Lameness in Dogs

What is lameness?

Lameness (or limping) is an inability to properly use one or more limbs due to pain or weakness. It can affect dogs of any age, from growing puppies to senior dogs. The most common causes of acute (sudden) lameness in dogs include:

• Broken nails
• Soft tissue injury (strain or sprain)
• Injury to a joint
• Bone fracture
• Dislocation

Chronic (intermittent) lameness may result from many conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Limb deformities 
• Spinal deformities
• Neurological disorders
• Chronic soft tissue injury
• Cancer

How is the cause of lameness determined?

To find the cause of lameness, your veterinarian will start by asking questions, such as:

• How long has your dog been limping?
• Did the limping start after an abnormal activity?
• Has the limping worsened or improved over time?

They will perform a full physical exam, including an orthopedic exam that examines your dog’s bones, joints, and muscles. They will also perform a neurological exam that looks for 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, joint changes (e.g., inflammation or osteoarthritis), and bone or cartilage tumors. For the X-ray to be performed accurately, your dog may need to be sedated. Sedation can also make the process less stressful for your dog, especially if they are in pain.

Lab testing may be recommended if your vet is concerned about infectious disease or a metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism, contributing to lameness. Lab testing may include 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 to be analyzed for inflammation and tested for the presence of a pathogen.

Although not widely available, musculoskeletal ultrasound can also be helpful when 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.

How is lameness treated?

In many cases, your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of lameness and provide your dog with specific treatment. This treatment may include surgery 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 and the results of diagnostic tests.

If the cause of lameness cannot be diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend trying anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., meloxicam) or other pain medications, along with rest or restricted exercise. It is important to have your dog reassessed by your veterinarian, because subtle changes may help provide a diagnosis and better guide your dog’s treatment. Some tests may be repeated if changes appear that can help provide a diagnosis.