Why is my dog limping?

This article is meant to provide general information and helpful tips. However, it’s not a substitute for professional advice. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing, always reach out to your local vet.

Common causes of limping in dogs

Limping in dogs can result from various conditions, ranging from minor injuries to serious health issues. The most frequent causes include soft tissue injuries, broken bones, joint injuries, muscle strains and degenerative conditions. Many dogs develop joint issues that can lead to intermittent limping. Orthopaedic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system are common reasons for mobility issues.

Acute vs chronic limping

Sudden onset limping typically results from:

• Broken toenails or cuts to paw pads
• Foreign objects stuck in paws
• Muscle strains or sprains
• Ligament injuries, particularly cruciate ligament damage
• Fractures or dislocations

Gradual onset and prolonged limping often indicates:

• Arthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Bone cancer
• Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease
• Progressive neurological conditions

Forelimb (front-leg) Limping

When your dog is limping on their front leg, you might notice specific behaviours. Dogs with front leg issues often shift their weight backwards, lifting their head up when the affected leg touches the ground. This compensation helps reduce pressure on the painful limb.

Common front leg problems:

• Shoulder injuries: Soft tissue damage or inflammation
• Elbow dysplasia: Developmental abnormality causing pain
• Paw problems: Cuts, foreign objects, or broken nails
• Wrist injuries: Sprains or ligament damage

Even when there's no visible swelling or obvious injury,  limping requires attention and you should seek advice from a vet. Dogs are naturally stoic creatures and often hide their pain effectively.

Hindlimb (back-leg) Limping

Back leg limping presents differently from front leg issues. Dogs typically bunny-hop when running, hold the affected leg up, or show reluctance to jump or climb stairs. The hip and knee joints are particularly vulnerable in the back legs.

Common back leg conditions:

• Hip dysplasia: Especially common in large breed dogs
• Cruciate ligament rupture: A frequent knee injury
• Luxating patella: Kneecap dislocation
• Muscle injuries: Strains in the thigh or calf

My dog is limping but shows no sign of pain

Many owners wonder why their dog is limping but not crying or showing obvious distress. Dogs instinctively hide pain as a survival mechanism. Your dog may be experiencing significant discomfort without vocalising or showing typical pain responses.

Hidden pain indicators:

• Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
• Reluctance to play or exercise
• Subtle behavioural changes like increased irritability
• Licking or focusing on a specific area
• Altered breathing patterns

Remember that limping itself is a pain response. Dogs adjust their gait to minimise discomfort, even when they appear otherwise normal.

When to seek urgent veterinary care for limping

Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if:

• Limping persists
• Your dog cannot bear weight on the leg
• There's visible swelling, bleeding or deformity
• Multiple legs are affected
• Your dog shows signs of severe pain (whimpering, aggression)
• Accompanied by fever, lethargy or loss of appetite

Medivet’s consultations provide sufficient time to discuss mobility concerns and examine your pet. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming serious conditions.

Hip dysplasia and joint problems

Hip dysplasia remains a leading cause of hindlimb limping, particularly in larger breeds. This genetic condition causes abnormal hip joint formation, leading to arthritis and chronic pain.

Managing hip dysplasia:

• Weight management: Reducing joint stress through proper diet
• Physical therapy: Veterinary physiotherapy helps restore joint flexibility
• Pain management: Including medications and supportive treatments like acupuncture
• Surgical options: In severe cases, hip replacement may be necessary

Foreign objects and paw injuries

Thorns, glass, stones or splinters frequently become lodged between paw pads or in the soft tissue of your dog's foot. These seemingly minor injuries can cause significant limping  and, if left untreated, lead to infection or abscess formation.

Checking for paw injuries:

1. Gently examine each toe and pad
2. Look between the toes for foreign objects
3. Check for swelling, cuts or discharge
4. Feel for heat indicating inflammation
5. Note any unusual odours suggesting infection

Never attempt to remove embedded objects yourself. Seek veterinary care to prevent further damage and proper wound treatment.

Diagnosing lameness in dogs

Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive veterinary examination. Diagnostic tools available include x-rays, ultrasound, and advanced imaging like MRI and CT scans. Your vet can perform diagnostic procedures including:

• Physical examination: Checking range of motion and pain responses
• Gait analysis: Observing walking and running patterns
• X-rays: Identifying fractures, arthritis or bone abnormalities
• Blood tests: Detecting infections or inflammatory conditions
• Advanced imaging: MRI or CT for soft tissue evaluation
• Joint fluid analysis: If infection or immune conditions suspected

Keep detailed notes about when limping started, activities preceding the limp, and any pattern to the lameness (worse after rest, improves with movement, etc.).

Treatment options for limping dogs

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Medivet offers comprehensive treatment options ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention.

Conservative treatments:

• Rest and restricted activity: Preventing further injury
• Pain relief medication: Anti-inflammatories prescribed by your vet
• Physical therapy: Including hydrotherapy available at Medivet practices
• Laser therapy: Non-invasive treatment reducing inflammation
• Acupuncture: Gentle pain relief for chronic conditions
• Weight management: Reducing joint stress
• Supplements – Your vet can suggest a range of appropriate joint supplements.

Surgical interventions:

When conservative treatment fails, surgical options include:

• Cruciate ligament repair
• Fracture fixation
• Joint replacement
• Arthroscopic procedures
• Removal of bone fragments or cartilage

Rehabilitation and recovery

Post-treatment rehabilitation accelerates recovery and prevents re-injury. Medivet's veterinary physiotherapy services incorporate various techniques including massage, therapeutic exercises, and equipment. Regular follow-up appointments monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Supporting your limping dog at home

While awaiting veterinary care or during recovery, you can help your dog by:

• Restricting exercise to short, controlled lead walks
• Providing comfortable, supportive bedding
• Using ramps instead of stairs
• Applying ice packs (wrapped in towels) for acute injuries
• Keeping your dog at a healthy weight
• Avoiding rough play with other pets