rear left hip

Question
I have a 7 year old G.S. (male)For the last couple of days he has not been able to put his left rear leg down. I have checked it over & I do not see any problems with his leg. I rub the leg in question and it does not bother him. He also is not crying so it does not appear to be hurting him. He will use it sometimes to get up the stairs but most of the time he hops around on three legs. There are days when he appears to getting better and then he goes back to square one.I have an appointment with the vets but they can not see him for three weeks. Can you help?

Answer
Hi Mark,  While waiting for the vet, you can give him buffered aspirin to help keep any swelling down that may be aggravating the hip.  I would keep him very quiet until you can get him checked out.  I would definitely not have him going up and down stairs or jumping in or out of cars.  Hope this helps,

Dawn