Lameness in Dogs

Lameness (Limping) in Dogs

By: Dr. Nicholas Trout

Section: Prevention In-depth

When lameness is due to a fracture, most fractures occur secondary to severe traumatic events and can therefore be prevented by keeping your dog on a leash. Spaying or neutering your pet will reduce the tendency to wander that can lead to trauma and fractures. Careful containment with fencing can also be helpful.

Sometimes lameness is secondary to nutritional problems. Dogs should be fed a carefully balanced diet to ensure a strong and healthy skeleton. In the case of "homemade recipes," consult with your veterinarian so that vital minerals and vitamins for good bone development and maintenance are adequately provided.

Monitor your puppy's growth, checking on limb length and straightness. If any bowing or abnormal curvature seems to be developing, consult with your veterinarian.

The number one nutritional disorder in small animals is obesity, a problem that can lead to, and exacerbate many causes of frontleg and hindleg lameness.

Be sure to avoid obesity in your pet.

When selecting a pedigree dog, ask the breeder about the OFA hip scores, elbow dysplasia and PennHIP scores for the dam and sire, if they are available.

Finally, consult with your veterinarian at the earliest sign of a sudden onset of limb lameness.

 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 

Related Articles

  • 1 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

    Hip dysplasia is a painful, crippling disease that causes a dog’s hip to weaken, deteriorate and become arthritic. Learn about the typical onsets, signs, diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2 Panosteitis

    Panosteitis is an inflammation involving the bones of young, growing dogs. This condition occurs spontaneously and ultimately resolves on its own. Of all the bone diseases of growing dogs, panosteitis...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3 Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Dogs

    The cranial cruciate ligament is located within the knee joint. This ligament can be torn as a result of an acute traumatic event or due to a slow progressive breakdown. Ruptured cruciate ligaments most...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4 Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs

    Degenerative joint disease (DJD), or arthritis, affects the smooth articular cartilage of the joint. When it becomes worn, raw bone surfaces become exposed and rub together. DJD is the result, causing...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5 Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

    Elbow dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of certain parts of the elbow joint during the growing phase of a dog’s life. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors, over-nutrition...

    Read MoreRead More
Related Articles
  • 1 Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs

    Degenerative joint disease (DJD), or arthritis, affects the smooth articular cartilage of the joint. When it becomes worn, raw bone surfaces become exposed and rub together. DJD is the result, causing...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2 Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

    Elbow dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of certain parts of the elbow joint during the growing phase of a dog’s life. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors, over-nutrition...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

    Hip dysplasia is a painful, crippling disease that causes a dog’s hip to weaken, deteriorate and become arthritic. Learn about the typical onsets, signs, diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4 Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Dogs

    The cranial cruciate ligament is located within the knee joint. This ligament can be torn as a result of an acute traumatic event or due to a slow progressive breakdown. Ruptured cruciate ligaments most...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5 Panosteitis

    Panosteitis is an inflammation involving the bones of young, growing dogs. This condition occurs spontaneously and ultimately resolves on its own. Of all the bone diseases of growing dogs, panosteitis...

    Read MoreRead More
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Related Articles
  • 1 Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs

    Degenerative joint disease (DJD), or arthritis, affects the smooth articular cartilage of the joint. When it becomes worn, raw bone surfaces become exposed and rub together. DJD is the result, causing...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2 Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

    Elbow dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of certain parts of the elbow joint during the growing phase of a dog’s life. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors, over-nutrition...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

    Hip dysplasia is a painful, crippling disease that causes a dog’s hip to weaken, deteriorate and become arthritic. Learn about the typical onsets, signs, diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4 Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Dogs

    The cranial cruciate ligament is located within the knee joint. This ligament can be torn as a result of an acute traumatic event or due to a slow progressive breakdown. Ruptured cruciate ligaments most...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5 Panosteitis

    Panosteitis is an inflammation involving the bones of young, growing dogs. This condition occurs spontaneously and ultimately resolves on its own. Of all the bone diseases of growing dogs, panosteitis...

    Read MoreRead More
Advertisement
Advertisement