Reasons Why Your Dog Limps

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Dogs are no different than humans about limping around. The only difference is that dogs can't verbally tell the vet or us why they need to limp. We humans have to speak for them after we figure out why they are limping. Your vet is your most valuable resource. Guessing the reason yourself is not the answer. 

At little common sense goes a long way. Be able to tell your vet about the dog's symptoms. Was it a gradual or sudden onset of limping. Gradual limps happen slowly, for example, he or she might limp today and not tomorrow. A sudden limp usually occurs after injury or trauma and of course you will notice your dog was not limping, but now suddenly he or she limps. Gradual limps meaning limps today and not tomorrow, but limps again next week and so on probably indicates a chronic underlying and degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or dysplasia. Only your vet can determine the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Don't be alarmed just because your dog gradually limps. However, you should make a vet appointment if you notice it happening even if just on occasion. As with humans most dog conditions can be treated more successfully when caught early. Other reasons your dog might limp could be due to cancer or hip dysplasia. Generally speaking it is better to schedule a vet appointment for a limp that lasts more than a few minutes. 

How do you determine whether this is an emergency or something that can wait until a scheduled vet appointment? If you notice a gradual limp or even a sudden limp that does not seem to be bothering your dog a whole lot, you can usually wait a few hours and watch your dog closely to see what occurs next. The limp may resolve or heal on its own. Of course broken bones or dislocated joints require immediate care. Here are some emergency symptoms to look out for that require a trip to the vet as soon as possible or even to the vet emergency room: 

• Any limb that seems dislocated from the body, such as a dangling limb
• Swelling
• A hot limb
• An obvious break or your dog holding a limb at an angle

Wait for about 15 minutes if your dog or puppy becomes acutely lame; they are likely to cry or yell. You might see them perfectly normal after that time and save yourself a trip to the vet. This is especially true of puppies. If after 15 minutes they are still lame or cannot bear weight on a limb, you should see a vet.

Some of the reasons why your dog limps include:

1. Injury or sudden trauma
2. Bone disease
3. Cancer
4. Osteoarthritis
5. Hip dysplasia
6. Elbow dysplasia
7. Lyme Disease