Limping German Shepard Puppy

Hi,

I have a 5 month old German Shepard puppy that has suddenly developed a pronounced limp in his left front leg.  I did not witness anything that he could have done to injure it.  He woke up Saturday with it.  He was not whinning and it does not seem to bother him to touch, press, or massage the leg or paw and would run on it.  Today (Monday), it seems he is more uncomfortable and whins alittle while he is lying there and seems a little lethargic. Your thoughts are appreiciated.

Thank you in advance.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

At this age and breed I would be concerned about some of the developmental orthopedic problems like osteochondritis dissecans  or OCD.  Also occurs in fast growing teen boys.  

Could also be an injury you don't know about, paw should be examined closely etc.  

A complete exam is in order and then a decision made about x-rays.  Any large or giant breed that limps as a puppy should be examined!  

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