limp - am scared

[katie24]

Ok so my eight month old dane/shepherd cross puppy has started to limp. It's his front left leg (I think, that's the one he's favoring anyway) and sometimes it's hardly noticeable and sometimes it's quite bad.
I took him to the vet last week and she said that he shouldn't get any exercise for a week or so and see how he's doing - well it's been a week, and he's almost better, but not 100%. I'm kind of scared.
What could it be? Is he going lame? Is surgery likely? I don't have pet insurance!!! I'm freaking out actually, has anyone got any anecdotal evidence about growing pains/injuries in large-breed dogs etc etc? Does this happen to a lot of puppies, for example?

[Carolina]

Hi kate24,
I think firstly, you shouldn't panic. Seek a second optinion. If your pup is feeling better after a weeks rest then why not wait a longer til he's back 100%.
Is he on a well balanced, complete puppy diet? Is his activity level too much for his age? Was he involved in some sort of trauma?
I don't have much knowledge about skeletal problems etc but shepherds for example can be predisposed to having hip/elbow dysplasia (quite common in this breed).
I think it would be a good idea to have a chat to your vet about your concerns and/or get another opinion.
Good luck, I hope he feels 100% soon.