As a pet parent, noticing that your canine companion is limping can be a worrying experience. Whether it’s a sudden change after an active day or a slow, progressive limp that’s become more noticeable over time, dog limping can signal various underlying issues. From minor injuries to serious conditions, a limp is your dog’s way of showing that something isn’t quite right.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of limping, differentiate between front and back leg limping, discuss when to seek veterinary help, and provide some ways you can help your dog at home.
What Does Limping Look Like in Dogs?
Limping in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the affected leg. A limp might look like your dog favoring one leg, holding up a paw, moving with a stiff or uneven gait, or even refusing to put weight on the leg entirely.
Limping can be mild, where a dog may only show subtle changes in how they walk, or more pronounced, like holding up the leg entirely, making it obvious that they’re avoiding weight on a certain limb.
A dog limping on a front leg often shifts their weight back to avoid pressure on the affected limb. If it’s a back leg, you may notice them raising that leg slightly or “hopping” with the remaining legs.
Limping can also look different based on whether it’s due to pain or structural problems. For instance, a dog with a painful paw injury might lick at their paw or hesitate to place it down, while a dog with a bone or joint issue might walk stiffly or refuse to move at all.
Why Is My Dog Limping? 12 Possible Causes
Limping in dogs can result from various causes, ranging from mild injuries to more serious health concerns. Here are some common reasons dogs limp:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of limping in middle aged and older dogs, especially large breeds. It occurs when joint cartilage wears down, causing discomfort and stiffness in the affected limbs.
Hip Dysplasia or Elbow Dysplasia
Common in certain breeds, hip dysplasia and/or elbow dysplasia occurs when the hip or elbow joints don’t develop properly, leading to wear and tear and subsequent limping. Elbow dysplasia affects the front legs, while hip dysplasia affects the rear legs.
Luxating Patella(s)
Luxating patella, or “floating kneecap,” is often seen in small breeds and causes intermittent back leg limping. The kneecap slips out of place, which can lead to pain and instability.
Bone Fractures
Trauma, such as being hit by a car or jumping awkwardly, can result in bone fractures. Dogs with fractures usually show an obvious limp, along with other signs of trauma such as bruising and swelling, and may avoid placing any weight on the leg.
Sprains and Strains
Active dogs, especially those who love to run and jump, can strain or sprain their muscles and ligaments. Sprains often lead to noticeable limping, especially after play.
Paw Injuries
Injuries to the paw, including cuts, splinters, or torn nails, are common causes of limping. A dog with a swollen paw or visible discomfort when placing weight on it may have an injury to that area.
Bee Stings and Insect Bites
Dogs love to explore, and sometimes, they encounter bees or insects that bite or sting. Bee stings on the paw can cause sudden limping, swelling, and tenderness.
Tick Borne Disease (e.g. Lyme Disease)
Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause joint pain and intermittent lameness. Dogs with Lyme disease might have limping that seems to come and go, often shifting between legs.
Nail Injuries
Broken or torn nails, as well as ingrown toenails, can lead to limping, particularly if the injury affects the nail bed. Your dog might lick at the paw or avoid putting pressure on the affected leg.
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can cause severe and progressive limping in dogs, especially large and giant breeds. This is often associated with pain and requires prompt veterinary care.
Torn Ligaments
A common injury in active, large breed dogs, in the back leg, is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to an ACL injury in humans. This can cause sudden limping, swelling, and reluctance to put weight on the leg.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
A slipped disc in your dog’s back can put pressure on the spinal cord and occasionally cause lameness in the front or back legs depending on which intervertebral disc is affected. Dogs with IVDD may also have a weak or wobbly gait and/or a hunched posture.
Front Leg Vs. Back Leg Limping in Dogs
Limping can appear differently depending on which leg is affected:
- Front Leg Limping: Front leg limping is often due to issues in the shoulders, elbows, or paws. Injuries like sprains, fractures, elbow dysplasia, or shoulder instability can lead to front leg limping. In some cases, arthritis affects the elbow, especially in larger breeds.
