What is lameness?
Lameness (or limping) is an inability to properly use one or more limbs due to pain and/or weakness. The most common causes of acute or sudden lameness in dogs are broken nails, soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation.
Chronic or intermittent lameness may result from many conditions, including osteoarthritis, limb or spinal deformities, neurologic disorders, chronic soft tissue injury, or cancer. Lameness can affect dogs of any age, from growing puppies to senior dogs.
How is the cause of lameness determined?
Your veterinarian will start by asking questions about your dog’s lameness, such as how long your dog has been limping, did it start after an abnormal activity, has it worsened or improved over time. They will then perform a full physical exam, including an orthopedic exam that examines your dog’s bones, joints, and muscles, and a neurologic exam that looks for any abnormalities in how your dog’s nervous system interacts with their muscles and posture. This assessment can help your veterinarian determine if additional testing is needed.
What additional testing may be needed?
X-rays (radiographs) may be recommended to better evaluate your dog’s bones and joints. X-rays can identify many conditions, including fractures; abnormal soft tissue swelling that could indicate soft tissue injury; joint changes such as inflammation or osteoarthritis; and bone or cartilage tumors. For the most accurate views, your veterinarian may wish to sedate your pet. Sedation can also make the process less stressful for your dog, especially if they are in pain.
"Sedation can also make the process less stressful for your dog, especially if they are in pain."
If your vet is concerned about infectious disease or a metabolic condition such as hypothyroidism contributing to lameness, lab testing may be recommended, including a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry, and urinalysis, along with testing for tick-borne disease. They may also recommend taking a sample of fluid from your dog’s joints. Joint fluid can be analyzed for inflammation and tested for the presence of a pathogen.
Although not widely available, musculoskeletal ultrasound can be very helpful in cases where a soft tissue injury is suspected. This test uses ultrasound waves to create an image of muscle, ligament, and tendon to determine the nature of the injury.
More advanced imaging like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to better assess soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Without additional testing, what can be done for lameness?
Without advanced imaging, the definitive cause of lameness is often not found. In some cases, a trial with anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., meloxicam, brand name Metacam®) or other pain medications may be recommended, along with rest or restricted exercise. It is important to have your dog reassessed by your veterinarian as subtle changes may help provide a diagnosis and better guide your dog’s treatment. Some tests may be repeated as changes may be seen after time that can help provide a diagnosis.
If my dog continues to be lame, will he be on medication forever?
Not necessarily. In many cases, your veterinarian can accurately diagnose the cause of lameness and provide your pet with specific treatment. This treatment may include surgery and/or physical rehabilitation. Some forms of lameness, such as osteoarthritis, require lifelong medical and exercise therapy, while others require surgical intervention. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your pet's condition, the results of diagnostic tests, and their examination(s).
