What to do for a dog who is limping?
In a typical plan to treat strains and sprains, your vet may tell you to:
- Give your dog nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation.
- Apply an ice pack or heating pad.
- Make sure your dog rests.
- Walk your dog on a leash, taking it slowly at first.
Why is my dog limping on his back leg?
Probably the most common cause of a middle-aged dog who suddenly starts limping on a back leg is a ruptured cruciate ligament. The loss of the ligament causes the knee to become unstable and painful when the dog attempts to put weight on it. In nearly every case these dogs require surgery to return to full function.
When to take your dog to the vet for a limp?
Even though it may seem fine, your dog is experiencing pain if it is limping. You should try to see the vet immediately if your dog has any of the following symptoms: Please note: it is not always possible to determine the exact cause of a dog’s limping without seeing the vet.
Why does my dog have a limp at 2 years old?
Puppies of large breeds may develop a limp between two months and two years of age, often because they grow too fast, putting extra strain on the bones, cartilage and muscle. Sometimes diet aggravates the problem. Diet problems include too many calories, high protein intake, or the incorrect proportions of calcium and phosphorus.
Why does my German Shepherd limp from leg to leg?
Honourable mention must also go to panosteitis, a common cause of lameness in dogs such as German Shepherds and other young, large-breeds. Panosteitis is characterised by limping that changes from leg to leg, comes and goes, and responds to antiinflammatories.
Why is my dog limping but showing no sign of pain?
This will be especially true if they pull or cower away from you when your attempt to touch their front legs or back legs when limping is involved.
What causes a dog to walk with a limp?
Some conditions cause gradual wear and tear on joints and the musculoskeletal system. This leads to limping. Osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, ligament disease, intervertebral disk disease, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) all can cause limping on any of the affected limbs.
When to call the vet if your dog is limping?
When in doubt about your dog’s condition, call your vet or a nearby after-hours clinic for advice. When dogs have mild limps or problems affecting multiple legs, it can be difficult to determine which leg they are favoring.
What should I do if my dog’s front leg is limping?
For front leg limping, you may want to rub your pet’s chest to help them stay calm and show trust by keeping your hand in a place that they can see it. For back leg limping, you can spend extra time gently touching around the tail area, and also on the top of the lower back.