Whatever the scenario, if a dog's limp hasn't resolved in a week or two, it's time for a veterinarian to figure out what is going on. A chronic limp is almost never an emergency, but you should make the appointment as soon as possible.
If your dog's limp isn't severe, you can monitor your pup's progress at home over 24-48 hours. That said, it's typically better to be safe than sorry, and scheduling an appointment with your vet may help to pinpoint the cause of your dog's limp so that the underlying condition can be treated effectively.
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.
Causes For Limping In Dogs
Strains or tears (ligaments, tendons, muscles) Something painful stuck in their paw. Insect bite or sting. Trauma, such as broken bones.
Make sure you limit your dog's activity if he's limping. Don't take your pup on walks until the limping clears up, and don't allow him to jump up on furniture or walk up or down stairs. You may need to confine your pup to his crate for rest, especially if you won't be home.
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 has a sudden limp after exercise or an outing and the limping is mild, you may be able to simply monitor your dog over a day or two to see if the limp improves. If the limping does not improve or is in conjunction with other symptoms, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
A dog limping but not crying or showing other signs of pain should still be taken seriously. Dogs are tougher than you think, and just because your dog isn't howling in pain doesn't mean there isn't any pain. It would be best if you still got your dog to a vet for a check-up.
If your dog is limping but no pain, it is likely that a strain or sprain has occurred. Your dog may limp but continue to act, run and play as normal; however, pay close attention when your dog lands when running and jumping, as they will likely wince when they land on the injured foot.
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.
Overexertion. Dogs can get muscle and joint soreness just like their human counterparts, especially after a session of more than usual exercise. Usually, this kind of dog limping will only be mild, and they will recover from their soreness within a few days.
If your pup is still limping after a day, take them to the vet. “I can't emphasize enough that lameness is a sign of pain,” Dr. Devitt says. Limping isn't a typical behavior (even after a long day at the park) and should be recognized as your pup needing care.
Be prepared for a minimum recovery time frame of four to six weeks. The road to recovery for your pet must be a slow one. The prognosis is good, though sporting or working dogs may not recover to the level of ability present before the injury.
If your pet is limping but not showing any signs of pain, it is still worth contacting your vet for advice. Because dogs can't speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they're in pain, whether it be as a result of injury or an underlying issue.
In many cases, the first step of treatment includes rest and medication (especially if your vet suspects a sprain/strain, arthritis, or minor issue). Certain injuries and diseases require more aggressive treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery (some fractures, major cruciate injuries, etc.).
Things to look for when a muscle is pulled are muscle spasms, weakness, cramping, and immobility, as well as pain, bruising, and swelling.
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.
Most of the time, NSAIDs are safe, effective medications to help dogs with pain when given as prescribed. It's important to monitor your pet closely for side effects and signs of toxicity. Veterinary intervention is needed in an overdose situation or if your pet is not tolerating the medication well.
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.
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.
How do we diagnose a torn CCL? A thorough physical exam and palpation of the knee is often enough to diagnose this condition. But if a patient is especially anxious or tense, the veterinarian will be unable to palpate the knee thoroughly and will take x-rays to get a clearer picture of the knee.
Yes, it's possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Dogs without treatment or surgical intervention will adapt over time. Over the next few months after the injury, their body will begin to heal and adjust on its own.
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.
Check for any unusual lumps or bulges in their leg, which can indicate a broken bone or a dislocation. You can also gently palpate your dog's leg. If you feel any places that are abnormally tender or seem to indicate a lack of continuity in the bone, these signs could also indicate a broken bone.