Lameness in Dogs

In order to diagnose the problem, your veterinarian will examine your dog and review any previous injuries and current overall health. A veterinarian performs a lameness examination in order to identify changes to musculoskeletal tissues. The veterinarian observes the animal resting, getting up, and walking. He or she watches to see if the injury affects one limb or several limbs and how the degree of reaction varies with each type of activity. If a forelimb is lame, the animal generally raises its head when putting weight on that limb. The stride is also shortened on the affected side. If a hindlimb is lame, the animal generally drops its head when putting weight on that limb. The veterinarian will feel the animal’s bones, joints, and soft tissue for abnormalities such as swelling, pain, instability, a grating or crackling sound, reduced range of motion, and wasting away of muscle. More than one examination, sometimes with exercise in between, may be necessary. For irritable animals or certain tests, sedation may be required.

Relieving pain is an important component of treatment for lame animals, and may allow faster recovery. As well, it is helpful for dogs with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs and other pain-relieving drugs are used to control pain in lame animals. Other methods of pain relief that may be suggested in addition to (or instead of) drugs include acupuncture, massage, and changes in diet. Your veterinarian is best able to prescribe the appropriate treatment for your pet. It is very important that you follow all directions exactly as prescribed.