As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I know firsthand how concerning it can be when your furry family member starts limping out of the blue. Questions race through your mind: Did they injure themselves somehow? Is this a sign of a serious problem? Will they need expensive surgery? How can I help them feel better?
Intermittent or occasional limping is actually one of the most common issues that brings dogs to the vet clinic. In fact, a study of over 2000 dogs in the UK found that nearly 7% had some degree of lameness, with higher rates seen in older and larger breed dogs.[^1]
I‘ve been through the scary experience of a limping dog myself. My heart sank when my 8 year old Labrador Maggie suddenly refused to put weight on her back leg after an enthusiastic play session gone wrong. Was it a torn cruciate ligament? Had the arthritis in her hips and knees finally caught up to her? I knew I needed to get her checked out right away.
Thankfully, after a thorough exam and x-rays, it turned out to be a minor soft tissue injury that improved with a week of rest and anti-inflammatories. But it drove home for me the importance of taking lameness seriously, even if it seems to come and go.
In this article, we‘ll take a deep dive into the world of intermittent limping in dogs. We‘ll explore:
- The most common causes
- How veterinarians diagnose the issue
- The latest treatment options
- Ways to help prevent lameness in your dog
- When to seek veterinary care
My goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to be the best advocate for your dog‘s mobility and quality of life. Let‘s get started!
Why Is My Dog Limping?
There are dozens of reasons why dogs might develop a limp, ranging from minor sprains to life-threatening conditions like bone cancer. Intermittent lameness that seems to come and go is often particularly puzzling for dog owners. Here are some of the most frequently diagnosed causes:
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a progressive breakdown of the cartilage and soft tissues in joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It‘s incredibly common in dogs, affecting as many as 20% of adult dogs and 80% of seniors.[^2]
Larger breeds like Labs, goldens, and German shepherds are especially prone to arthritis, as are obese dogs and those with underlying orthopedic conditions. Arthritis often starts out as a mild intermittent lameness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Cruciate Ligament Injury
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a major stabilizing structure in the knee or stifle joint. Tears of the CCL are one of the most common causes of rear limb lameness, seen in nearly 20% of dogs over their lifetime. It can happen suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Certain breeds like Rottweilers, Akitas, and West Highland white terriers are genetically predisposed to CCL disease. A partial CCL tear may cause an on-again-off-again lameness until it progresses to a full tear.
Developmental Orthopedic Disease
Growing puppies and young dogs, especially of large and giant breeds, can suffer from painful developmental disorders of the bones and joints. Conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are caused by a mismatch between rapid growth and proper skeletal development.
Affected pups may show intermittent lameness, stiffness, and reluctance to move. X-rays are usually diagnostic. Depending on severity, treatment may involve joint supplements, weight management, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the bone, often affecting the limbs of large breed dogs. While uncommon compared to other causes of lameness, it is devastating and warrants a mention, especially in seniors. A bone tumor weakens the bone and causes a progressive lameness.
Breeds with a high risk of osteosarcoma include greyhounds, Rottweilers, great Danes, mastiffs, and boxers. Lameness that doesn‘t improve with rest and is accompanied by swelling or pain should be evaluated promptly for possible cancer.
Lyme Disease
In areas where Lyme disease is widespread, like the Northeast US, this tick-borne illness is an important cause of intermittent lameness to be aware of. Infected dogs may limp on different legs, spike a fever, act lethargic, and have swollen joints.
Blood tests can confirm Lyme disease. The lameness usually responds rapidly to a course of antibiotics like doxycycline. Using consistent tick prevention and vaccination in endemic areas can reduce the risk of infection.
Panosteitis
"Growing pains" in young dogs aged 5-18 months are often due to a condition called panosteitis. This painful inflammation of the long bones causes a lameness that can shift from leg to leg. German shepherds, golden retrievers, basset hounds, and doberman pinschers are commonly affected.
X-rays show a pattern of increased bony opacity. Panosteitis is self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over a period of weeks to months. Pain control is important for keeping affected dogs comfortable in the meantime.
Trauma / Soft Tissue Injury
This broad category encompasses things like ligament and tendon tears, fractures, bruising, cuts, foreign bodies, and insect/snake bites. Soft tissue injuries are very common, especially in active dogs.
Severity ranges from mild to more serious. A simple strain may resolve with a few days of rest, while a deep cut or fracture requires more involved treatment. Swelling, bruising, wounds, and asymmetry are clues that an injury may be to blame for lameness.
Getting to the Bottom of Lameness
As you can see, there‘s a wide spectrum of conditions that can cause intermittent limping, each with their own implications. That‘s why it‘s so important to get to the bottom of your dog‘s lameness by visiting your veterinarian.
Your vet will start with a nose-to-tail physical exam, carefully observing your dog‘s gait and palpating each limb. Additional diagnostics may include:
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X-rays: Radiographs are often the first-line imaging tool to evaluate lameness. X-rays can reveal fractures, arthritis, developmental disease, and some soft tissue injuries.
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CT/MRI: Advanced cross-sectional imaging is sometimes needed to fully diagnose the cause of lameness, particularly if soft tissues like ligaments or spinal discs are involved.
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Ultrasound: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is increasingly being used to image tendons, ligaments, and joints in real-time. It can be a valuable adjunct to other imaging modalities.
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Joint Taps: If an infected joint is suspected, a sample of the joint fluid may be tapped and analyzed under the microscope.
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Blood Tests: Screening lab work is important for diagnosing or ruling out infectious causes of lameness like Lyme disease or fungal disease. It also gives a picture of overall health.
