Lameness in Dogs: Why Is Your Dog Limping?

Lameness in dogs can be caused by a number of different things, from musculoskeletal and joint disorders to neurological issues and other medical conditions, so it's important to know what might be causing your dog's mobility issues. If your dog is limping or holding one leg up, it could be something as simple as a muscle pull or as serious as hip dysplasia or a ligament injury. Arthritis is also a common cause of lameness in dogs, especially as they get older. Paying close attention and going to the vet can help you figure out what's going on and get your dog walking normally again.

Even though the causes can be so different, looking at the research on the most common causes of lameness in dogs can help you understand what might be causing your dog's mobility issues. In this article, we'll look at veterinary research on the most common causes of lameness, including musculoskeletal disorders, joint diseases, neurological issues, and other causes. This will help you better understand what's going on so you can find the right treatment and help your dog move and feel better.

Causes of Lameness in Dogs

Lameness in dogs can be caused by a variety of orthopedic issues, including traumatic injuries, joint diseases, bone deformities, and neurological disorders. According to research presented at the WSAVA 2017 Congress, common causes include cruciate ligament injuries, hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), spinal problems such as intervertebral disc disease, and fractures. Traumatic injuries like sprains, strains, or broken bones can also cause sudden lameness.

Some types of lameness may be more common in certain breeds or age groups. For example, large breed puppies are at risk for developmental bone diseases that can cause lameness. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition that is more prevalent in certain breeds. It is important to determine the cause of lameness because the underlying issue will dictate the best course of treatment.

Whether it's the result of an injury or a chronic condition, lameness can have a big impact on a dog's ability to get around and their overall quality of life. It's important to have your dog evaluated by a vet as soon as possible so that the cause of the lameness can be identified and managed. With the right diagnosis, many causes of lameness can be treated or managed in a way that will help the dog feel and move better.

How Lameness Is Diagnosed

Veterinarians take a multi-faceted approach to diagnosing the cause of lameness in dogs, which typically begins with a thorough physical exam. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that this includes observing the dog's gait, feeling the dog's muscles and joints, and assessing the dog's pain.

Imaging studies, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI, are also important for assessing bones, joints, and soft tissues, according to research presented at the WSAVA 2017 Congress. In addition, VCA Animal Hospitals says that other tests, such as joint fluid analysis, blood work, and biopsies, may be performed to rule out infections, immune disorders, or cancers.

An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the best course of treatment and ensuring the condition is properly managed. By taking a multi-faceted approach, veterinarians can determine the cause of lameness and create a plan that will help your dog regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

How Canine Lameness Is Treated

The treatment of lameness in dogs will depend on the cause and severity of the condition. According to Treat Your Dog's Pain and Lameness, conservative treatments, such as rest, medication (anti-inflammatories, pain relievers), and weight management, may be used for mild cases.

Physical rehabilitation, which includes exercises, hydrotherapy, and modalities like laser therapy, can help with recovery and increase mobility, according to Veterinary Healthcare Associates. Surgical treatments, such as joint replacements, ligament repairs, or fracture stabilization, may be used for chronic or severe cases, according to Lameness in Dogs: Possible Causes & Treatments.

The professionals agree that a multimodal treatment plan that includes a combination of treatments is best for the most effective results and long-term management. This type of treatment plan can help dogs with lameness recover and improve their quality of life.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Limping and When to See a Vet

Knowing the signs of lameness in dogs is important so that you can get your dog the help they need before the issue gets worse. According to Reasons why dogs limp and when to see the vet, signs of lameness include limping, favoring a leg, not wanting to put weight on a leg, swelling, and changes in behavior or activity levels.

If your dog is suddenly limping, can't stand or put weight on a leg, has a swollen leg, or has a leg that looks deformed, these are all signs of a medical emergency, according to Dog Limping: What to Do and When to See Your Local Vet. On the other hand, if your dog's limping has come on gradually and gotten worse over time, this could be a sign of a chronic issue like arthritis or another joint disease, according to Lameness in dogs | Why is my dog limping? | Vets Now.

However, if your dog's limping is chronic or getting worse, you should take them to the vet, as Why Is My Dog Limping? – American Kennel Club explains that the sooner you get your dog to the vet, the better their chances of recovery and the less likely they are to have long-term issues. Knowing the signs of lameness and getting help from a professional is key to managing lameness in dogs.

Home Treatment and Physical Therapy for Lame Dogs

In addition to professional veterinary treatment, there are a number of things that dog owners can do at home to help their dog recover and deal with lameness. According to Rehabilitation for Lame Pets | Veterinarian in Laguna Hills, CA | Trinity Pet Hospital, this may include everything from making sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest to applying ice or heat to giving your dog any prescribed medications.

Physical therapy exercises, including controlled walks on a leash, range-of-motion exercises, and low-impact exercises like swimming, can all help a dog recover, according to Rehabilitation of Canine Forelimb Injuries - WSAVA2013 - VIN. Changes to the home environment, such as adding ramps or non-slip surfaces, can also make a difference in a dog's recovery, according to Canine Rehab: Easing Your Dog's Pain and Enhancing Their Life.

Continued physical therapy and weight control are also important for managing chronic issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia in the long term, according to Physical rehabilitation: Improving the outcome in dogs with orthopedic problems. With the right combination of at-home and professional care, many dogs with lameness can recover and enjoy a better quality of life.

Conclusion: How to Help Your Dog Move and Live Their Best Life

Lameness in dogs can be caused by a wide variety of issues, from sudden injuries to chronic diseases, and it’s important to see a vet as soon as possible. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, lameness can be a sign of musculoskeletal problems, including weakness, limb swelling, and joint dysfunction. However, the sooner you can get a diagnosis through physical exams and diagnostic tests, which are described in the Merck Veterinary Manual, the sooner you can start the right treatment.

That treatment can include medication, surgery, physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes, depending on the cause of the lameness, according to TPLO Info. The earlier you can recognize the signs of lameness and get your dog to the vet, the better the chances of a good outcome and the less likely that there will be complications. With the right treatment and a combination of different therapies, many dogs can overcome lameness and live a better life.