Puppy limping suddenly

[Tegan Bartholomew Brown]

My Sheltie Puppy I got a week ago has been totally fine so far, he’s been running around and playing a lot with our other dogs. But today, he started limping really suddenly, after he got up off the couch. I put him in his crate and waited a few hours but it hasn’t gone away. He’s acting a bit more subdued than usual, but he had a big day with lots of running around, so I think he’s just tired. No obvious pain response to flexing and palpating the leg, the only thing I noticed was it seemed like when he stretched his legs he couldn’t flex his foot forward like he did in his other uninjured hind leg. What should I do? Don’t want to rush to the vet too quickly since I can’t afford a big vet bill right now.

 

[Caro]

Oh dear. I'm afraid you should probably head to the vet if he's still limping in the morning. Puppies are very prone to fractures from falls or being stepped on or just doing other silly puppy things. Could also be his knee slipping or, less likely, cruciate ligament. If it's his knee it may slip in and out so he could be okay and then not. Of course he may have just sprained his foot, but it's really hard to say. Keep him on rest anyway and see how he goes.

 

[ghggp]

I agree with Caro. See the vet if it does not clear up soon. I have a new puppy and he also came up lame after a romp with my older dog. He was limping one day and the next day he was fine. If the limp persists for more than a day, I would see a vet. Sometimes waiting can cost you more in the end.

 

[Chris]

Joint injuries need to be tended immediately. Don't wait!

 

[Piper's mom]

I agree the vet would be the right choice if it doesn't clear on its own. Try crating him for now and only take him out to pee (on a leash, so he cant run). I had a similar issue when Finnie was younger and couldn't get in to my vet and it cleared up after crating overnight. Good luck.