Dogs are at their best when they are active, such as rambunctiously romping across the park or chasing a favorite ball, but what happens when your furry pal comes back limping? Limping is a concerning sign that can indicate your dog has a leg injury, but the cause may also be an underlying health condition.  

If your dog is limping, our team should examine them for an accurate diagnosis. Limping often occurs as a result of trauma to the bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, or nerves, which causes pain and limping. Our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team explains this condition’s causes and treatments, and why you should take heed if your four-legged friend is limping. 

#1. Leg injury in dogs

A dog may limp as a result of an injury such as a sprain, torn nail, sprain, or fracture. These injuries can occur during rough play, exercise, or an accident. Leg injury signs include swelling, pain or discomfort, and limping or lameness. Fractures may appear as disfigurement, bruising, or bone breaking through the skin. 

#2. Arthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that damages the joints and ligaments, causing limping, pain, and stiffness. This condition is usually diagnosed in old dogs but can also affect young dogs who have sustained injuries or are genetically predisposed. Arthritis can often be managed with medications and making accommodations to your home.

#3. Hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia is also a degenerative condition characterized by hip joint malformation, creating a loose fit between the femur and the pelvic socket. Treatment includes pain management, weight loss for overweight dogs, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

#4. Infections in dogs

Bacterial and fungal infections can lead to inflammation and pain in the affected area, resulting in limping. Infections can be caused by scratches and bites, creating abscesses or other painful infections that can lead to limping. 

#5. Traumatic injuries in dogs

Traumatic injuries, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height, can cause a dog to limp. These injuries can range from minor bruises to severe bone, muscle, or nerve injury. 

#6. Foreign objects in dogs

Sometimes, dogs may limp because they have a foreign object, such as a thorn or splinter, embedded in their paw or leg. If your pet has been in a wooded area, check their paws for embedded objects that can affect their ability to walk. Something as simple as a thorn can create problems in your dog’s gait.

#7. Neurologic disorders in dogs

Certain neurologic conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or nerve damage, can cause weakness or paralysis in a dog’s legs, resulting in limping or difficulty walking. Any neurologic disorder can disrupt a dog’s balance.

#8. Cancer in dogs

In some cases, limping can be a cancer sign, indicating bone cancer or a soft tissue tumor. These conditions can cause pain and lameness, especially as the disease progresses. Other cancer signs include leg swelling, unusual lumps or protrusions, lethargy, and inappetence. 

#9. Systemic diseases in dogs

Lyme disease or immune-mediated disorders can cause joint inflammation and lameness in dogs. You can help prevent your dog from contracting systemic disease by ensuring they receive their parasite preventives year-round.

Treatments for limping in dogs

When you notice your dog limping, ensure they rest. Limiting their mobility can help prevent added strain and avoid further complicating the condition. In the best case scenario, your dog sustained a small cut or a foreign object to the paw that can easily be removed. No matter, if your dog exhibits limping, call our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team, so we can examine your furry pal, diagnose their issue, and prescribe effective treatment. 

Veterinary treatment depends on why your dog is limping. We treat a soft tissue injury by recommending rest and prescribing anti-inflammatories, while if a dog has a fracture, they may require a stabilizing cast or corrective surgery. Medications are prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions. Certain bone, ligament, or joint conditions may require long-term care through prescribed medications and physical therapy. The key takeaway is that our team must consider several factors before finding your four-legged friend’s effective treatment protocol.

If your dog is limping, early intervention can help improve their quality of life and help keep them mobile. Call our team at Southern Crossing Animal Hospital if your dog is limping, as we will perform a thorough examination and diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend effective treatment.