pugs limp back leg

Question
Jennifer,

Thank you for taking the time to review my question. I have a three year old black pug. The past few weeks he hasn't wanted to put weight on one of his back legs when first walking in the mornings or after sleeping. He hobbles the first few steps out the door and then begins to walk on all legs. This week after sitting or lying down for any length of time he hobbles for quite awhile before using the leg. I looked at the paw to see if there was any sort of debris etc hurting him. Their were no lacerations or debris of any kind. I applied pressure to the entire leg and paw to see if he was in any sort of pain. He had no reaction that signaled discomfort. After thoroughly looking at both back legs it appears that one paw is smaller than the other and possible less muscle mass. At this age would he still be growing and thus one leg is not maturing? Or, could this be some sort of degenerative problem? My vet told me they would have to take x-rays to learn what the problem could be. I was wanting another opinion on possible causes and cures.

Answer
It could be a luxating patella (knee cap), a dislocated hip, partial tear of his knee ligament or some degenerative condition.  At three years old, he is done growing so this is not a developmental problem.  I would recommend taking him to the vet for an examination and if needed, x-rays.  The longer the problem goes untreated, the more likely for more muscle loss and permanent damage.