Causes of Limping in Dogs

During the doggie life, certain dogs break bones, sprain muscles, tear ligaments, or slip discs all of which can result in sudden onset of limping in dogs. Torn knee ligaments occur frequently in dogs while muscle strains are less common, but when that happens dogs find it difficult to climb even the stairs. There are certain minor problems that do not require a veterinarian visit, but always keep a good watch on things that can lead to serious problems in dogs due to the limping behavior.

Let us now look at some of the signs that point out that the doggie is suffering from a major medical condition while limping.

• Bobble their head while walking
• Drawing back when touched
• Drooling
• Excessive panting
• Holding up a paw
• Lack of appetite
• Shifting the weight off one of the legs to another leg
• Sitting or lying down on one side of their body
• Stumbling
• Taking smaller steps
• Vigilant while going up and down the stairs

If the dog is showing either of the signs mentioned above, then there can be several causes for the limping behavior. Some of them are:

Arthritis and degenerative joint problems

Arthritis can cause sudden limp in dogs due to excessive pressure on the joints. Hence, if you find any symptoms of arthritis take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. Hip dysplasia is a serious condition that is more prevalent in large and giant breed dogs.

Fractures and dislocation

Fractures and dislocations can result in a lot of joint pain in dogs that can also cause limping. If the dog is not putting any weight on the leg inspect for bruises, deformed areas, bone protrusion or discoloration. If you see any of these symptoms on the dog's leg; rush to the veterinarian immediately.

Infections

Even infections can cause limping in dogs. Always ensure that there is no sign of punctures, breaks or scratches in the skin of the dog. The skin should not be red, runny, tender, crusty and/or foul smelling. The pads of the dog should not have any cuts, stones, nails, glass, thorns or silvers. If you find that the dog is feverish which can be felt when you touch the site of the wound and it is warm it can indicate infection. Clean the area with a disinfectant. If the wound looks critical rush to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will prescribe some antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Long nails

If the nails of the paws are not cut regularly; it can cause discomfort in dogs, which results in limping. Hence, regularly trim the nails of the dog.

Obesity

An obese dog exerts lot of stress on their joints which causes the limping. If the overweight dog falls off or jump from a high spot it can lead to severe injuries to them. Feed him less food so that the extra weight sheds off. Restrict the number of treats. Have a regular exercise regimen for the doggie in fact; more exercise can result in limbering up the muscles and joints of the dog. Change the diet of the dog after consulting with the veterinarian.

Tick bites

Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and Rickettsial disease. Lyme disease causes the joints to swell the joints slowly but gradually. It is found in more than one leg in dogs. If the dog limps on and off then it may be a case of Lyme disease and the bad news is that it cannot be cured. Rickettsial disease is contracted from fleas, ticks or lice bites. It affects the joints of the dog. See the veterinarian immediately in either of the cases.

Having a dog myself and a successful work experience at VetSupply makes me feel obligated to educate fellow dog owners about different dog care tips. I have come across different types of dog problems during my professional life; and so in this write-up, I have utilized all my experience and enumerated some key pointers that can cause limping in dogs.

Article By : Taya Burnett