Your veterinarian will use the exam findings, history, and diagnostic results to piece together the puzzle of why your dog is limping. From there, you can discuss appropriate treatment options to get your pup back on all four paws.
Treating Intermittent Lameness
The best treatment for your dog‘s lameness will depend on the specific diagnosis. In general, the goals are to:
- Provide pain relief
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote healing of injured tissues
- Improve strength and mobility
Here are some of the tools in the modern veterinary toolkit:
NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the mainstay of treating pain and inflammation in dogs. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs like carprofen, meloxicam, and grapiprant reduce swelling and discomfort without the side effects of steroids. Most dogs tolerate NSAIDs well.
Multimodal Pain Control: For more severe pain, NSAIDs may be combined with other types of analgesic medications. These can include gabapentin and amantadine for chronic pain, and opioids like tramadol for acute or post-surgical pain. The goal is to target pain from multiple angles.
Rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation techniques are increasingly being integrated into treatment plans for lameness. The benefits are numerous, including improving strength, flexibility, balance, and circulation. Modalities offered may include:
- Underwater treadmill therapy
- Therapeutic laser
- Acupuncture and massage
- Customized at-home exercise plans
Joint Supplements: For dogs with arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions, oral joint health supplements can be beneficial. Look for products with proven active ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and green-lipped mussel. Injectable options like Adequan are also available.
Surgery: Some causes of lameness warrant surgical correction for the best outcome. Common orthopedic procedures include:
- TPLO or other CCL repair techniques
- Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) for hip dysplasia
- Elbow or shoulder arthroscopy
- Limb amputation for severe trauma or cancer
Fortunately, dogs tend to recover well from even major surgeries with proper care and rehabilitation. The decision to pursue surgery is one to make carefully with your vet, considering your dog‘s age, overall health, and quality of life.
Management of Underlying Conditions: Identifying and treating underlying issues that may be contributing to lameness is just as important as direct treatment. This can include:
- Weight management for obese dogs
- Thyroid hormone supplementation
- Consistent use of flea/tick preventatives
- Changes to diet or lifestyle
By taking a holistic approach and addressing the whole dog, not just the limp, we can help dogs live their best lives.
Preventing Mobility Problems
As a dog lover, I know you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and moving freely. While some causes of lameness like developmental disease and cancer can‘t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to stack the deck in your dog‘s favor:
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing arthritis and other orthopedic problems. Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet and limit treats and table scraps. If your dog needs to lose weight, work with your vet on a safe weight loss plan.
Provide regular, controlled exercise. Dogs need daily activity to maintain muscle tone, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Avoid weekend warrior syndrome by keeping exercise consistent. If your dog is a high-energy athlete, consider warm up and cool down routines.
Use flea/tick preventatives. This is especially important if you live in a Lyme endemic area. Keeping your dog on year-round flea/tick medication can prevent a host of nasty diseases spread by these pests, including some that cause lameness.
Support your dog‘s joint health. If your dog is at risk for arthritis or already showing signs, talk to your vet about starting a joint supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin have the most evidence behind them. Keep in mind that these work best before significant joint damage has occurred.
Know your dog‘s risk factors. Certain breeds are prone to particular orthopedic problems. Do your research before getting a new dog and be aware of the signs to watch for. Early intervention can make a big difference for many conditions.
Make your home dog-friendly. Provide soft, supportive bedding for your dog to cushion their joints. Consider using ramps or stairs to help them get on and off the furniture. Limit slippery surfaces like hardwood by putting down area rugs or using toe grips. A little home modification can go a long way.
Stay up-to-date on preventive care. Regular vet check-ups are key for catching problems early and keeping your dog in tip-top shape. Discuss your dog‘s mobility with your vet at each visit and don‘t hesitate to ask questions. A good vet will be happy to be your partner in your dog‘s lifelong health.
When Lameness Warrants a Vet Visit
As we‘ve seen, there are many causes for intermittent limping, and a lot of them require veterinary care to diagnose and treat properly. My general rule of thumb is that any lameness that doesn‘t resolve on its own within 1-2 days should be evaluated by a vet, especially if:
- Your dog is not weight bearing on the limb
- There is obvious pain, swelling, or deformity
- The lameness seems to be getting worse
- Your dog has other symptoms like lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea
Even if the lameness seems to improve with rest, it‘s still a good idea to get it checked out. That intermittent little hitch in their step could be a sign of something brewing under the surface, and the sooner it‘s addressed, the better the outcome tends to be.
At the end of the day, you know your dog best. If your gut is telling you something isn‘t right with the way they‘re moving, don‘t ignore that instinct. It‘s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our precious pups.
The Bottom Line
Intermittent limping is a common but concerning condition that affects many dogs at some point in their lives. From minor sprains to osteoarthritis to Lyme disease, the potential causes are numerous and varied. A thorough diagnostic work-up is essential for determining the underlying issue and getting appropriate treatment.
Fortunately, veterinary medicine has made great strides in managing lameness and keeping dogs mobile into their golden years. A multi-faceted approach incorporating pain control, rehabilitation, supplements, surgery, and lifestyle management can help the majority of dogs get back to living their best lives.
As a devoted dog parent, you play a vital role in safeguarding your pup‘s joint health and mobility. Staying alert for signs of lameness, being proactive about prevention, and partnering with your vet can give your dog the best shot at an active, comfortable life. Together, we can unravel the mystery of intermittent limping and keep tails wagging for years to come.
[^1]: Anderson, KL et al. Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Sci Rep 8, 5641 (2018).[^2]: Lascelles, BD et al. Measurement of chronic pain in companion animals. Vet J. 2019 May;247:12-15.
