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My senior yorkie has a swollen leg and won't put weight on it.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

My 15 year old yorkie has had a sudden onset of bruising and swelling to his right interior leg/hip. He does not express pain but mostly keeps weight off the leg and his foot appears externally rotated. I have not seen him fall or experience any trauma. He has GME and on phenobarbital for seizure control, prednisone and levochew. I'm not sure what to do since he is so old and not complaining of pain. Would he be a good candidate for surgery?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 5, 2017

The fact he is keeping weight off the leg is an indicator of pain, the rotation may be due to injury or a mass which is pushing the leg out. I strongly recommend an urgent vet check and they may recommend a pelvic xray to determine the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment and pain relief to ensure he is not suffering any additional discomfort
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