Dog in Pain

Question
I have a 2 year old peekapoo that has been having problems with his right back leg. He stays inside all day and when he is let out he is on a leash, he hasnt been kicked or hurt anywhere near his back leg. The are no cuts or bruises and the bone is not broken. He does not limp when he walks, the only signs of being hurt that he shows are he has been shaking alot recently and he yells in pain if someone trys to pick him up and touches the spot. I was just wondering if it is something that I should be extreamly worried about or if its just something that will heal on its own?

Answer
Cheryl,

I wouldn't say that you should be extremely worried about it, but I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian. The first thing that came to mind when I read this was a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament - an ACL tear, or 'football player injury'. This can occur when a dog makes a quick stop or turn and injures the knee. Usually there is limping though - so I can't say with any confidence that this is what it is. It certainly would cause pain to the touch though - if the knee is where this painful spot it - your message didn't mention. Regardless of what it is though, even if it *would* heal on its own (which can't be determined until a veterinarian makes a diagnosis), your dog's doctor could certainly speed the process up and make it more comfortable for your dog through steroids, pain medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs like Rimadyl. I wish I could help you more online but injuries like this are impossible to speculate about without seeing the dog walk and being able to palpate and manipulate the injured leg. While a trip to the vet is the best way to go here - if you aren't able to right away for some reason, crate rest or some form of confinement might help (IF this is something that can heal without treatment). You can also give your dog one baby aspirin (81 mg tab) per day, or MSM might help - you can just pick up the human form from your grocery store's vitamin aisle and give him 1000 mgs a day. It acts as a natural painkiller (though not as strong as a prescription) and has some anti-inflammatory qualities. Do NOT give Tylenol/Acetamenphin or any other medication on your own though.

Best wishes,
Ashley