Hard Swelling Below the Knee After an Injury
Reader Question
My 1.5 yr old German shorthair pointer was hit by a metal rod while running. It cut her on the inside of the knee. The vet stapled it and x rayed. The x rays looked ok but a few days later a hard swelling showed up on both side of the leg below the knee. It has now been almost a month and she's still lame. The vet ruled out the cruciate but now are on the way to a specialist. Hoping someone may have some ideas on what it may be.
Answer from Our Team
A hard swelling a few days after a blow can be a deep bruise or blood pocket that is hardening, an infection under the wound, damage to the bone covering (periosteum), or a small fracture that didn't show on the first X-rays. Lameness lasting a month means something more than a simple bruise is likely going on.
Seeing a specialist is a good step. Repeat X-rays and possibly ultrasound or a sample of the swelling can sort out these possibilities. Watch for heat, discharge or fever, which point to infection and need prompt attention.
See dog knee problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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