- Back Leg Limping: Back leg limping is commonly associated with hip issues, ligament injuries, or knee problems. Conditions like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and CCL tears are frequent causes of hind limb lameness.
Back leg limping may look different, with a dog holding up their leg or hopping, while front leg limping may show as a head nod with each step to avoid pressure on the sore leg. Generally, back leg issues like ligament tears can be more severe than some front leg injuries and may require more extensive treatment.
Should You Worry About Dog Limping?
While not all cases of limping are serious, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s behavior and any signs that may accompany the limp. Consider the following scenarios:
When to Seek Immediate Care
If your dog is not putting any weight on the leg, the limping is accompanied by shaking, panting, or whining, or you notice swelling, an emergency vet visit is recommended. Severe limping, especially if accompanied by sudden changes in behavior, can signal a fracture, a ligament tear, or significant pain.
When to Make an Appointment
If the limp is mild but persistent or recurrent, it’s worth scheduling a visit to your veterinarian. Limping that lasts more than 24 hours, even if your dog doesn’t seem painful otherwise, could indicate an issue requiring medical attention.
If Your Dog Isn’t Showing Signs of Pain
Limping in and of itself is a sign of pain. Your dog wouldn’t limp if their normal gait did not cause them discomfort. So even if your dog seems comfortable, it’s still wise to have a persistent limp evaluated. Conditions like arthritis or minor ligament injuries may not cause visible pain but can worsen without treatment.
Diagnosing and Treating the Cause of Dog Limping
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, diagnosing the cause of limping usually starts with a physical examination. In addition to watching your pet walk and/or jog, your vet may palpate (gently press) the affected area to identify pain points or swelling. Your vet may also flex and extend individual joints to help pinpoint the source of pain or discomfort.
Your veterinarian may also recommend certain diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your dog’s limping. Radiographs (aka X-rays) are often used to look for fractures, arthritis, or other structural issues. In some cases, advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans may be needed, especially for joint or ligament injuries. If an infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, is suspected, blood work can help confirm a diagnosis. Lastly, for certain joint-related issues, your vet may perform a joint fluid analysis to look for inflammation or infection.
Treatment of dog limping depends on the diagnosis and can range from rest and anti-inflammatory medications to surgery. Common treatments include:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers may be prescribed for arthritis or minor injuries. Antibiotics are used for infections, and specific treatments are available for conditions like Lyme disease.
- Rest: Keeping your dog from putting weight on the affected limb can help the healing process. Reducing activity can help prevent the issue from worsening.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises or water therapy can be helpful, especially for dogs recovering from injuries or surgeries.
- Surgery: In severe cases, such as fractures, cruciate ligament tears, or hip dysplasia, surgery may be recommended to stabilize the joint or correct the underlying issue.
Other Ways to Support a Limping Dog
In addition to veterinary treatment, there are supportive measures you can take to help your dog recover and stay comfortable, such as:
- Provide Orthopedic Bedding: Comfortable, supportive bedding can relieve pressure on sore joints and help your dog rest.
- Manage Weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can reduce strain on their joints, especially for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
- Modify Exercise: Engage in gentle activities like slow, controlled walks or water therapy, which is easier on the joints and can aid recovery.
- Home Adjustments: Consider adding non-slip rugs or treads, especially if your home has hardwood or tile floors, to prevent slipping and falls.
- Follow Veterinary Rest Instructions: Crate rest or limited movement might be necessary for dogs recovering from surgery or a severe injury. This can prevent reinjury and speed up healing.
Conclusion
Limping in dogs can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a more serious issue. Understanding the possible causes of limping, when to seek veterinary help, and how to support your dog at home can make a big difference in their recovery and long-term comfort. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian, as early intervention can often lead to a better outcome for your furry friend.
