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Legs Swollen and Hot in Dogs
What is Legs Swollen and Hot?
Unless your dog was recently sunbathing, developing hot legs is a sign that your pet may have a possible serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed. If your dog has hot or warm legs, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Often, swelling of the legs may be seen concurrently with heat and may be caused by:
- Fever
- Arthritis
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hygroma
- Sprain
Why Legs Swollen and Hot Occurs in Dogs
Fever
Your dog’s normal temperature can range between 99.5F and 102.5F degrees. Your dog’s legs may feel hot if his temperature is higher than 102.5F. If your dog has a fever he may also have warm ears, lack of energy, anorexia, and shivering. A fever may be caused by an infected wound, ear infection, urinary tract infection, abscessed tooth, respiratory infection or ingestion of poisonous item (toxic plant, human medication, pesticides or chemicals).
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common joint disease in older dogs. However, it can occur in younger dogs with a genetic predisposition for arthritis. Arthritis can cause warm swollen joints, pain, stiffness and lameness. As the disease progresses your dog may develop joint deformities, exercise intolerance and lameness.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (Metaphyseal osteopathy) is a bone disease in large breed growing puppies and causes swelling of the growth plates in the limbs. This is a very painful condition. Puppies with this condition may have fevers of 106 degrees. Both legs are usually affected.
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Osteosarcoma is more common in large dog breeds in their middle age to senior years. Breeds more prone to osteosarcoma include Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters and Labrador Retrievers. As the cancer progresses the limbs become swollen and hot to the touch. Dogs usually exhibit extreme lameness.
Hygroma
A hygroma is usually a non-painful, fluid-filled sac that can form on a dog’s joints. The hygroma can form due to repeated pressure on the joint, such as repeatedly lying on hard surfaces (concrete, tile, hardwood floors). If the hygroma becomes infected it becomes painful and warm to the touch.
Sprain
Sprains can occur from trauma (vehicular impact, fight with another animal), physical activity (swimming, playing catch, hunting), or by jumping (off furniture or out of a car). Large and giant breeds are more prone to develop sprains. In addition to warm, swollen joints, your dog may limp.
What to do if your Dog is Legs Swollen and Hot
If your dog’s legs feel swollen or hot, or a combination of both, he should be seen by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will want to know what symptoms you have observed and when they started. He will perform a physical examination on your dog, which may include taking his temperature, checking the heart and respiratory rate, and palpating the limbs and joints. The veterinarian may suggest a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, urinalysis and x-rays of the limbs. If the x-rays are inconclusive, the veterinarian may recommend magnetic resonance imaging or a computed tomography scan. If the veterinarian suspects bone cancer he may recommend a bone biopsy.
Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Patients with arthritis are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and other medicine, to reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and massage may be beneficial to an arthritic dog.
Treatment of hypertrophic osteodystrophy is primarily supportive. The patient is prescribed pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Dogs diagnosed with the condition are placed on strict rest and restricted activities. Dietary supplements and vitamin C may also be recommended.
The most common treatment for bone cancer on a limb is surgical amputation. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments may also be recommended.
Some hygromas are left in situ and cause no real problem to the patient. Hygromas that become infected may need to be surgically removed; skin grafting may be required to close the incision. Some veterinarians may choose to surgically insert a drain into the hygroma to allow for fluid drainage.
For sprains, your dog may be prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications and will need to be strictly rested.
Prevention of Legs Swollen and Hot
Not all conditions can be prevented. Arthritis can be worsened by obesity, so it is important to watch your dog’s caloric intake and keep them slim. Studies report that dogs spayed or neutered before one year of age have a higher chance of developing bone cancer. Some sprains can be prevented by not over exercising or training your dog. Hygromas may be prevented by providing your dog a soft bed. Annual wellness checks are always recommended; illnesses such as Hypertrophic osteodystrophy can be monitored and more positive results to treatment obtained with early diagnosis.
Cost of Legs Swollen and Hot
Bone cancer may cost $6000 to treat. Diagnosis and resolution of hygromas in dogs can range from $300 to $1800. Therapy for arthritis can cost up to $2500, depending on severity of the condition.
