Many conditions can cause your dog to favor a limb, and since they can’t tell you where they hurt, locating the problem can be difficult. The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital team evaluates many limping dogs, and we present three cases that demonstrate different reasons why your dog may limp.

Case #1: The senior limping dog

Meet Gerald, a 9 year-old-Labrador retriever. Gerald started slowing down a few years ago, which his owner contributed to normal aging. Recently, he started limping on his right front limb and showing other signs, including stiffness after resting, difficulty navigating stairs, and frequent position changes when he rests on the floor.

On physical examination, our team found mild muscle wasting over Gerald’s right shoulder and decreased elbow range of motion. We suspected arthritis and X-rayed his elbow, and saw significant changes in and around the joint. Arthritis, which is common in senior pets but can also affect young pets, is a degenerative disease that causes deterioration of the protective cartilage in the joint and leads to significant joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis likely caused Gerard’s “slowing down” a few years ago. While the condition can’t be cured, several management options can improve your dog’s quality of life. These include:

  • Pain medication — Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are helpful to alleviate your dog’s pain and discomfort.
  • Weight loss — Excess weight exacerbates arthritis and the associated signs. If your dog is overweight, our team will devise a safe weight loss strategy to place less burden on their painful joints.
  • Physical rehabilitation — Controlled rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen surrounding muscles and increase joint mobility and range of motion.
  • Joint supplements — Joint supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3-fatty acids, can promote joint health.
  • Home management — Changes in your home can improve your arthritic dog’s quality of life. Recommendations include:
    • Providing soft, supportive bedding
    • Raising food and water dishes to elbow height
    • Ensuring your dog can easily access food and water dishes
    • Installing non-skid floor surfaces
    • Placing ramps or steps to your dog’s elevated resting areas
  • Surgery — In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate arthritis pain.

Case #2: The young limping dog

Celeste is a 1-year-old extremely energetic and active German shepherd, according to her owners. Over the last two weeks, she has occasionally limped on her left hind limb after resting. She also runs with a funny bunny-hopping gait. Celeste’s owners adopted her from a rescue, and have no information about her parents. 

Our team examined Celeste and encountered a squirmy, healthy adolescent dog. We administered a mild sedative and were able to further evaluate Celeste’s left hind limb. When we manipulated her left hip, she exhibited Ortolani’s sign, a test that indicates hip dysplasia. X-rays revealed mild arthritic changes in the hip.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common condition, especially in large- and giant-breed dogs. The hereditary condition is influenced by factors such as excessive growth rate, excessive exercise at a young age, and unbalanced nutrition. In some cases, canine hip dysplasia can be managed medically using the same medical arthritis management strategies. However, in many cases, surgery is the best option for your dog to have a normal, active life. Options depend on your dog’s age and condition, and include:

  • Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) — JPS can be performed as a preventive measure in puppies 10 to 18 weeks old. The procedure involves sealing the growth plate at the bottom of the pelvis to improve hip joint stability.
  • Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) — This procedure is best for dogs younger than 10 months of age with no X-ray evidence of arthritis. The veterinary surgeon cuts the pelvic bone in two or three places and rotates the segments to improve hip joint stability and function.
  • Total hip replacement (THR) — Dogs must be at least a year old to undergo a THR, which involves replacing the hip joint with metal and polyethylene implants.
  • Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) — An FHO can be performed at any age, but works best for dogs weighing less than 60 pounds. The procedure involves removing the femoral head to allow a false joint to develop, transferring the forces from the limb to the pelvis during movement.

Case #3: The active limping dog

Meet Sydney, a 3-year-old Australian shepherd who participates in Disc Dog competitions. During a recent event, Sydney yelped after catching the frisbee and landing in a twisted position, and immediately held up his left hind limb. He seemed to improve, but continued to favor the limb.

Our team evaluated Sydney’s limb and realized he had swelling from the inside of his knee down toward the foot. His knee also was unstable, and we could elicit a drawer sign, which is a test that indicates cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. The CCL is an important supporting structure in the dog’s knee, and CCL injury is the most common cause of hind end lameness in dogs. CCL rupture can occur in young athletic dogs, such as Sydney, but the condition is more common in older large-breed dogs, especially if they are overweight. CCL disease involves gradual ligament weakening, stretching, and partial tearing, and eventual rupture. If the joint is not stabilized, significant arthritis can develop, causing pain and decreased mobility. For small dogs or dogs who aren’t active, medical management may suffice, but dogs cannot return to their normal activity without surgery. The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is the most common procedure to correct a CCL rupture and dogs usually achieve full function three to four months after surgery. 

If your dog is favoring a limb, contact The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital team, so we can identify the cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan to get them back on all four feet as soon as possible.