My 8-year-old dog's leg joint pain isn't improving. What helps?

It still could be broken even if you can touch it, there may be a fracture in the bone. The only way to rule out a broken bone is with an x-ray. It's quite serious Layla's leg has been swollen for 8 days and she can't stand on it. That means she has been in pain for 8 days. I would take her into a vet immediately.

Hello, sorry to hear about Mollie. There are multiple causes of pain and lameness in the front legs. One of which includes inflammation of the biceps tendon, most often diagnosed with an ultrasound. Elbow dysplasia which can be composed by 3 different disease processes (elbow incongruity, fragmented medical coronoid process, and ununited anconeal process) which is diagnosed with a CT scan. And any injuries to the wrist or toes often seen with x-rays. Most of these can be treated first with medical management, strict rest, and occasionally a splint or bandage. However, of this is not working for Mollie, then she may need to see an orthopedic surgeon to determine if surgery is necessary. At that time, depending on what the findings of the orthopedic exam are, you may be faced with having to do additional diagnostics. Unfortunately, your insurance may or may not cover these. Speak with your veterinarian about adding more pain medications or considering a referral to an orthopedic surgeon if deemed appropriate. Hope this helps and best of luck.

The next step will be to have several x-ray done to evaluate potential injuries and conditions in the spine, hips and knees. i would recommend asking your vet to send the xrays to a radiology specialist for second opinion as well. according to the result your vet will need to explain a treatment plan, it might be medications or surgery.

Poor girl. This sounds very serious indeed. Black discoloration is a sign of possible necrosis (dying off of healthy tissue) and the swelling is likely cutting off circulation of proper blood flow to the leg. I would recommend taking her in to your vet immediately. Here is a website link with financial resources that may be able to assist you. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html If you can’t get her in right away, then try soaking the leg in a warm water bath of Epsom salt (can reduce some swelling and discomfort) and flushing any outward wounds with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water for a good antiseptic cleanse. Do not give over the counter human pain meds as these can cause acute kidney or liver failure in dogs. It’s best to only treat her with pain meds and additional treatment through your vet. I hope that your pet is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.

It is concerning that Breda's had continued swelling with that joint. Since it's been ongoing for a couple of months, even if it was broken, the original break would be healed by now, but I would be concerned about arthritis in the joint. She is an older dog (based on the age you put in her pet info), and arthritis is common in older dogs. Rest certainly would be indicated with swelling, but I would also recommend a vet visit to get this area x-rayed to look for signs of arthritis to confirm if that is what is causing the problem. Pain medication may also be indicated for her as well, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medication, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd give her vet a call now to make her an appointment, and start resting her. I hope this helps.

The fact that JR won't put any pressure on his leg tells me he is in a lot of pain. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take him into a vet today to get this diagnosed and treated.

I can see the swelling from the pictures you posted. It appears the swelling goes form the foot all the way to the knee. I see that you live in an area where snake bite is possible. I would check thoroughly for any punctures along the entire leg and see if Diamond is painful in any particular area. If not, other causes of swelling like this could include infection, allergic reaction, trauma, cancer, among others. Sometimes swelling in an entire limb can be caused by decreased lymphatic flow - this can be caused by damage to lymph nodes or a structure under the skin or inside the body that is impinging on the lymph flow. I have also seen swelling like this with a flare-up of a mast cell tumor elsewhere on the body. I agree with your vet; if the medications prescribed to not make a difference, additional diagnostics are warranted. They may include bloodwork, abdominal x-rays, tick testing, or sampling of any small masses found.