Whats wrong with my dogs leg?

Question

I have a Maltese and he is just 1 year old. For 6 months now, he won't put any weight on his back right leg. I took him to the vet and his leg isn't broken or fractured. I don't know what to do. Because he hasn't used his leg in so long, it now skinner than the other three which makes it much weaker now. Whats wrong with his leg? And what should I do?

Answer 1

His leg is probably skinnier because he hasn't used it, so his muscles are wasting away. He could have a luxating patella (a kneecap that moves around), a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or any number of other bone/joint diseases. Panosteitis is a bone disease that affects mostly larger breeds, and occurs when their bones grow at a fast rate and cause pain. Since your dog is a smaller breed, it's unlikely that is the source of the pain.

Find another veterinarian, and if they can't find the answer, have them refer you to a specialist who can help. X-Rays are a good start. Pain medication, although good, can be a hinderance to the veterinarian when they do a physical on your dog to find the source of the pain, since your dog can't tell him/her "it hurts there".

Good luck!

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure what's wrong with your pup is to take him to the vet. If it were my dog and it was limping and/or hold his paw in the air I would: 1. look to see if he had anything in it. 2. I would monitor the behavior to see if the pup did it all the time or only some times - if sometimes I'd note when he did it. 3. I would try touching the leg to see what type of reaction I got from him. 4. I would take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Your dog might have just sprained his leg or he could have torn a cruciate ligament. There's no real way of knowing without having a vet look him over. If your dog has a tendency to jump or run a lot, then it might be a torn cruciate ligament. This is not an uncommon problem in many dogs - especially active ones. The cruciate ligament is basically a knee injury for a dog and there are a couple of procedures which can be done to fix it. Good luck with your pup - I hope he's feeling better soon.

Answer 3

Maybe he blew a tendon. Dog legs each have 2 tendons criss-crossing. They're a dog's equivalent to a knee. I'm willing to bet one of those tendons blew out, in which case there may be nothing you can do except give him some medication to relieve pain and/or slow down arthritis. Of course, as he's only 1 year old it could be something completely different. (plus my dog does put some weight on her back right leg) So take him to another vet and ask for a second opinion. (and maybe do an X-Ray)

Answer 4

What did the vet say when you took your dog in? Did they do x-rays? Could be any one of a number of things - from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, to Legge-Calve-Perthes disease, or a slipped stifle, etc. I'd recommend seeing another vet who can give you some answers!

Answer 5

it prob has arthritis setting up in it talk to your vet about Rimadyl 1/2 a tablet helps my wifes pom's rear leg.
(I heard remours that this med is bad for some breeds so besure to ask your vet... but it works fine for ours and she's been on it about a year.

Answer 6

If you have taken him to a vet and they cant find any thing then it may be neurological. Vets usually don't run very extensive tests. Your dog is doing what is best for him, just let him be.

Answer 7

I would take your dog to another vet. There is something obviously wrong.

Answer 8

I would recommend that you seek a second opinion on your dogs leg.

Answer 9

Take it to another vet for starters!

Answer 10

You should find another vet , this doesn't sound health. Good luck.