Soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salts to relieve swelling. Then apply antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin. For cut or torn foot pads and broken nails, control the bleeding and treat as described in the handouts "First Aid for Torn or Injured Foot Pads in Dogs" and "First Aid for Broken Nails in Dogs".
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.
Signs You Need to Head to the Emergency Veterinarian
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.
Sometimes limping will go away on its own, especially if you provide some at-home support like a brace. Other times limping may be a sign of a more serious injury or condition that will require veterinary intervention.
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.
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.
If lameness persists for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care.
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 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.
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.
Limping or lameness in dogs can range in concern from a minor bruise or object stuck in paw to a serious injury or condition. If your dog limps on and off, it may be due to joint pain common in older dogs, or it could be your dog's ability to mask pain.
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.
Long nails bend and catch on just about everything, causing both immediate and long term pain. It's important to examine your dog's nails and keep them adequately short to prevent pain and limping. Have your dog's nails trimmed regularly, but if one breaks seek veterinary care immediately.
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.
If your dog is limping all of a sudden, your dog has likely sustained some injury or trauma. This could range from the superficial, as a foreign object stuck in their paw or an insect bite, to deeper injuries, like a broken bone or a sprain. It's always best to seek veterinary care sooner rather than later.
If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has pulled a muscle, they will want to prescribe medication to help with the pain and inflammation. Usually, this includes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as carprofen (Rimadyl) or meloxicam (Metacam), and may include a muscle relaxer, such as methocarbamol.
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.
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.
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.
The biggest challenge most pet parents face is convincing their active and energetic canine companions to take it easy for the roughly six weeks it takes for a sprain to heal. If it doesn't fully heal, there's a risk of re-injury.
Cruciate ligament surgery (ACL surgery) for dogs costs between $2,000 and $6,000 per knee. A dog's cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is similar to a human's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which stabilizes the knee joint.