate in his leg. If he continues to yelp like this when playing it would be worth investigating at the vets.

Growth plate problems caught early are fixable- later on they cause deformities.

Since this is unusual for a 7 month old dog, I would take him into the vets soon.

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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.

Organizations
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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