Jack Russell carrying a hind leg

[Shutupanddrive]

Over the last couple of days I've noticed our jack Russell bitch carrying her right hind leg while running. I have looked at the foot to see if anything is there, pressed each pad to look for a reaction for pain, and flexed the leg - nothing. Could this have anything to do with her coming into heat in the last few days? Should I take her to vet or wait and see what happens. She doesn't seem in any pain.

I remember her doing this on and off when we first had her, but she hasn't done it for ages. Also she used to swap legs, but is definately favouring one side at the moment. We have been outside a lot, with this nice weather over the last week so maybe that has something to do with it? I have googled it, and it does seem to be something common in jack russells for some reason

I have no advice but just wanted to say that our JR used to do that - a kind of hoppity skippity walk!

It's probably Patellar luxation, which is a hereditary condition which some breeds including JRs are prone to.

It's very likely to be luxating patella which is extremely common in JRTs. Basically, the kneecap construction is slightly wrong which causes the kneecap to slip out of place. Usually it rights itself but sometimes might take longer which is probably when you notice her carrying the leg more.

It has become a characteristic of JRTs due to breeding - that skip you often see them do where they carry a back leg when running. And it can affect both sides hence the switching from leg to leg.

Being in season could be making it more apparent as hormone fluctuations can cause slight loosening of the joints.

If it seems to be worse than usual, more persistent or she's in pain, get it checked by the vet as it can be corrected by surgery if necessary.

Thanks for replies, I will keep her in a bit more today so she can rest it, and see what she is like tomorrow