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My dog is holding his back leg up and it's swollen. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 45 lbs

My dog goes outside and plays everyday we have slot of land he came yesterday was fine put him in his cage bed was in washer now holding his leg up and it's swollen near joint on back leg any advice what could be wrong he can but won't put pressure he's a baby I have looked for snake bites this happened before to his leg his toenail got caught and he sprained his leg it's nothing bad I haven't noticed anything like snake bite etc.. he laid in his cage looked stiff when let out

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 3, 2017

He may have injured himself while out and it became apparent after coming inside. He may have also injured himself in the crate.
Ideally, an exam with your veterinarian would be best. X-rays of the affected limb could be done if indicated to rule out fractures or ligament damage. Pain management can be used if necessary. In the meantime, restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid or prevent any running, jumping or rough play until he sees the doctor and/or recovers.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 13, 2017
Your dog may have a hip problem or a ruptured cruciate ligament, or something stuck in his paw. Please thoroughly check his paw, inbetween the pads for a thorn or other foreign body and remove it, if you can. If you cannot find anything or if you cannot easily remove a foreign body., please take Your dog to a vet before the Easter weekend for an exam and x-rays and pain medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 20, 2018
Of your dog has started to suddenly limp on a hind leg it is likely that he damaged his knee or a cruciate ligament. But it could also be a sprain or an injury. Check the affected leg starting by inspecting the paw inbetween the toes and pads for a foreign body lodged in it or an injury. Then check every toe muscle and bone moving up the leg to the hip. THis should tell you where it hurts.
He needs to rest and only leash walk to do his business. If you find a wound that appears infected or you pulled a thorn or similar out of the paw, you can bathe it in a warm epsom salt solution several times a day which should keep your dog comfortable until you can see a veterinarian. If you find other areas hurting and your dog is in pain you may want to see a vet tonight for an exam and pain medicine. If he does not appear too painful you can wait until Monday to see a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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