My 5 month old dobe puppy seems to be lame/unlevel.  She's fine on a morning and then gradually stiffens up as the day goes on.  When she's eating her back left leg seems to be put out at the side, and she isn't putting all her weight on her pads - she seems to be almost on her tip toes.  I've checked her foot and can't find any foreign bodies and her foot and leg isn't hot.  I've felt all up her leg and she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort when light pressure is applied.  Her tendons don't seem to be swollen or hot either.  I've booked her in to see the vet tonight, but just wondered if anyone had any ideas on what it could be?

Many thanks,

Jo 

Hi Guest, of course your vet is the best person to ask about this, but I wonder if it could be a patella luxation (slipping kneecap). At 5 months your puppy is growing very fast, and not all the bones grow at the same rate, tibia bones sometimes grow in a twisting pattern at this age and can cause the kneecap to top out of its groove. If this is the problem, it is probably only temporary until the puppy is nearly full height.

Good luck at the Vets.  Why not join Champdogs (its free) and you can let us know what the vet has to say.

Dawn R.