dog limping

Question
Our 4 yr. old beagle started limping before bed last night and woke up doing the same.  Her leg is swolen and it seems like she is in pain.  We don't see any cuts, abrasions, etc.  How should we handle this?

Answer
Hi Sonja!  Being that it is Sunday, I don't know if a veterinarian is accessible to you.  So, for the meantime, keep her as stationary as possible, restricting all activity (except for potty breaks of course!) until tomorrow, when you can hopefully get her into your veterinarian.  Dogs can hurt their legs and tendons very easily, from jumping "wrongly" up or off the couch/bed, from simply running.  Your veterinarian will palpate the leg, feeling for any breaks or fractures, and to see what area is most painful.  If there is a suspicious area, an x-ray will be performed to comfirm whether or not the leg is fractured, broken, or if there is tendon or ligament damage.  Treatment will run accordingly.  This may, however, just be a sprain or a strain.  Your veterinarian will also prescribe canine anti-inflamatories to bring the swelling down and possible some canine pain medications to relieve any pain your dog may be in.  Do not give your dog any over the counter medications like Advil, Tylenol, Asprin, Excedrine, or anything else, as these are very dangerous and deadly to dogs.  Just keep her activity restricted and you can apply a cool compress for 5 minutes each time throughout the day to try to reduce some of the swelling.
I hope this helps and please keep me posted as to how she is doing!
Hilary