As pet owners, we all cherish the moments when our furry friends are bounding around with joy and energy. But what happens when your dog or cat suddenly starts limping? Whether it’s a minor paw injury or a sign of something more serious, we’re here to guide you through recognizing and addressing limping in your beloved pets. Let’s explore how to ensure your family members stay happy, healthy, and on the move!
Your friends at Fairfax Veterinary Hospital have prepared this guide to help you get to the source of your pet’s pain or injury. So you can get your furry best friend back to happy & healthy!
Causes of Limping in Cats
- Common Injuries Leading to Limping
- Arthritis and Chronic Conditions
- Environmental Factors Causing Limping for Cats
- Recognizing Trauma-Induced Limping
- How External Factors Affect Cat Mobility
Causes of Limping in Dogs
- Identifying Acute Injuries in Limping Dogs
- Chronic Conditions: Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Foreign Objects and Environmental Hazards for Dogs
Why is my dog not putting weight on the back leg?
- Understanding Ligament Tears and Fractures in Dogs
- Common External Causes of Limping & Lameness in Dogs
How to Safely Examine Your Pet’s Limping Limb
- Approaching and Calming Your Limping Pet
- Checking for Visible Signs of Injury in Pets
- Recognizing Red Flags During Your Pet’s Examination
A Comprehensive Guide to Limping in Cats and Dogs
As pet owners, we all cherish the moments when our furry friends are bounding around with joy and energy. But what happens when your dog or cat suddenly starts limping?
Seeing your pet in discomfort can be distressing and confusing. Understanding the potential causes and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in their recovery. Schedule an appointment or call us at (703) 591-0222 today to ensure your furry friend gets the care they need. Whether it’s a minor paw injury or a sign of something more serious, we’re here to guide you through recognizing and addressing limping in your beloved pets. Let’s explore how to ensure your four-legged family members stay happy, healthy, and on the move!
Common Injuries Leading to Limping in Cats
Have you noticed your cat limping around the house? It can be concerning, but don’t worry! Cats can limp due to common injuries like torn or infected nails, objects stuck in their paw, or even an ingrown claw. By spotting these issues early, you can help your feline friend feel better in no time.
Arthritis and Chronic Conditions in Cats
Is your cat moving a bit slower these days or jumping up onto things less often? Arthritis might be the culprit, as it causes joint pain and stiffness, or lameness in your cat, making it tough for them to move comfortably. Early detection and proper care can keep your kitty purring and playful. Chronic conditions are often hard to detect as changes due to chronic conditions occur over time. Use this checklist to identify activities and behaviors that may be signs of arthritis.
See our pain management services to help your furry friend!
Recognizing Trauma-Induced Limping
Trauma-Induced Limping Pet: A type of asymmetrical gait abnormality that can be caused by physical trauma, such as injuries from sports or motor vehicle accidents
Accidents happen! If your cat has experienced a fall, an awkward landing, or a run-in with a car, they might be dealing with trauma-induced limping. Crying or growling when close to or touching a limb is a clear sign. Cat sprains, broken bones, ligament tears or dislocated joints require immediate vet attention to get your furry friend back on their paws.
Identifying Acute Injuries: Why is My Dog Limping?
Is your dog suddenly limping after a romp in the park? Acute injuries like cuts, bruises, or ligament tears, or muscle strains could be the cause. Keeping a close watch during playtime can help prevent these common issues and keep your pup pain-free. Acute cat injuries also include cuts, bruises, ligament tears, and muscle strains. You may notice a minor stumbling or excessive licking of the hurt area.
Chronic Conditions: Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Chronic Limping: By definition, a chronic limp has been present for two weeks or more. (Cat & Dog)
Perhaps your dog’s limp wasn’t noticeable a few weeks ago, but now it’s more obvious. Or maybe you thought your dog’s limp would go away with rest, but it hasn’t. Chronic conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia might be at play. Regular vet check-ups and appropriate treatments can make a world of difference in managing these conditions and maintaining your dog’s quality of life.
Foreign Objects and Environmental Hazards for Dogs
Dogs love to explore, but sometimes that curiosity leads to trouble. Thorns, glass shards, or gravel can get stuck in their paws, causing pain and limping. Regularly checking their paws and ensuring a clean play area can help avoid these problems.
Common external factors causing Limping in Dogs, and cats, include hot pavement, icy surfaces, or sharp objects can cause your pets to limp. Keeping your dog or cat away from these hazards can help maintain their paw health and prevent injuries.
Why is my dog not putting weight on the back leg? Understanding Ligament Tears, Muscle Strains, and Fractures
High-energy activities and accidents can lead to serious injuries like ligament tears, muscle strains, and fractures in dogs. Recognizing symptoms early and getting prompt veterinary care is crucial for your dog’s recovery. Please call or schedule an appointment today if you believe your pet has torn a ligament.
Approaching & Calming Your Limping Pet
Seeing your cat or dog limp can be stressful for both of you. Approach them calmly to avoid causing additional stress. Speaking softly and moving slowly can help your pet feel more at ease during the examination.
How to Safely Examine Your Pet’s Limping Limb
Gently examining your pet’s limping limb can help identify the issue. Run your fingers over the area to check for swelling, redness, or wounds. Be gentle to avoid causing further pain.
Checking for Visible Signs of Injury in Pets
- Gently pick up the affected limb and look for visual signs of cuts, bruises, or foreign objects present in the paw.
- Severe swelling, bleeding, open wounds, crying/growling when close to or touching the affected limb, or a dangling limb all indicate the need for urgent assessment and treatment by your veterinarian.
Recognizing Red Flags During Your Pet’s Examination
- Severe swelling, bleeding, open wounds, crying or growling when close to or touching limb and a dangling limb are red flags that require immediate veterinary attention.
- Avoid attempting to treat these serious injuries at home. If you experience an emergency and need First Aid on your dog follow these steps
There are a variety of treatments available for limping, depending on the cause!
- Pain Medications:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): help to control pain and inflammation associated with acute and chronic conditions.The most common NSAIDs used in dogs are Rimadyl (Carprofen) and Galliprant in dogs and Onsior or Metacam
- Gabapentin: is used to reduce pain in both cats and dogs
- Adequan: an injectable medication that supports joint health by addressing the underlying cartilage deterioration occurring in chronic conditions. This medication is used most commonly in dogs.
- Solensia: an injectable medication that is designed to reduce nerve growth factor present in joints which leads to reduced pain and decreases inflammation. It is the only FDA approved treatment for arthritis pain in cats!
- Joint supplements:
- there are a variety of joint supplements available to help support cartilage and bone. Recommendations for a joint supplement will depend on many different factors. Ask your vet for recommendations!
- Laser therapy:
- helps reduce inflammation, increase circulation and stimulates the immune system
- Acupuncture:
- helps with pain relief, improved mobility, decreased inflammation and more!
- VOM treatment:
- involves the application of energy along the spine to treat pain.
- Rest: for injuries that aren’t chronic, we will often recommend rest in conjunction with one of the above treatments. Rest allows the body the opportunity to repair itself without the strain of added physical activity.