By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
The most common thing vets find in a dog that suddenly starts limping after a walk is something small in the paw: a grass seed, a split nail, a cut pad or a bindi. The second most common, in active medium and large dogs, is a torn cruciate ligament in the knee. One is often fixed on the spot, the other may need surgery, and both can look similar at first. A careful look at home and good timing on the vet visit will save your dog discomfort.
Key takeaways
- Sudden limps are often caused by paw injuries, nail problems, sprains or ligament tears.
- Gradual or on-and-off limps are more often arthritis, developmental joint disease or, less commonly, bone tumours.
- A dog that will not put any weight on a leg, has an obvious deformity, or is in severe pain needs a vet the same day or sooner.
- Never give human pain relief. Ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin can poison dogs.
- Rest and lead-only walks are sensible while you wait for advice.
Is it the front or back leg?
Watching your dog walk on flat ground can help. With a front leg limp, the head bobs up when the sore leg lands. With a back leg limp, the hip on the sore side often lifts or drops more. Videos taken from behind and from the side are very helpful for your vet.
Common front leg causes
- Paw injuries, grass seeds between toes, torn nails
- Elbow dysplasia in young large breeds
- Shoulder strains and tendon problems in active dogs
- Arthritis in older dogs
Common back leg causes
- Paw and nail injuries
- Cruciate ligament rupture, often seen as a dog holding a back leg up after running. See our article on the ruptured cruciate ligament
- Kneecap luxation in small breeds, often seen as a skip for a few steps
- Hip dysplasia in young large breeds, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in young small breeds
- Arthritis
Back leg weakness in both legs, wobbliness or dragging toes is not a limp. It can mean a spinal problem or, on the east coast of Australia, tick paralysis, and needs urgent veterinary attention.
A gentle check at home
Only do this if your dog is calm and you can do it safely. Pain can make even a gentle dog snap.
- Look at the paw closely in good light. Spread the toes and check the webbing, pads and nails for seeds, cuts, swelling or broken nails.
- Run your hands down the leg from the top, comparing it with the other leg for swelling, heat or tenderness.
- Look for wounds, especially puncture marks from bites.
- Note when the limp started, whether it is worse after rest or after exercise, and whether it comes and goes.
If you see a grass seed that has already gone into the skin, do not dig for it. Your vet can remove it properly.
When to see a vet
Emergency now: a leg hanging at an odd angle, a bone visible, a dog that cannot stand or use more than one leg, heavy bleeding, a limp after being hit by a car or a fall, a hot and very swollen leg after a bite, or limping with signs of snake bite or tick paralysis.
Same day: a dog holding a leg up completely, crying in pain, or a limp with swelling or a wound.
Within a few days: a mild limp that has not improved after 24 to 48 hours of rest, or a limp that keeps returning.
Book a check: stiffness after rest that eases with movement, typical of arthritis.
What to do while you wait
- Keep your dog quiet. Lead walks for toileting only, no running, jumping or stairs.
- Confine your dog to a small area if needed to prevent sudden bursts of activity.
- Do not give any human medicines. Ask your vet about safe pain relief.
How vets diagnose a limp
Your vet will watch your dog walk and trot, then examine the paw, each joint and the bones, feeling for pain, swelling, instability and reduced movement. Specific tests check for cruciate instability or a slipping kneecap. X-rays are often needed, sometimes under sedation. Further tests such as joint fluid samples, ultrasound or CT may be used for complicated cases.
Treatment depends on the cause: removing a grass seed, dressing a wound, prescribed anti-inflammatory pain relief and rest for a sprain, or surgery for a ruptured cruciate or severe joint problem. Physiotherapy often speeds recovery.
Prevention
- Check paws after walks, especially in grass seed season from late spring to summer.
- Keep nails trimmed.
- Keep your dog lean. Excess weight increases strain on ligaments and joints.
- Warm up with a walk before off-lead running, and build fitness gradually.
FAQ
My dog limped this morning but now seems fine. Should I worry?
A single short-lived limp is often a minor strain. If it returns, or happens after rest, it is worth a vet check.
Can I give my dog something for the pain?
Only medicines your vet prescribes. Many human pain relievers are toxic to dogs.
How long should I rest a limping dog?
Usually 24 to 48 hours of strict rest before reassessing. If there is no improvement, see your vet.
Why does my dog skip on a back leg?
A few skipping steps then normal walking is common with a slipping kneecap. See our guide to patellar luxation.
Talk with a vet
If your dog is limping and you are unsure whether it can wait, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through the signs, look at a video if you have one, and help you decide how quickly your dog needs to be seen. Speak to Dial A Vet. Severe injuries, inability to stand or suspected snake bite need an in-person emergency vet straight away.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Lameness in small animals
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS): Cranial cruciate ligament disease
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: Grass seeds and your pet
- WSAVA Global Pain Council guidelines
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.