Lameness in dogs explained

By Dr. Pranav Anjaria and Dr. Varun Asediya (BVSc & A H)
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry,
Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India

HOW come our once active dogs could suddenly become lame? Guest authors Dr. Pranav Anjaria and Dr. Varun Asediya (BVSc & A H) from the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry of Anand Agricultural University, in Anand, Gujarat, India explain the causes of lameness in dogs, what signs dog owners should keep an eye on, and how this often painful condition in dogs can be prevented and treated.

Lameness refers to an inability to use one or more limbs properly. Most often it is associated with pain or injury. 

CAUSES
The most common etiology of acute or sudden lameness in dogs are: 

• PAW INJURY
  

1. Foreign bodies, like glass, nails, sticks, thorns, plant matter, etc. may injure the paw. They make it uncomfortable to walk and can lead to infection. 
2. Insect and animal stings or bites can also cause limping, also lacerations, broken toenails, burns, frostbite, and bruising may lead to tenderness in walking. 
3. A sign that your dog may have something stuck in his paw is that it will start licking it. 

• JOINT DISEASE
  

1. Osteoarthritis
   
2. Dysplasia,
   
3. Patellar luxation,
   
4. Ligament disease,
   
5. Intervertebral disk disease
   
6. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCd)
   
7. Infections like Lyme disease 

• BONE DISEASE

1. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy 
2. Pan osteitis
3. Osteosarcoma

​

• INJURY OR TRAUMA

1. Broken bones
2. Fractures
3. Sprains
4. Dislocations
5. Ligament tears
6. Joint trauma 
7. Spinal injuries

• NUTRITIONAL IMBALANCES

SIGNS OF LAMENESS IN DOGS

• Pain
• Unusual gait while the dog is walking, runs or climbs stairs
• Swelling of limb
• Loss of muscle mass
• Obvious break or dislocation
• Unusual posture when standing, sitting or lying down
• Reluctance to exercise or perform normal activities such as climbing stairs
• Dragging or scuffing paws
• Confusion, trembling or falling over
• Grating sound when joints move

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• X-rays of the bones and joints are used to diagnose fractures and dislocations. They are also helpful in distinguishing bone growths from soft tissue swellings.
• A bone scan (also called nuclear scintigraphy) is an imaging technique that uses radioactive isotopes injected into the body and X-ray equipment to form a picture of the bone and surrounding tissue. These scans are especially useful in diagnosing bone cancers and determining the extent of their spread. 
• A CT scan or MRI may be of benefit in special circumstances, particularly with tendon, ligament, and muscle damage, but the availability and cost of these studies limit their usefulness. 
• Synovial fluid is a viscous joint lubricant that contains hyaluronic acid. The fluid can be removed using a sterile needle and syringe. Analyzing this fluid helps determine the cause of joint swelling. Normal synovial fluid is clear and pale yellow. Blood in the fluid indicates a recent joint injury. Pus indicates joint infection (septic arthritis).

RISK FACTORS

• Breed (size) 
• Overweight
• Frequent, strenuous activity

TREATMENT OF LAMENESS

• The treatment of the condition will depend on the diagnosis of the veterinarian. 
• Treatment forms that can be managed at home involve-
• For minor causes of lameness (sprain), restrict your dog’s exercise, or provide complete rest for a few days.
• If the exact cause is not known, reduced exercise together with anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be required to see if the lameness improves.
• Weight management if your dog is overweight.

In-patient treatment could involve:
For more serious causes like broken bones, slipped discs - orthopedic or neurological surgery is required.

PREVENTION OF LAMENESS

• Serious injuries such as being hit by a car or falling from a height can be avoided by keeping your dog on a lead until it is safe to let them off.
• Be aware of genetic issues that may affect some pedigree breeds.
• Keep an eye on your dog’s weight.
• Inspect their paws and pads regularly and remove debris if present.
• Limit how much you exercise a dog that is still growing to prevent joint problems.
• Elderly dogs need less exercise and if you notice them slowing down seek veterinary advice in the first instance.
• You may want to consider using nutritional supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help support the joints as the animal ages.