Small Dog Still Limping 10 Days After a Fall With Normal X-Rays

A dog who has started putting the leg down here and there after a sprain is usually improving. Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains can take a few weeks to heal, and X-rays don't show ligaments or muscles, so a normal X-ray is reassuring but doesn't rule out a ligament injury.

Keep her on strict rest with short leash walks only, and no jumping on and off furniture. If she isn't clearly better within another week or so, or gets worse, go back to your vet. Small dogs can injure a knee ligament or slip a kneecap in a fall, and an orthopedic exam can check for this.

See dog hip surgery and dog knee problems.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.