Limping

Lameness, limping, or the favoring of one or more legs, is a relatively common problem in dogs.  Sometimes the cause of the problem is as simple as a pulled muscle, sprain, or strain.  This type of minor injury can often be treated simply with rest and anti-inflammatory medications available from your veterinarian.  However, sometimes the cause of the lameness can be more serious, including fractured bones, torn ligaments, arthritis, tick-borne disease, or even a bone tumor.

One of the more common ligament injuries seen in dogs is the tearing of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament of the knee.  This ligament is known as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, in people.  A torn Cruciate ligament often produces pronounced lameness of the affected hind limb.  This type of injury will not heal on its own, but can be repaired surgically.

Smaller dogs can be predisposed to patellar luxation.  This is a condition in which the knee cap pops out of its normal position.  Some mildly affected dogs have few clinical signs.  Others will favor one or both hind legs occasionally.  Mildly affected dogs can be managed non-surgically, with medications and supplements to help prevent degenerative changes in the affected joint.  More severely affected dogs require surgery to stabilize the joint.

Arthritis is a very common problem in older dogs.  Even young dogs can develop arthritis, particularly if they have any predisposing conditions, such as hip dysplasia.  Arthritis is best managed with multi-modal therapy.  It is very important that a dog with arthritis be kept in good body condition, as extra weight adds more stress to the joints.  Two supplements which can be useful are Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Adequan.  Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements are given orally on a daily basis, and act by strengthening the cartilage and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.  Adequan is a supplement which is given as an injection on a weekly or twice-monthly basis.  It not only improves functioning of arthritic dogs, but is thought to be the only medication that can actually preserve the remaining cartilage within the joints over time.  Additionally, several medications can be useful depending on the patient.  Canine-specific NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can decrease pain and are therapeutic as well, acting to decrease inflammation in the joints.  Other medications include opioid pain medications, and sometimes even a type of anti-convulsant medication can bring relief in more severe cases. 

Fortunately, bone tumors are not as common as arthritis.  However, in middle-aged to older, especially larger breed dogs, bone tumors are something we need to rule out when a dog becomes lame.  While not all bone tumors are noticeable to the touch, most are readily diagnosed with x-rays of the affected limb.  There are options available for keeping your pet more comfortable after such a diagnosis has been made.

Lyme disease in dogs commonly infects the joints, causing lameness in one or more limbs.  Lyme Disease can be severe if not treated, but treatment with antibiotics can clear the infection.  It is important that treatment be started in a timely manner to prevent other complications associated with Lyme disease, such as kidney dysfunction.

Given the wide array of problems that can cause limping, it is important to see your veterinarian if your dog begins to limp or show signs of discomfort when walking.