Reasons for Limping in Dogs and what to do about it

Like humans, dogs can get injured or develop diseases that cause lameness. Limping or soreness in dogs means the dog is walking abnormally on one or more limbs. In some cases, the dog may place weight on all limbs, but a pale or abnormal gait is observed (may be noticeable or subtle). Sometimes, the dog holds up the affected limb and will not walk on it at all. The dog can even crawl the affected limbs.

Limping and cramping can be intermittent or constant depending on the situation.

Limping in dogs is not uncommon, but it is also not normal. Almsgiving of any kind is a sign that there is an illness or injury. If your dog is lame, it is important to act. How fast to act depends on the loudness of the noise.

Are you dragging an emergency?

Limpimi is not always an emergency situation . In many cases, a noisy dog ​​should be seen by a veterinarian quickly, but not immediately. If you notice your lame dog, evaluate the situation first. Do you need to administer first aid of some kind? Is your dog able to stand or walk? Is there bleeding or swelling? How painful is your dog? Are there other signs of the disease ?

There are certain circumstances in which you should take the dog to the nearest veterinarian open immediately. You may need to go to an emergency veterinary clinic if this happens after hours. Be careful while getting your dog in the car.

If he is able to walk, you need to remove him to the car. If your dog is unable to walk, it is best to find help that leads to the car (unless it is too small). When moving an injured dog, be very careful. You can accidentally damage his injuries or cause unnecessary pain. You can also be bitten.

If possible, slide a sheet or blanket under it, followed by a cardboard or cardboard box to act as a stretcher. With the help of another person, slowly move your dog in the car and secure it in place if possible. If you are worried about moving your dog or need help finding the best way to move it, call a veterinary office for advice.

The following are possible emergency situations:

  • Your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to get up at all
  • Your dog is extremely painful (shaking, vocalizing and / or showing signs of fear or aggression )
  • Your dog is bleeding profusely (apply pressure to the wound on the way to the vet)
  • There is excessive swelling in one or more limbs
  • There is a visible fracture (broken bone)
  • Your dog is crawling one or more limbs or otherwise looks paralyzed (this can be a spinal problem that can progress rapidly and can become permanent if not treated immediately)
  • Your dog has a fever (temperature above 103.5 F)
  • Your dog is showing other signs that he is very ill, such as extreme lethargy, severe vomiting, etc.

If you notice anything else that worries you, you should contact a veterinary office for advice or just go to the veterinarian’s office. It is always better to err on the side of care when it comes to your dog’s health.

What to do if your dog is lame

If you notice that your dog is lame but you have decided it is not an emergency, there are a few things you can do to help your dog. If your dog will allow it, try to look more closely at the affected limb. Is there an area where your dog is licking? This can be the source of the problem. Gently treat the foot and leg, looking for cuts, sores, swelling, heat, soft spots, instability and other unusual signs. Look at the tail of the hand and between the legs to see if there is a foreign object stuck somewhere. Check for destroyed toenails. Gently manipulate the joints to check for softness or stiffness. You may feel or hear jaws (called crepitus) that may indicate arthritis.

If you find a small cut, clean it with a mild soap and lukewarm water (without hydrogen peroxide or alcohol).

You can apply an antiseptic ointment if you wish, but do what is safe for the animals, as most dogs will leave it. Large cuts should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can not tell how deep the incision is, you should get consideration soon for closer examination.

For slight swelling, you can apply ice (wrapped in a cloth) for 10-15 minutes if your dog will tolerate it. If the swelling persists after 12-24 hours, go to the veteran.

If your dog has a small object in his hand (like a small piece or piece of glass) you can try to remove it with tweezers, but be very careful! Your dog may bite from the pain and you do not want to hurt either. If you are able to pull the item, clean it afterwards as you will have a small cut. If you can not remove the item (or you are not embarrassed), go to the veteran for help.

In most cases of lameness, there will be no external signs. If this is the case for your dog and the noise is not heavy, try to keep him calm and comfortable. Encourage your dog to rest and do not take him for a walk or run. Do not allow your dog to exercise or jump. Avoid stairs (or carry up and down). For the wee vacation, pull the dog out of a short leash just to do his business. In all other cases, the rest of the coffee is the best plan, especially if you will not be home for part of the day. Alternatively, you can restrict your dog to a very small area. Provide a soft bed that is low to the ground. If the noise does not show improvement within 24-48 hours, bring your dog to the veteran for an exam.

Very important : Never give your dog over-medication unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen are toxic to dogs . Even aspirin can be harmful if used improperly. In addition, do not give prescription medications unless prescribed for your dog for this specific problem. Contact your veterinarian before giving any medicine.

Causes of Limping in Dogs

Limping the dog is caused by an injury or an illness .

Limping often indicates that your dog is in some sort of embarrassment. However, it can also mean that your dog is physically unable to move normally if he is in pain. There are many reasons for dogs to limp. Possible causes of lameness in dogs include the following:

  • Break or strain
  • Cut on foot or leg
  • Object stuck in the foot or legs
  • Thon nail
  • I bite from an animal or insect
  • arthritis
  • Fracture (broken bone)
  • Displacement, deflation, or subluxation of a joint
  • Ligament or extinct tendency
  • Panostitis (occurs in puppies, sometimes referred to as “growing pain”)
  • Cross Injury (affects one or both knees)
  • Patellar polish (affects one or both knees)
  • Hip dysplasia (affects one or both hind limbs)
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD can affect one or both shoulders)
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Intervertebral disc disease (dropped disc or disc herniation)
  • Infection (can be internal or external)
  • Immune-mediated polyarthritis
  • Debt sickness
  • Cancer (less common) often a bone tumor; some lung cancers can affect the front limbs
  • Congenital malformations
  • Other disorders of the muscles, nerve, bone or immune system

In some cases, the actual cause of the limping can not be determined. Your veterinarian will talk to you about options for diagnosing and treating your lame dog.

Veterinary Care for Limping Dog

When you take your dog to the vet to sit down, staff will start taking some information from you. They will ask how long the lameness has passed and if you have seen the original damage. They will ask other questions about your dog’s medical history. Provide as much information as you can about your lame history and medical history of your dog. If your dog’s noise is intermittent or is another abnormal aspect to walking, you may want to get a video to show the vet.

Next, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination . The vet will check on the body of your entire dog looking for possible causes of noise and simultaneous health issues. Radiography (x-ray) is usually recommended to look for fractures and other abnormalities in the limb. In some cases, calming is needed to get the best images. Your veterinarian may also recommend laboratory work.

It is important to understand that laboratory work is beneficial for several reasons. First, laboratory tests may not reveal any underlying problems that cause or contribute to the cramp. Or, there may be underlying problems that are not related to lameness but will make sedatives or dangerous medications. Some owners think that laboratory work is unnecessary and expensive . However, it is a very important tool that is ultimately worth the cost. Although it is your prerogative to reduce lab work, it may limit your veterinarian’s ability to diagnose and treat your dog (or make treatment more dangerous).

Treatment for the lame dog depends on the cause. Some limping will resolve on their own. In many cases, the first step in treatment involves rest and medication (especially if your veteran suspects a strain, arthritis, or minor issues). Some injuries and illnesses require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery (some fractures, severe cruciate ligament injuries, etc.).

Your veterinarian may recommend an advanced diagnosis and / or a second opinion from a veterinary specialist in the event of a major injury, disorder, or if your dog has been left undiagnosed that does not go away.