Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog limping after child climbed on back. Is it back/hip? What to do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | unneutered | 102 lbs

My dog, a one year old great dane, is limping after a mishap during a family gathering when a child climbed on his back. Could it be his back has gone out (like humans) or some sort of hip displacement? What should I do for him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on February 24, 2017

There are any number of possibilites for hind leg lameness after an accident, including spinal disk issues and muscle spasms. If he is bearing some weight on the limb then chiropractic care may help, otherwise a full check up by your vet and pain relief as prescribed would be more appropriate initially to rule out disolocation or fractures

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 31, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. With his age, it is possible that he was overactive and injured himself. This may be a mild strain or sprain. I would make sure to rest him so that he is not running or jumping, as this may reinjure his leg and prevent it from healing. If the lameness persists or worsens, I would recommend having him seen by your vet for further testing such as x-rays. He may also need an anti inflammatory, which can be prescribed by the vet. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 1, 2017
Yes, it's possible that a pinched nerve or even a herniated disc in the lower back could cause limping or inability to bear weight in the right rear leg. Orthopedic issues such as a torn cruciate ligament (ACL) should also be considered. I would recommend having Bruno examined by a vet to help determine what is causing his lameness.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog fell off couch, limping, not bearing weight. What should I do?

He may have dislocated his hip or fractured one of the bones in his leg. Please take him to the nearest veterinary ER or to your veterinarian right away. An exam and x-rays may diagnose the underlying cause for the [lameness](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/lameness-1/). If it is a [fracture](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/fractures-in-cats-and/) it may need to be splinted or surgically repaired depending on the severity and location. If it is a dislocation it will need to be reduced. If this is done earlier, it is more likely that surgery will not be required.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My puppy fell down stairs and is limping. What should I do right away?

Poor Hamish! I'm encouraged to hear that he is bearing some weight on the injured leg, as this makes a fracture seem a bit less likely. Instead, it sounds as though he may have a soft tissue (muscle, ligament, tendon) injury. Keep Hamish restricted to a crate or very small room to prevent him from running, jumping or playing over the next few days. Try to limit his activity to short leash walks strictly to eliminate. If he is still favoring the injured leg in the morning, Hamish should be examined by his vet for further evaluation and possible anti-inflammatory pain medications. Do not give any human pain medications, as none are safe for dogs. I hope that he feels better soon!

Updated on September 23, 2025

My puppy limps on its back leg, then walks fine. Should I worry?

Some causes of hindlimb lameness in growing dogs that are less than 12 months of age include: Hip dysplasia, Avascular necrosis of the femoral head - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, where the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die Osteochondritis of stifle - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the knee joint Patella luxation - medial or lateral disorder, in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location Osteochondritis of the hock - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the hock, the joint of the hind leg Panosteitis – inflammation of the bones Hypertrophic osteodystrophy - a disease characterized by decreased blood flow to the part of the bone adjacent to the joint Trauma to the soft tissue, bone, or joint Infection – may be local, or generalized (systemic) Nutritional imbalances Congenital abnormalities (present at birth) If the lameness persists, even if she seems better afterward, I recommend getting her seen by your vet as soon as possible to check for one of these conditions and get her started on treatment if need be.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping with hip pain after playing. Should I see a vet?

We often see torn ACLs in large breed dogs with limping in the hind limbs. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. An orthopedic exam and possibly an x-ray may be recommended to help determine the diagnosis and best treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog is limping after running. Vet or home care for his hip?

Poor guy. If he can bear weight on the limb at all, then it is ok to give him 24-72 hrs with strict activity restrictions (leash walk only, no jumping, running, etc), rest, and cold compresses on the seemingly painful area (the hip), and then taking him in to the vet if not improved. However if he is not bearinng any weight on the leg, it is best to take him in asap because a more serious injury has occurred that needs to be determined via x-ray and treated right away.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog limps after old injury. Is his good hip at risk of damage?

If your dog is consistently limping when he walks I would be concerned about some permanent damage he sustained after being hit. He may have had something like a pelvic fracture that did not heal properly. This could cause issues in the long run because it will put increased stress and strain on his other hip. The likelihood of him developing arthritis in this injured hip is much more likely as well. I would recommend taking Duke to see your vet and have X-rays performed. To get very good X-rays he may need to be sedated. Your vet can determine from the X-rays if there is anything that can be done to help allieviate the problem. It would be wise to get Duke started on a joint supplement and to keep him at a good, healthy and trim weight since excess weight can cause more joint problems. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog fell off bed, limping, won't put weight on leg. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. If he continues to not bear any weight on that leg, then he will need to see his veterinarian. He will likely need x-rays to ensure that he did not fracture his leg. In the meantime, keep him very quiet to allow his body to rest. Carry him if he needs to move. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share