Hopping And Favouring One Leg While Walking

[Jen21]

Hi all,

Haven't been here for a while, but hoping to get some advice about my gorgeous 11 month old Maltese x and a foot/leg issue

I take Toby walking every day - to an offlead park for a good run at least 3 times a week, and lead walking every day as well, and he absolutely loves our walks more than anything in the world (he literally jumps up into my arms in excitement when I say the word "walk" or "park" ;) )

Basically over the last week or so, I have noticed that when he is walking at a normal speed he seems to be favouring one of his back legs over the other quite regularly - sort of hopping on the "good" leg every few minutes rather than using his other. It's not consistent, so he walks normally a lot of the time, but this happens enough that I have started to wonder if there's something wrong with his foot/leg and I should get it checked out.

He runs a lot at the park, and doesn't seem to have any issues when at the faster speed, and I have examined the offending foot and leg, applying pressure to see if he has any "sore" parts, but haven't managed to find anything, so just not sure if I'm over-reacting and it's just a little odd thing he does, or whether it might be something else.

Any advice welcome

Edited September 23, 2009 by Jen21

[Missymoo]

Sounds like a luxating Petella. Your vet can confirm this and the severity of it. (its when the kneecap pops in and out and causes the dog mild to severe discomfort.)

The dog kid of skips to combat what he is feeling.

[t-time]

Agree with Missymoo though naturally, we are not vets!

Generally, a dog "skipping" indicates some level of patella luxation. The vet can simply manipulate the kneecap to see how much movement there is in the joint and advise you of your options.

[Jen21]

Really :D

That is really bizarre as I was diagnosed with the same condition myself only 2 months ago, and have been having physio, strapping it up to walk Toby, and am seeing a knee specialist myself next week to see I might need surgery!!!!

It's even the same right knee!

I know they say that dogs and their owners look like each other, but have the same medical conditions??

Sounds like I'll need to take him to either a Vet or Chiropractor - bugger

Anyone know any good Dog Chiros in Melbourne?

[Dogsfevr]

Also consider leg Perthes either way i would get it seen just to now what actions to follow or things to avoid

[ellz]

Can be a few things. As mentioned, luxating patellas and Leg Perthes are two possibilities. There could also be cruciate ligament issues or what they call an avulsion fracture which is very common in smaller breeds like Jack Russells etc.

Whatever it is, it needs veterinary attention and the outcome could be strict crate rest or even surgery depending upon diagnosis and severity.