Don’t move your dog if it is lame

Cause
If the dog is lame suddenly, especially after strenuous exercise, it is likely to be injured. Injuries can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, they may only be soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.; in severe cases, they may be fractures, joint dislocations, ligament ruptures, etc. A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint is a relatively common example of extreme joy leading to sorrow. Of course, it is possible for a person to be lame if his claws are cut by a stone.

Solution

Do not move the injured leg casually, as it may make the injury worse, and the pet may be bitten due to pain. If your legs are swollen or you can't reach the ground at all, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

If it is only a slight lameness, you can try to limit the pet's movements and let it rest to see if it gets better. If the pain persists for more than 24 hours, you need to go to the hospital.

The doctor usually palpates and may order X-rays to determine if there are fractures or joint dislocations. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery by an orthopedic specialist may be necessary. Soft tissue injuries may require the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers and strict "bed rest."

If your dog is lame, seek medical attention promptly

If the lameness does not occur after strenuous exercise, be careful of other possibilities.

Infection caused by injury

For example, when the skin is damaged, bacteria invade, causing pustules or joint infections, etc. It is common for cats who go out to be bitten by other stray cats or wild animals, and then develop pustules.

Solution: Seek medical attention promptly. The doctor will check your temperature to see if there are any remaining wounds on the skin, and may need X-rays and blood tests. For suspected pustules, a needle sample may be needed to see if there is infection.

Systemic infection

For example, diseases caused by lice. Lyme disease is a classic disease. Pain in different joints may alternate, accompanied by loss of appetite and energy, fever, difficulty breathing, etc.

Solution: Take the 4Dx SNAP Test, a test that includes heartworm and 3 other tick diseases. X-rays and blood tests are also needed to rule out other possibilities.

Chronic Arthritis

More common, especially in older or obese dogs. Lameness from chronic arthritis worsens slowly, but injuries can also cause arthritis to worsen suddenly.

Solution: After ruling out other possibilities, use joint nutrition. If the pain is really painful, you may need to take painkillers.

Immune arthritis

Relatively rare, but it cannot be ruled out.

Lame dogs need to be checked for spinal problems

Pets can also have intervertebral disc problems, especially Dachshunds with long backs. A herniated disc or spinal injury can cause damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, resulting in loss of movement in the back legs, pain, and even the inability to urinate properly. Neurological problems and skeletal muscle problems are difficult to distinguish from the host.

Solution:

Be sure to seek medical treatment promptly.

The doctor will do a neurological exam and X-rays to identify the affected spine location.

If possible, myelography, CT or MRI will have more accurate results.

Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor will choose drug treatment or surgery.

Joint problems caused by genetics or development

If pets have genetic or developmental diseases, lameness usually occurs at a relatively young age, and the possibility of sudden onset is unlikely. Diseases such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and elbow dysplasia (elbow dysplasia) are familiar to everyone. Unbalanced nutrition in childhood can also lead to poor bone and joint development.

Solution:

Go to the hospital for examination, which may require X-rays for diagnosis.

Depending on the severity, medication or surgery may be needed.

Pets must eat food suitable for young pets when they are young to ensure balanced nutrition.

The dog's lame leg needs to be confirmed to be a tumor

Although the possibility is unlikely, tumors cannot be ruled out no matter what the problem is. Bones eroded by tumors are more likely to fracture, and tumors in and around the nervous system can cause damage to nerves, etc.

Solution: Large tumors may be palpated, while small tumors may require X-rays and other imaging tests. Doctors can take a sample to determine the type of tumor.

In short, there are many reasons for lameness in small pets. It is best to go to the hospital for diagnosis. Don’t try to be an osteopath yourself.