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Can't put weight on his leg.

Species: Dog
Breed: pit bull
Age: 8-11 years
my pit bull is shaking all over a refusing to put weight on his back leg what should I do, this came on suddenly. yesterday morning he was fine and acting normal has been sleeping on and off for last 24 hrs but not asleep for more than 40 minutes at a time. when he wakes up he does not get up but just looks around and lays back down. he will not let me carry him down the steps to put him in my car to take him to the vet


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Sorry to hear that Oscar is not doing well!

There are a few things that can cause a dog to have a sudden lameness on a hind leg.

The most common reason for this would be if he has torn a ligament in his knee. If this is the case, the pain will be a little better in a day or two. However, if there is a torn ligament then he may need to have surgery on the knee.

It's also possible that he has simply pulled a muscle.

Unfortunately I don't usually recommend giving any medication at home until we know what the problem is. Sometimes an animal will benefit from aspirin. But, if you do end up taking him to the vet's and he has had aspirin then they may not be able to give him more effective drugs until the aspirin is out of his system.

It's also possible that he has a serious problem with his back. If he is having trouble standing up this could be the concern.

In some areas, vets will do house calls. Is this a possibility for you?

I wish I could tell you more, but this is a tough one to diagnose online. It does sound like he should see a vet. Do you have a neighbor that could help you? If so, you could try carrying him in a large blanket.

Let me know if I can answer more questions for you. I am in between appointments this morning but will check on you for a reply.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

he does have an appointment this coming monday morning for a black mass on his upper jaw (possibly cancer) could the shaking be from a fever do to an infection because of that. and should we wait that long to take him in and see if the lameness goes away?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hmmm....I am concerned by the fact that he has a black mass on his jaw. If this is cancer, then a cancer in the mouth can be very aggressive. I'm concerned that the lameness could be connected to the problem with his mouth.

If there was an infection there could be some shaking but it shouldn't affect his mobility as much as it is.

Is there any chance that the black mass is a tick? If so, some dogs can get something called tick paralysis after a tick bite.

It does sound like he should see the vet sooner than next week.

Again, let me know if you have more questions.

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

thank you for your help yesterday just got back from the local vet with Oscar. He had a torn acl however the black mass on his jaw was melanoma that had already eaten a whole in his jaw we had to put him down but thanks again for the advice not to wait on the appointment I didn't want him to suffer while we waited.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh John, I'm very sorry that you had to put Oscar down. I am glad as well that you were able to take him in sooner rather than him being in pain for any longer than was necessary.

If it is any consolation I really understand what you are going through. My own dear dog Eddie tore his cruciate ligament when he was very old and had a bunch of other problems. He was unable to move so I brought the euthanasia supplies home and put him to sleep in my bedroom. It was very sad.

Thank you for the update and I pray that your family is comforted in this time of grief.

Dr. Marie.



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.