My Dog Limps After Physical Activity. Why?

Question

I have a 9 year old border collie and whenever I take her for a walk, or let her out in the backyard, later that day she will favor her left hind leg. Is this happening because she is older or could it be something else?

Answer 1

It could be arthritis.  Both of my dogs have this problem.  We treat one with a supplement of glucosamine chondroitin and the other with prescription Medacam.  Other things we've done is use a warm water massage.  Place her in a tub of warm water and let her walk around and massage her as well.  

You definitely need to get her to the vet to be looked at.  

Answer 2

She probably has arthritis but you might want to take her to the vet to get her right hind foot checked to make sure she doesn't have something embedded into her foot or that she doesn't have a tumor which is common in older dogs.

Answer 3

If she's favoring the leg, she's obviously in pain.

It could be arthritis, or it could be something else ... anything from a hip problem to a sore toe.  It might be something very simple like matted hair between her toes.  In any case, you need to take her to a vet to find out.

If it is arthritis, which could be caused by aging, the vet will be able to prescribe medication to keep her pain in check.  If it's something else, only a vet can diagnose and treat it.

You might be able to figure out which part of her leg is bothering her if you slowly and gently run your hand down her whole leg, from hip to toes.  If she flinches when you touch or put pressure on a particular part of the leg, you'll have a better idea where the problem might be.

Answer 4

i would take her to the vet to be looked at. it might because she is getting older

Answer 5

She might be developing arthritis.  Take her to the vet and have him check her out.  It might be something as easy as sore paws from the terrain she is running on too.  Check out the pads on the bottom of her paws to be sure, but contact your doctor as she is getting a little older and should have routine check ups at her age.  If it is arthritis you can get medication that will make her run like a puppy again!  Good Luck!