Currently I do a lot of surgeries on limping dogs or dogs that need repair of fractures or dislocations. I thought it would be good to share some common causes for limping. A dog limping does not necessarily mean he is getting old. It could be caused by a host of medical problems, ranging from trauma to subtle chronic conditions. A slight limp can even be a symptom of life threatening conditions, like a malignant tumor. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of dog limping:
Soft Tissue Injury
This is the most common cause of limping for dogs. They include sprains, muscle pulls, and similar minor traumas. They are not serious, and can be successfully treated with a few days rest, and a mild analgesic.
Arthritis
If your dog has increasing difficulty with getting up after lying or sitting for some time, or trouble with climbing stairs or getting into and out of its bed, check with your vet about canine arthritis. If you have a large dog, hip dysplasia might be present. For this there is going to be life long medical/supportive management and a possible food change.
Footpad or Paw Injuries
Look for cuts on the footpad. Also look for splinters or other foreign objects (thorns, sharp stones) imbedded in the footpad, or between the toes. Check for broken claws. Be alert for swelling or other possible signs of infection in this entire area. Extreme weather conditions can also cause painful cracks in the tissue of the footpad.
Closed Fracture
These injuries are bone fractures where the skin is not broken. They may not be immediately evident because the leg may not look misshapen or twisted. If your dog limps or you suspect a fracture come see the Vet and do X-Rays of the region.
Compound Fractures
This is a very serious type of bone fracture where the broken bone punctures the skin. This exposure often causes dangerous infections of the bone. Absolutely see a Vet and work it up properly.
Epiphyseal and Greenstick Fractures
Epiphyseal fractures usually occur at the end of the long bones (femur, humerus) in puppies and young dogs. These areas are called growth plates, and because they are not matured, the bone there will soften and fracture.
A greenstick fracture is a crack in the bone. The bone is otherwise intact.
Growing Pains
A more scientific medical term for this complaint is Panosteitis. It is, of course, found in puppies and young dogs and usually does not need treatment.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are the bands of muscle tissue that knit bones together at the joints. When they’re injured, stability of the joint is compromised or destroyed, and your dog’s limping will get progressively worse over time.
Tumors
Limping is a symptom associated with tumors in or on the bones, or in the brain or central nervous system. If you see suspicious symptoms accompanying your dog’s limping, such as dizziness or disorientation, or if you find any odd lumps or masses, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Tumors are often life threatening, and time is of the essence. I see a lot of lipomas (Large lumps of Fat Cancer) that causes discomfort in walking due to the size they become after time. It’s not a malignant tumor and we usually remove it due to its cosmetic effect.
Kneecap Dislocation or more well known as Medial Patella Luxation
Your dog’s knee can adopt a sudden and dangerous side-to-side motion for various reasons, (trauma, infection, genetic) and the knee will slip out of alignment. The knee can also pop back into alignment just as quickly. Be watchful for recurring problems with this if you have a small dog. We usually correct this genetic medial patella luxation with surgery and long term joint supportive supplements.
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