Why Is My Dog Limping?

When a pet with a normal gait suddenly starts limping, it means one of 2 things. The pet is painful or uncomfortable, something has happened affecting the normal motion of a joint, ligament or bone or both. Lameness in the hind end can include spinal issues, hip dysplasia, joint dislocations, fractures, torn or ruptured ligaments and tendons, soft tissue damage, torn toenails and cancer. Lameness in the front can include spinal issue, OCD (cartilage defect), elbow dysplasia, joint dislocations, fractures, soft tissue damage, torn toenails and cancer. Once the location of the problem is identified, recommendations can be made in order to more clearly define what needs to be done. Depending on the diagnosis treatment recommendations may include strict rest, anti-inflammatories and/or pain medications or surgery.