Unusual problem with puppies' leg

[dashn'us]

My 9 month old miniature schnauzer seems to be keep weight off of one of his back legs. When standing still he will raise that leg, and although he's not really limping, he seems to be walking different. Raising that leg more when walking, or something, but it's not a noticable limp.

He is still very hyper, and loves to run around and play. We don't notice any difference with his behaviour at all. He still runs and jumps around, and shows no sign of pain whatsoever, even when we put some pressure on his leg to look for a sore spot. We've looked at his paws and dont see to see anything unusual either, just some dry-ness from the cold, dry air, but all paws look the same.

We just noticed it yesterday morning, so we were trying to hold off from calling the vet, because the only thing they will say is to bring him in and charge us for anything they can. If the problem is still here in a few days, we will have to though. If anybody has any suggestions or ideas, that would be great.

Every time he goes to the vets, they tell us he is very healthy, and he loves to lay on his stomach with his back legs stretched way out to the back so we were told this means they are healthy in the sense of leg related problems.

[BMDLuver]

Does he all of a sudden halt in play and do this? To me it sounds like luxating patella but I wouldn't be able to say without seeing the dog I'm afraid.

[rainbow]

It could also be a torn ligament or if you can hear a clicking/poppping sound a torn meniscus. I really think you should take him to the vet to get it checked out.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

[dashn'us]

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't hear any popping or unusual noise, but honestly, he is so hyper and energetic still, which is what we don't understand is he doesnt appear to be in any pain at all. When he lifts his leg, it's only sometimes too, never on the couch or bed, but sometimes on the hardwood.

Sometimes also we noticed, he will keep all four on the ground, but the leg will be bent, as if he cant get it straight. I can make his leg straight, and let him stand on it, and he seems fine.

I think we will take him to the vet in the next day or two if it is consistent. What are the procedures for a mucle injury or something like this?
A. Is it an expensive procedure, including surgery
B. How long does something like this take to heal?

Thanks a lot guys

[mastifflover]

I would see the vet but with that said it also may be growing pains which is common in giant breeds I am not sure if it affects small breeds as well. It may also be a pulled muscle or tendon. But seeing the vet will hopefully give you a definitive answer.

[dashn'us]

Thanks for the replys. We took Dash to the vet finally, and after doing some tests, they couldn't find anything wrong. The vet said she had never seen anything like it. They found no signs of swelling, injured bones, pulled muscles, etc. She said sometimes they have a habit of doing strange things in excitement, as if they're getting ready to make a movement. (waiting for food, waiting to go outside, etc) Weird, I know.

She gave us some "just incase" medicine as a pain relief to try if he is doing it, to see if once he's on the medicine if he stops raising his leg, but it doesnt seem to make a difference. I guess we just have a strange dog lol

Glad he's okay though.

Thanks for all the help guys.