By: Carley Gates, DVM
Lameness/limping is a change to the normal canine gait. There are several differentials/possibilities as to the cause for the change in gait.
CAUSES:
- Autoimmune – immune system attacks joints
- Developmental, Degenerative – congenital abnormalities or arthritis
- Inflammatory, Infectious – bacterial arthritis or tick-borne diseases
- Neoplastic – tumor or cancer
- Traumatic – injured muscle or fractured bone
The cause can be narrowed down with signalment (Age, Sex, and Breed – i.e. 10yr Male/Neutered German Shepherd), a detailed history of onset and duration, paired with a through musculoskeletal exam.
FIGURE 1: Numeric Lameness Scale
|
LAMENESS GRADE |
DESCRIPTION |
WHEN TO CALL THE VETERINARIAN |
|
Grade 1 |
Sound at walk, weight shifting, lameness at jog |
When lameness persists for longer than 3 days with rest |
|
Grade 2 |
Lameness with trained eye, usually difficult to detect at walk |
When lameness persists for longer than 3 days with rest |
|
Grade 3 |
Weight bearing with head bob |
Immediately |
|
Grade 4 |
Partial weight bearing |
Immediately |
|
Grade 5 |
Non–weight bearing |
Immediately |
MUSCULOSKELETAL EXAM
A lameness is graded based on its severity, as described in Figure 1, narrowed down to the affected limb, then isolated to a specific location.
DIAGNOSTICS
Once the lameness is isolated to a specific location, the following diagnostics may be performed to rule out or confirm specific causes.
- Radiographs – X Rays
- Specific Orthopedic Maneuvers
- Testing for Tick Borne Diseases
- Biopsies/Histopathology
- Bloodwork
TREATMENT
There are certain causes that may require specific treatments. However, appropriate exercise/rest and pain management are always a crucial aspect of treating a lameness. Weight is an important factor in controlling pain – an ideal body condition score of 5/9 based on the Purina Canine Body Condition Score Chart will minimize weight and pressure of the affected area.
Common causes of lameness in small breed dogs
- Medial Patellar Luxation – the kneecap slips in and out of its natural position
- Fractures – broken bones
- Joint Dysplasia – the bones that make up a joint do not come together
- Neck pain – herniated disks
- Pododermatitis – inflammation of the skin between paw pads
Common causes of lameness in large breed dogs
- Arthritis – hips, knees
- Cranial Cruciate Tear – ligaments in joints tear
- Neoplasia – cancer of bones
- Panosteitis – growing pains
- Pododermatitis – inflammation of the skin between paw pads
- Soft Tissue Injuries – torn/strained muscles
When schedule an appointment for lameness evaluation?
- Sudden onset Grade 3, 4 or 5 lameness
- Any chronic lameness
** If you are unsure if you should schedule an appointment for a lameness evaluation, please call your veterinary office.