4 Common Causes for Limping in Dogs

A limping dog can’t tell what’s wrong with it, so it does the only thing it can: Make it as obvious as possible until you have no choice but to rush them to our emergency veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi for an exam.

Pet parents who aren’t medical experts consider vets their most valuable resource during these times, and for good reason. Do your homework before visiting us by learning the differences between acute and chronic dog limping.

Acute vs. Chronic Dog Limping

Acute and chronic limping, or gradual and sudden onset limping, are the two types most canines experience. While chronic limps are less noticeable initially and get worse over a long period, sudden limps come out of nowhere. These usually happen after an accident, fall, or fight with other animals.

On the other hand, gradual onset limping is caused by a longstanding, possibly degenerative condition, such as a bone tumor or osteoarthritis. As this condition progresses, the dog limping grows more pronounced. Since such chronic illnesses can be painful, if not life-threatening, you must bring your dog to our 24-hour emergency vet in Abu Dhabi sooner rather than later for a proper diagnosis.

The sooner you seek treatment, the higher their chances of beating the following causes.

1. Physical Injury

Physical injury is one of the most common causes behind limping. Suppose your dog has recently been in a car accident or partaken in some doggy sports. In that case, it might have experienced an internal, if not external, trauma or musculoskeletal injury, hence the pronounced limp.

Below are some of the most common canine injuries characterized by limping:

• Fractures
• Shattered bones
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocated joints
• Joint trauma
• Torn ligaments

The injury doesn’t have to occur in their limbic region. The mild to severe limp could be due to a spinal injury. The above injuries could prevent your dog from putting weight on that leg, leading to a limping gait. In any case, make sure your pet is well-rested before their appointment by pacing their physical activity.  

If you have a puppy and can’t rush them to our emergency veterinary clinic, limit its physical activity by keeping it still for about 15 minutes. It might cry for about a third of that time but will eventually calm down and let you pet it. If it cannot put weight on its leg after 15 minutes, seek medical attention.

2. Primary Bone Disease

Some vets, including us, would argue that a fracture is a primary bone disease. However, in this instance, we mean bone cancer and inflammation, a tad more serious than a fracture.

Chronic illnesses like osteosarcoma, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and panosteitis can make walking difficult for large-breed puppies and adult dogs. They also require an early diagnosis to slow down their progress and give your dog a better chance at survival.

Since gradual onset dog limping could indicate any of these diseases, you must bring them to a professional who will inquire about other symptoms to make a diagnosis. For instance, osteosarcoma is also characterized by the following:

• Weight loss
• Diminished appetite
• Lethargy

3. A Possible Paw Laceration

Have you ever stepped on a piece of glass--or Lego if you have kids? The pain of getting stabbed in the foot by something with pointed edges is unreal for humans and canines. It could be that your dog isn’t putting one or more paws on the ground while walking because something is stuck under its paws.

Your dog walks bare-paw most of the time, so it must come in contact with several objects, including glass shards, nails, thorns and spines from plants and animals, wooden sticks, and, in rarer instances, stinging flies. A paw injury can cause a dog to limp and get infected if not treated promptly. If you find your dog licking its paw more frequently, it’s most likely hurt its paw.

4. Degenerative Joint Conditions

A degenerative joint condition could cause wearing and tearing in your dog’s musculoskeletal system. Limping is the most obvious sign of worn-out joints; it could be a symptom of chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, patellar luxation, ligament issues, disk disease, and dysplasia.

Bring your dog to Pet Pavilion in Abu Dhabi when you notice them limping. If a degenerative joint condition isn’t caught in time, it could seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. While sarcoma has a poor prognosis in canines, it’s important to ease their pain as much as possible.

The same goes for an injury; would you rather your dog be in excruciating pain when you have our traditional, alternative, and regenerative treatments so close to home? Get them the help they need at our all-pets dental clinic in Abu Dhabi.

Contact us for more information and options.  

Dog limping could be a symptom of an injury, trauma, or illness. Know what to expect by discovering these probable causes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the first thing I should do if I notice my dog limping?

It's advisable to inspect your dog's leg and paw gently for any visible signs of injury, such as swelling, cuts, or foreign objects lodged in the paw. If the limping persists or if your dog appears to be in pain, schedule a visit to our veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi for a professional examination.

How is acute dog limping different from chronic dog limping?

Acute dog limping occurs suddenly, often due to an accident, fall, or injury, while chronic limping develops gradually over time, usually as a result of a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or bone cancer.

Can a physical injury lead to chronic limping in dogs?

Yes, if a physical injury isn't treated promptly or adequately, it could potentially lead to chronic conditions such as joint instability or arthritis, resulting in chronic limping.

Is limping a sign of bone disease in dogs?

Limping could be a sign of primary bone disease such as osteosarcoma, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, or panosteitis. It's crucial to have a vet examine your dog if limping is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, diminished appetite, or lethargy.

What should I do if I suspect a paw laceration?

Inspect the paw for foreign objects, cuts, or swelling. Gently clean the area with warm water. If the object is deeply embedded or if the cut is severe, it's best to take your dog to the vet for professional care.

Are degenerative joint conditions treatable?

While some degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis are not curable, they can be managed with the right treatment plan. Early intervention can help alleviate pain and improve your dog's quality of life.

How can Pet Pavilion in Abu Dhabi assist with my dog's limping issue?

At Pet Pavilion, we offer a range of traditional, alternative, and regenerative treatments to address limping and other musculoskeletal issues in dogs. Our experienced veterinarians can provide a thorough examination and develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your dog's unique needs.

How can I book an appointment at Pet Pavilion?

Booking an appointment is simple.

Contact us for more information.

If your dog's limping issue is an emergency, feel free to rush them to our veterinary emergency clinic in Abu Dhabi.

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