What does lameness look like in dogs? You might notice your dog limping or slowing down on walks. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait (the way his back legs move when he walks), or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different.
What diseases cause lameness in dogs?
- Osteoarthritis.
- Hip or elbow dysplasia.
- Patellar luxation (dislocated knee)
- Ligament disease.
- Intervertebral disk disease.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
- Infection.
When should I take my dog to the vet for lameness? If the limp doesn’t begin to resolve itself, is becoming worse, or is accompanied with whining or yelping, it’s time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet. Your veterinarian has the training and knowledge to best determine the cause and severity of your pup’s pain.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from lameness? Pain and lameness are variable with panosteitis and tend to move from one limb to another over several weeks or months. Symptoms of this condition usually disappear by 20 months of age. Arthritis can affect dogs of all ages, but it is most common as an age-related change in older dogs.