What to do if your dog’s leg is suddenly swollen and painful

If your dog’s leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful, it’s important not to ignore the signs. Swelling and pain can indicate a variety of underlying issues, some of which may be serious and require urgent veterinary care.

As a pet owner, your first step should be to observe your dog’s behavior. Is your dog limping, whining, licking at the leg, or avoiding putting weight on it? These are common indicators that your dog is in discomfort, and the swelling is more than just a mild reaction to physical activity.

A sudden swollen leg could be due to trauma, such as a sprain, strain, or even a fracture, especially if the dog was active just before the symptoms appeared. Jumping, running, or rough play can lead to injuries in the muscles, ligaments, or bones. In some cases, the dog may have been bitten or stung by an insect, which can cause a localized allergic reaction leading to visible swelling and tenderness.

Another possible explanation is infection, particularly if there’s an open wound, redness, heat, or pus. Cellulitis or abscesses can cause a rapid onset of swelling and pain, and these infections typically require antibiotics and wound care.

Orthopedic causes such as cruciate ligament rupture, patellar luxation, or joint dislocation should also be considered, especially if your dog has a history of joint problems or belongs to a breed prone to orthopedic diseases. In such cases, the dog might avoid movement altogether, hold the leg up when standing, or have a visibly altered gait.

These conditions are often painful and usually require imaging like X-rays to diagnose accurately. In some dogs, especially larger breeds or older individuals, conditions like osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) can present initially with swelling and lameness in a limb, even before more obvious signs appear.

Regardless of the suspected cause, it is never recommended to give your dog any human medications, as many are toxic to pets. Instead, try to keep your dog calm and restrict movement as much as possible. Applying a cold compress in the first few hours after noticing the swelling may help reduce inflammation, but this should only be done if your dog allows it comfortably. Ultimately, a prompt veterinary consultation is essential. The veterinarian may perform a physical exam, take radiographs, or conduct blood tests to determine the exact cause of the swelling and guide treatment.

Delaying medical evaluation can worsen the condition, especially if the underlying issue is an infection or fracture. Early diagnosis and intervention not only help in managing your dog’s pain but also improve the chances of full recovery. As always, your veterinarian is the best resource to ensure your pet receives the appropriate care based on the specific diagnosis.

References:

1. Fossum, T. W. (2018). Small Animal Surgery (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
   

2. Tobias, K. M., & Johnston, S. A. (2013). Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.