Some dogs limp dramatically with the slightest injury, while others only exhibit slight lameness when they have a significant problem. In all cases, limping indicates pain, which typically is caused by an underlying problem. The Commonwealth Animal Care team knows that watching your dog limp can be heartbreaking and scary, but we’re here to help you get to the root cause of your furry pal’s problem. Here are the top reasons why dogs limp and what to do if it happens to your pooch.

#1: Osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis affects most dogs at some point in their lives, typically developing in large dogs at a younger age than in smaller dogs. This is an inflammatory condition associated with aging, wear and tear, or previous injuries or surgery, and leads to pain and decreased mobility. Arthritis usually has a slow onset and progresses over time, but many different treatments are available to improve quality of life.

#2: Developmental orthopedic issues in dogs

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas (i.e., floating kneecaps), and osteochondritis dissecans are examples of developmental orthopedic disorders that may cause a dog to limp. Dogs with these conditions are born with them, but they may not develop pain or lameness until later in life when arthritis occurs secondarily. Another condition called panosteitis can occur in young, growing, large-breed dogs and cause pain in the long bones of the legs. However, it will resolve once the dog finishes their growth spurt.

#3: Soft tissue injuries in dogs

The most common soft tissue injury that causes limping is a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the knee. These commonly result from the ligament deteriorating over time and then tearing after a minor trauma, such as jumping into the car or stepping in a hole. CCL injuries often require surgery to repair. Other soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and various forms of tendonitis, are common in working, sporting, and active young pets.

#4: Trauma and fractures in dogs

Major trauma, such as a fall from a height or a vehicle collision, can cause injuries to soft tissues, bones, joints, and major nerves. Always visit an emergency veterinary hospital after your dog suffers a major trauma to evaluate their limbs and ensure they aren’t suffering from other serious injuries, such as internal bleeding. 

#5: Inflammatory disease in dogs

Autoimmune polyarthritis is a disease of the immune system that causes swelling and inflammation of multiple joints. Like many autoimmune diseases, polyarthritis develops in dogs with an underlying genetic predisposition, but it could be triggered by another illness, stress, or immune issue. Diagnosis can be made by analyzing joint fluids and ruling out infectious causes. Treatment includes steroids and other immune-suppressive drugs.

#6: Systemic infections in dogs

Fungal, bacterial, and tick-borne infections often affect the joints, causing swelling, pain, and a limp that seems to travel from one leg to another (i.e., shifting-leg lameness). Diagnosis requires blood testing and possibly joint fluid analysis, and treatments are directed at the underlying infection.

#7: Paw and paw pad injuries in dogs

Foreign bodies, such as thorns, can become embedded in your furry pal’s paw or paw pads and cause an acute limp that appears after an outdoor adventure. Similarly, cuts or abrasions on the paw pads also can cause a limp. Removing the foreign body and caring for any wounds usually results in a quick recovery. Sometimes sutures, antibiotics, or bandages are necessary.

#8: Neurological diseases in dogs

Some neurological diseases, most often degenerative myelopathy, cause weakness or paralysis in the limbs. Spinal cord compression from a herniated disc or tumor also can cause similar signs. A visit to the neurologist or an MRI may be required to definitively diagnose these issues. Treatments vary but are typically supportive, providing pain relief and accommodations for immobility.

#9: Bone cancer in dogs

Middle-aged and older large-breed dogs are prone to a bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which can occur in the long bones of the limbs. This cancer grows quickly, and, depending on the location, you may or may not notice a lump. Dogs with osteosarcoma can feel extreme pain and refuse to bear weight on the affected limb. The tumor site also will feel tender to the touch. Unfortunately, this cancer responds poorly to treatment, but amputation can provide pain relief.

What to do if your dog starts limping

What you do after noticing your dog’s limp depends on several factors, including how severe the limp appears, whether your pet is showing signs of other illnesses or pain, and how long the limp has been present. In most cases, you can call us to schedule the next available appointment and help your dog rest the injured limb at home in the meantime. Resist the urge to give your pet over-the-counter pain medications because these can be toxic and cause more harm than good.

Contact your nearest emergency or urgent veterinary care center if your dog’s limping is severe, they show other signs of illness or pain, including lethargy, appetite change, or refusal to move around, they have an obvious fracture or have sustained a known trauma, or if you see significant swelling.

During your pet’s visit to our clinic or the emergency hospital, X-rays may be ordered to help rule out fractures and tumors, examine joints and angles, and look for visible soft tissue swelling. Your pet’s veterinary team also will perform a complete physical, orthopedic, and neurological examination and may order blood or urine tests to rule out infections.

Our Commonwealth Animal Care veterinary team is standing by to advise you on the best course of action if your dog sustains an injury or starts limping for any reason. Contact us to schedule a visit or if you have questions about the severity or complexity of the condition causing your dog’s lameness.