My 5 month old American Staffy cross puppy has just developed a bad limp. she has always had wobbly back legs.

by Rhiannon
(Perth, Australia)

My five month old American staffy cross puppy (17kg) has just developed a noticeable limp. She has always had a wobbly gait in her back legs but this hasn't stopper her.

Yesterday morning we went for a walk on the beach and she seemed unwilling to keep up with the other dog and was limping in her back legs. No yelping or pain - just favouring the back legs and lots of sitting.

This morning (Day 2) she is even more keen on sitting and seems to be a bit stiff in her front shoulders as well. Have manipulated her joints and no yelps, have searched for tick and can't find anything.

We did go for a big 1hr walk 2 days ago which she was lagging a bit on. But she has never been the walker of the group.

Her brother is heavier and just fine. But he does not have the wobbly twist to his back gait that she has.





Hi Rhiannon
This is something I suggest you talk to your veterinarian about. As your pup has had some unsteadiness in her back end before, it sounds as though something isn't quite right and only your vet can make an accurate diagnosis.

It could be that she has a problem with her hip/s, or it could be another joint, or just the way she's 'put together', but as she's also limping now and having difficulty walking in general she definitely needs to see a vet.

Puppies at this age can hurt themselves without too much difficulty, and over-exertion, jumping from any sort of height etc. can 'tweak' something and cause problems. Hopefully it's nothing too much to worry about but I'd strongly recommend having your vet evaluate her asap.

Sorry I can't help more but this is one for the experts. Best of luck and I hope she's doing much better soon.