Why Is My Pet Limping?
Limping is a fairly common ailment in dogs. However, it is never normal. Since the musculoskeletal issues that can cause limping range from mild to very serious, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s posture and gait to detect limping and have it examined by a veterinarian as soon as it starts.
What Causes a Dog to Limp?
There are seemingly countless issues that can cause limping in dogs. Some common reasons why dogs limp include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bone fractures
- Bruising
- Cancers of the soft tissues, bones, or joints
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
- Developmental disorders
- Dislocated joint
- Embedded foreign object or material (such as foxtails or glass)
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Infections (bacterial or fungal) of the soft tissues, joints, or bones
- Inflammatory conditions
- Injuries or wounds
- Insect bites or stings
- Muscle strains
- Nervous system disorders
- Paw pad injury
- Sprains or ruptures of the ligaments
- Tick-borne illnesses
- Torn nails
What to Do If Your Dog Is Limping
If your dog is limping, you should first assess the limp and consider how long it has been going on and which limb seems to be affected. Also, pay attention to whether your dog always limps or sometimes limps and when the limping occurs (i.e. after exercise or after rest).
You should also keep a close eye on your pet for signs of additional symptoms. Although limping isn’t always an emergency, you should seek emergency veterinary attention as soon as possible, if your pet also has any of the following issues:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe pain (trembling, vocalization, rapid heart rate, excessive panting, behavior changes such as aggression, isolation, or anxiety)
- Swelling
- Dislocated limb (dangling limb)
- An obvious break or abnormally shaped limb
- Limb dragging
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Even if your pet’s limp is not an emergency, we recommend scheduling a checkup to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s limp and to take action to help prevent the issue from worsening.
Diagnostics and Treatment for Limping Dogs With Our Pensacola Veterinarian
At Olive Branch Pet Hospital, we have a variety of in-house diagnostics that can help our veterinarian determine the underlying cause of your pet’s limp. Once a diagnosis has been achieved, we can work with you determine the best course of treatment to sooth your pet’s symptoms while addressing the underlying cause.
To learn more or schedule an appointment for your pet, we welcome you to contact our Pensacola veterinary hospital today.
