You need to get your dog into the veterinarian or veterinary emergency room immediately if your dog shows any of the following signs of an emergency: Dangling limb (dislocation) Swelling. Hot limb.
Instead of attempting to self-diagnose your dogs injury, the only way to tell whether a dog has a sprain or a broken leg is to take the dog for a complete visual exam by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can then determine if x-rays are needed.
If the limp doesn't begin to resolve itself, is becoming worse, or is accompanied with whining or yelping, it's time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet. Your veterinarian has the training and knowledge to best determine the cause and severity of your pup's pain.
Clinical signs of muscle tears include pain on palpation (examination by touch during a physical exam) of the injured area, lameness or limping, swelling of the muscle, and bruising. The clinical signs may be difficult to detect if the tear is mild.
Unlike the ACL in people, in dogs, the cruciate ligament is load-bearing because a dog's leg remains bent while they are standing. If your dog's cruciate becomes injured or torn, your dog's knee will become unstable, reducing your pup's ability to run and walk normally and causing pain.
Dogs can sometimes recover from cruciate ligament damage without surgery, but you need to consider their age, their general health, and the severity of their injury. If left untreated, a partially torn or ruptured cruciate ligament can improve within three to six weeks for most dogs, especially small ones.
Should I take my dog to the vet if they're limping? Take your dog to the vet's office immediately if they can't put any weight on their leg, show extreme pain (this could include crying out), have swelling or injury and are reluctant to move or eat. If your pup is still limping after a day, take them to the vet.
Contact your vet as soon as you can if you discover something painful. If you think your dog is limping because of inflammation, alternate between ice and heat packs to lower the level of swelling and discomfort. Call your veterinarian to ask them when you should be applying the packs.
If the limp doesn't resolve itself within 48 hours, becomes worse, or if your pup is whining or yelping, it's time to call your vet to book an examination for your pet. Your veterinarian is best equipped to determine the cause and severity of your dog's pain.
A dog with a broken leg will hold its leg in midair, whine or cry, and resist your attempts to touch the damaged limb. The acute pain will not lessen until the fracture has been properly set by a veterinarian.
A simple rule of thumb to help determine the severity of the injury is that most dogs will not walk on a broken leg, torn ligament, or dislocated joint. A good exam requires two people: one to examine the leg and one to restrain the dog. Dogs that are in pain may bite, even people they love so be cautious.
If your dog shows any of the following symptoms while limping, it's time for an emergency room visit: Dragging one or more limbs on the ground. Sudden inability or unwillingness to move. Extreme lethargy.
While they will be lying down for an extended period, you may still want to provide them with some support that limits how much they can bend their sprained joint. That is when you would want to use a soft splint or wrap like the Walkin' Wrist Hugger or Walkin' Hock Hugger.
If your puppy is limping but still playing, this is probably a sign of a superficial injury. Superficial injuries can include: Cuts or scrapes from stepping on something sharp. Burns from stepping on the hot pavement.
Treatment for Mild Cases of Dog Limping
In some cases, pain relief and rest may be all that is needed. Veterinarians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for mild to moderate pain, such as: Carprofen. Deracoxib.
Common medications used in the management of pain related to dog limping include the NSAID family of drugs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) such as carprofen, meloxicam, firocoxib, and deracoxib.
Symptoms of a Sprained Leg in Dogs
It's possible for the limp to go away on its own within a day if the injury is mild. On the other hand, if your dog can't use their leg or move around for more than a day, or if this happens chronically, we recommend scheduling a visit with your veterinarian.
In general, gradual onset limps in dogs are caused by an underlying, chronic or degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or dysplasia. Sudden onset limps, on the other hand, are usually caused by an injury or trauma. Just because your dog has a gradual limp does not mean you should put off making an appointment.
Can I walk my dog if it has a limp? You should rest your dog for at least two days if you notice a limp. Rest means lead exercise only and short 5 -10 minute walks at a time.
What Are the Treatment Costs for Your Limping Dog? When you go to the vet, you will typically pay the cost of the office visit ranging from $50 – $250, depending on your vet. X-rays, bloodwork, and other diagnostic costs could add at least a few hundred dollars to your total.
Signs from a canine ligament injury can be very similar to other leg injuries. Dogs with torn ligaments will show noticeable changes in their activity levels and mobility. They may become less active or seem reluctant to play. When dogs are in pain, they are less apt to exercise voluntarily and may sleep more.
While surgery is most often viewed as the best treatment of cranial cruciate ligament tears, there are non-surgical treatment options. These include activity restriction, anti-inflammatories, rehab, and custom knee braces.
An acute dog cruciate ligament injury can be suddenly painful. But that pain and limping usually subside over a few days. On the other hand, chronic dog cruciate ligament tear injuries will be slowly painful as the pet's body starts to lay down new bone to stabilize the ailing, painful knee joint.