It's not uncommon for dogs to suffer from lameness. A dog with a limp is characterized by difficulty in moving and in putting one or more of its limbs on the ground. When the affected limb rests briefly, the lameness can be considered mild, but if the animal doesn't put its paw down at all, it's severe lameness. Lore & Science tells you everything you need to know to understand, treat and prevent lameness in your pet.
What are the symptoms of lameness in dogs?
Lameness is easily recognized in dogs. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, but generally include:
- Difficulty putting down a leg
- A shaky gait
- Abnormal head bobbing or bouncing
- Pain on loading
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, your first instinct should be to consult a vet to determine the underlying cause and prescribe the right treatment.
Common causes of canine lameness
First of all, it should be noted that lameness can affect all dogs, whatever their size, breed or age. Depending on these criteria, however, lameness can be the consequence of a number of different causes, which it's important to identify in order to treat them more effectively.
Trauma
Trauma is the most common cause of lameness in dogs. The injury may be the result of a shock, a fall or an accident. Sometimes these unforeseen events occur simply while running, jumping or playing, and can result in sprains, fractures or dislocations. Taking these injuries into account is essential, as they can lead to muscle, bone or joint damage. The severity of these injuries can vary according to the severity of the trauma.
Injuries can also occur to the paw pads, or if a foreign object becomes lodged in the animal's paw. Regular inspection is essential to limit the risks.
Joint diseases
Lameness can also have a non-traumatic origin. For example, certain joint diseases, such asarthritis or hip dysplasia, can cause a dog to limp. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can be caused by age, obesity, infection or autoimmune disease. Hip dysplasia, on the other hand, is a malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis and difficulty in movement.
Bone diseases
Another cause of lameness in dogs is bone disease. These are more serious causes and, unfortunately, can sometimes include tumours.Osteosarcoma, for example, is a malignant bone tumor more common in large dogs. There's alsoosteomyelitis, a bone infection caused by injury or surgery.
Muscular diseases
Finally, a dog can also go limp as a result of muscle disease. One possible disease is myositis, an inflammation of the muscles that can be caused by infection or autoimmune disease. There's also myopathy, a genetic disease that affects the muscles and often leads to lameness.
How to treat a dog with a limp
Treatment of lameness in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If it's caused by a minor injury, rest and pain relief may be enough to solve the problem. However, if the cause is a serious injury, joint disease or infection, more intensive treatment may be required.
In some cases, surgery may be an essential step in treating lameness. This may include repairing torn ligaments, bone fractures, or removing tumors. Medications such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics will usually be prescribed by the vet to manage the pain.
In addition to medical treatments, complementary therapies can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. These include acupuncture, phytotherapy, chiropractic, etc.
In addition, clinically proven dietary supplements based on fresh medicinal plants are recommended for rapid results. In the event of spontaneous lameness, joint twisting, soreness or arthritis, we recommend that you keep our Shock solution in your first-aid kit. Its advanced formula has a rapid effect onpain andinflammation.
How to relieve non-traumatic lameness in dogs?
As dogs age, they often develop arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Other dogs contract diseases that cause lameness when they affect ligaments, tendons or joints.
For in-depth symptom relief, herbal remedies can be used. Our Perfect Move food supplement helps to maintain joint health and restore flexibility and mobility.
Rich in chondroprotectors and herbs scientifically validated for their benefits on joints, it brings noticeable comfort to dogs suffering from joint problems.
Tips to prevent lameness
Preventing lameness in dogs can be difficult, as some causes are unpredictable. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk.
First and foremost, make sure your dog has a balanced, nutritious diet, as well as regular exercise to maintain healthy muscles and joints. It's also important to monitor your dog carefully for signs of lameness as soon as they appear, as early treatment can help avoid serious complications. Finally, have your dog regularly examined by a veterinarian to detect and treat underlying health problems before they become serious.
In conclusion, lameness in dogs is often benign, but can be a sign of underlying health problems. It's important to take the symptoms seriously and consult a vet as soon as possible. With prompt and appropriate treatment, and a suitable lifestyle, most cases of lameness in dogs can be successfully treated, and your dog can regain its mobility and quality of life.
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