Dog Not Bearing Weight on Hind Leg – When to See a Vet?

📞 Orthopedic Appointments: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa

Quick answer: If your dog is not bearing any weight on its hind leg at all, the leg is in an abnormal position, or the dog appears to be in clear pain, it's advisable to have the situation checked by a vet promptly. The cause could be, for example, a cruciate ligament injury, patellar luxation, fracture, joint pain, or another hind leg pain condition.

When a dog suddenly starts hopping on three legs or refuses to put its hind leg down, the owner's concern is completely understandable. Sometimes it might be a minor sprain, but a complete inability to bear weight on a hind leg often indicates clear pain.

In this article, we will cover the most common reasons why a dog doesn't bear weight on its hind leg, what you can check at home, and when it's necessary to seek veterinary care.

When to contact a vet?

Contact your vet immediately if your dog has any of the following symptoms:

• The dog is not bearing any weight on its hind leg.
• The leg is in an abnormal position or hangs unusually.
• The lameness started after an accident, slip, or collision.
• The dog whines, trembles, pants, or avoids touch.
• The symptom does not improve with rest or recurs with exertion.

Most common reasons for hind leg non-weight bearing

1. Cruciate Ligament Injury

A cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common causes of sudden hind leg lameness in dogs. Typically, the dog suddenly starts favoring its hind leg, hops on three legs, or bears weight only lightly on its toes. A major accident is not always required for a cruciate ligament injury, as the ligament can weaken gradually.

2. Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation can cause the dog to lift its hind leg, skip a step, or hop on three legs for a moment. The symptom may pass quickly, but if it recurs, it should be investigated.

3. Fracture, paw injury, or back pain

Inability to bear weight on a hind leg can also be due to a fracture, a paw wound, a torn nail, a toe injury, or back-related pain. Therefore, a veterinary examination is always necessary, if the symptom is severe.

What can you check at home?

• Check the paw pads, paw cushions, and between the toes for wounds or foreign objects.
• See if a nail is torn or bleeding.
• Gently feel if there is swelling or heat.
• Assess the general condition: is the dog eating and drinking, is it alert or clearly in pain.
• Do not give your dog human pain medication. Always ask your veterinarian for pain management instructions.

What is examined at the vet?

At Sacrum Animal Hospital, the cause of hind leg lameness is determined by examining the dog's movement, joints, muscles, and potential pain points. A brief neurological assessment is part of the lameness examination, as the cause of symptoms can also be back- or nerve-related. Almost always, the examination includes an X-ray, the necessity of which is decided based on the lameness examination. 

Sacrum Animal Hospital can help

If you are unsure about the severity of the symptom, it's better to contact us than to wait too long to observe the situation. A professional can help assess whether it's an emergency or if an appointment can be scheduled.

📞 Orthopedic appointment booking: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa