Canine limping is a very common thing and the peculiar thing is that it is not only due to old age that this problem is caused. There are hosts of other medical reasons like trauma to subtle chronic conditions. Even a slight leg limp can be signs that your pooch is suffering from a life threatening condition like a malignant tumor. Let us now look at some of the injuries that can cause limping in dogs:
Soft Tissue Injury
This is one of the most prevalent reasons for dog limping. This can include muscle pulls, minor traumas and sprains. They are not very serious and can be treated with adequate rest for a couple of days and analgesic.
Arthritis
If your pooch finds it difficult to get up after lying or sitting after some time or trouble climbing stairs, getting in and out of the bed then it can be due to canine arthritis. If you have a large breed dog, then there is also a probability of having hip dysplasia.
Footpad Or Paw Injuries
If you see cuts at the foot pad of the dog check for splinters or other foreign objects embedded in the footpad or between the toes. Look for broken claws. If you see the signs of swelling or other possible signs of infection in the whole area, it can be due to paw injuries. Due to extreme weather conditions there can be a possibility of painful cracks in the tissue of the footpad that can result in dog limping.
Closed Fracture
These injuries encompass bone fractures where the skin is unbroken. They cannot be observed in the first glance because the leg might not look deformed or twisted.
Compound Fractures
This is a very critical type of fracture where the broken bone punctures the skin. This can cause life-threatening infections to the bones.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament unites the bones of the joints together. When they get injured the stability of the joint gets compromised or destroyed, the dog's limping will get gradually worse over time.
Tumors
Limping can even be caused due to tumors in or on the bones or in the brain or central nervous system. If you find your doggy suffering from these symptoms accompanied by limping then it can be due to tumor:
Dizziness
Disorientation
Odd lumps or masses
Tumors can be extremely life-threatening so you need to take immediate step.
Kneecap Dislocation
Your dog's knee can suddenly move dangerously side-to-side for different reasons like trauma and infection. The knee will slip out of alignment. It can even pop back into alignment very swiftly. Hence, always be vigilant for recurring problems, especially if you have a small dog.
Always take the opinion of your veterinarian when you see your doggy limping.