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Legs Swollen and Hot Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Boxer
Axel
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Swelling
Blood Filled
My 5 yo Boxer has a chronic issue with rear left leg swelling. We have treated for hemangiosarcoma twice now. There’s blood accumulating between the hip and knee. Gets red, swollen, and hot. This seems to dissipate with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and vitamin K. A week or so goes by and it’s back. We tend to think it’s lymph node issues, but we still can’t pinooint a cause.
It’s very troubling.
June 15, 2018
1 Recommendations
I am unable to think of a specific cause for the accumulation of blood in the thigh area on one side; I’m sure that blood tests, x-rays and other related tests have been done already. I cannot think of a specific cause off the top of my head and would recommend visiting a Specialist when the next flare up occurs to get their input into this condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 16, 2018
Thank you for your time.
June 16, 2018
Axel's Owner
My dog has had the same thing going on and off for 3mos now, she is a 9 year old German Shepard lab mix, the large inflammation is located from the upper thigh to the mid thigh making her leg lame, she has been tested for everything, X-rays are good, blood work is good, she is in perfect health and an indoor door, we have her on Tramadol and Steroids, this comes and goes, the Vet said it is arthritis..she is currently in the same place right now today, lame in one leg, in pain and the inflammation area is warm to touch. I can't pinpoint what else to do for her, too keep it from happening again, she no longer gets to play ball, she is a very active dog and it breaks my heart to see her like this, any other suggestions are welcome please..
June 19, 2018
Kari
My 9 year old German Shepard lab mix is having the same issues for the past 3 mos now and we have had her tested, x-rays and blood work, there is nothing that comes up, her leg goes lame when this inflammation happens, it is in her her upper thigh to mid thigh, and seems to be warm. We have had her on Tramadol and Steroids, the Vet seems to think that is is arthritis, I'm not sure what else I can do to her my dog as she is in pain and it breaks my heart to see her this way, she is an active indoor dog. any suggestions are welcome
June 19, 2018
Kari
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Beagle
Galileo
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Limping
Lack Of Appetite
Hot Temperature Of The Affected Leg
My dog started to have swollen legs yesterday, and i was shocked because the day before it started i had been able to walk him around the neighborhood and i am very careful of where we are walking for him to avoid getting hurt. so i was surprised of what had happened to his leg. and today it has started to bleed in some areas of the affected leg. and he has lost his appetite to eat dog food but he eats bread. and what's more heart breaking is that he is not making any sound or cry of pain. what do i need to do? Thank you for your help :)
March 30, 2018
0 Recommendations
Sudden hot swelling legs is concerning and may be indicative of a few different conditions which may include infection, insect bites, snake bites among other causes; since you were out walking yesterday and you’re describing that there is bleeding from that leg, you should visit your Veterinarian or an Emergency Veterinarian immediately as this isn’t something you can manage at home. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 30, 2018
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Mixed
Barak
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping, Decrease Appetite
My dog's leg is swollen and hot. He was hit by a car 3 yes ago. He had surgery and his femur bone was removed. He is 10 yrs old. Could it be arthritis or something more serious? What can I do?
Feb. 4, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining Barak, I can't determine what might be going on with his leg, but he may have an infection, a sprain or strain, or cancer. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to have an exam and determine what might be going on with him and if there is a treatment possible. I hope that he is okay.
Feb. 4, 2018
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English Mastiff
Zeus
6 1/2 years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Depressed
Fatigued
My dog has a hard swollen rear leg. It runs hip to almost ankle. There is a open wound on the inside , not sure if it’s from constant licking or a bite. Could be both.
Nov. 9, 2017
0 Recommendations
If Zeus is constantly licking his leg, it is important to stop him which may include placing a cone on him during recovery; he is currently receiving an antibiotic and pain relief so it is a case of wait and see how the treatment will go. If the skin is broken, you can bathe the area with a dilute antiseptic to keep the wound clean; if you see no improvement after the course of treatment, you should return to your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 9, 2017
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