How bad of a limp?

Question
Hello,
I found my puppy (or she found me) 2 months ago. She seemed to have a slight limp at that time, even when she walked, but at that time she weighed 25lbs & had worms. Now at 35lbs, wormless & full of energy, she had developed a limp after she's been running around. Sometimes it'll occur after napping or sleeping too. She always favors that leg, her front left, even when sitting, she'll slightly raise it & people think she's trying to "play shake". I believe she may be around 8-10 months, looks like a cross between - redbone coonhound/rodesian ridgeback/daschund. The vet's I have brought her to advise me she won't grow any larger, only maybe fill out a bit more weight-wise. I haven't brought this issue up to a vet because now that the problem is becoming more apparent to me, I cannon afford another vet bill at this time. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks for your time, in advance.
.divinity.  

Answer
I am quick to say take the dog to the vet.  As I think about it, there isn't that much that can be done to help many causes of limps.  If you are lucky, it is something like pano which they grow out of.  If it is hip dysphasia, it is a very bad case if it is showing up this early.  Even expensive surgery might not allow her a very long normal life.  There are some things like torn cartilage that steroids help, but they require a prescription.  You might try glucoseamine if you can find it without a prescription.  

I am really glad you took her in.  Most shelters would quickly kill a mixed breed with a limp.  They have to destroy so many nice dogs, they can't keep one with problems.  Please scrape up the money to spay her before she comes in season.  You won't believe the effort her and any males will make to get together.  Some places have low cost spay/neuter clinics.  

Long term, keep her lean.  That reduces the strain on problem joints.  Make sure she eats a good diet.  As long as most of her calories come from even the cheapest dry dogs chows, she should be getting a complete and balanced diet.   
You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them.  Each dog is
different.  Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog
must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. See
http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292