Common Causes of Lameness in Dogs

Lameness in dogs can seem to come out of nowhere—one moment your dog is bounding down the hallway, and the next, they’re limping or favoring a leg. While it’s natural to be concerned, the cause of lameness isn’t always serious. Sometimes, it’s the result of a minor strain. Other times, it may signal a more significant orthopedic or neurological issue. Below, we’ll explore the most common causes of lameness in dogs, when to take action, and why a veterinary visit is often necessary to find the underlying issue. If your dog is showing signs of lameness, call Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital at (847) 394-1128 or request an appointment online to have them evaluated.

 

 

What Does Lameness in Dogs Look Like?

Lameness in dogs refers to any abnormal movement that affects how your dog walks, runs, or stands. It can show up suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic). A dog might hold up a limb entirely, limp after exercise, or show subtle signs like avoiding stairs or shifting weight from one leg to another. Lameness doesn’t always mean pain—some dogs may have nerve issues or structural problems that affect movement without discomfort. However, in many cases, lameness is your dog’s way of telling you something doesn’t feel right. Monitoring the severity and timing of the limping can help your veterinarian determine the cause.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Overuse

In young, energetic dogs especially, lameness often stems from sprains, strains, or muscle fatigue. Dogs that play hard, jump off high surfaces, or run long distances are more prone to these types of injuries.

Muscle and Ligament Strains

Ligament and muscle injuries can affect any limb. Dogs with these injuries may limp, appear stiff after resting, or have trouble rising. Recovery usually involves rest and activity modification, but a proper diagnosis is important to rule out more serious damage.

Overexertion

Just like people, dogs can overdo it. A long day of hiking or playtime may result in temporary lameness. You might notice limping that improves after rest but returns with activity. While mild overuse typically resolves on its own, repeated or intense overexertion can lead to long-term joint damage.

Paw Injuries and Foreign Objects

Dogs explore the world through their feet, which makes them vulnerable to paw injuries. Cuts, scrapes, thorns, or burns from hot pavement are common culprits behind lameness in dogs.

Pad Injuries

Cracked pads, burns, or torn toenails can be extremely painful and lead to limping or reluctance to walk. You may notice your dog licking or chewing at the paw.

Objects Stuck in the Paw

Thorns, splinters, or small pieces of glass can embed themselves between the toes or pads. These foreign bodies can be difficult to detect but often cause sudden, localized limping. In some cases, infection may develop if the object is not removed promptly.

Joint Issues and Arthritis

Lameness in dogs becomes more common with age, especially in large breeds. Degenerative joint conditions can significantly affect mobility and comfort.

Osteoarthritis

One of the leading causes of chronic lameness in older dogs is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint condition results in inflammation, stiffness, and a gradual loss of cartilage. Affected dogs may have difficulty getting up, show stiffness after rest, or limp after short walks.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

These inherited conditions affect the structure of the hip or elbow joints. As the joints wear down over time, lameness becomes more apparent. While signs may begin in puppyhood, many dogs don’t show noticeable discomfort until later in life.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee is a common orthopedic injury in dogs. It can happen during play, running, or jumping, especially in active or overweight dogs. Dogs with a torn CCL often exhibit sudden hind limb lameness, toe-touching while walking, or an inability to bear weight on the leg. Partial tears may cause intermittent lameness, while full ruptures often lead to more obvious limping. Surgery is frequently recommended to restore joint function and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Growth Plate Injuries in Puppies

In young dogs, growth plates at the ends of their bones are still developing and more vulnerable to injury. Jumping from high places, roughhousing, or accidents can damage these sensitive areas and result in lameness. Injuries to growth plates can interfere with normal bone development, which is why early diagnosis is important. Lameness from these injuries may not always be accompanied by swelling or visible signs of trauma, so it’s best to have your veterinarian perform an exam if your puppy starts limping.

Neurological Causes of Lameness

Not all limping comes from injuries or joint pain. In some cases, nerve damage or spinal cord issues may disrupt coordination or limb use.

Nerve Damage

Injuries to the nerves supplying a limb can result in dragging, knuckling, or an abnormal gait. Dogs may lose muscle tone in the affected limb and show signs of weakness or imbalance.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is more common in long-backed breeds like Dachshunds and can cause lameness in one or more legs, depending on the location of the disc issue. Dogs may appear uncoordinated, resist movement, or vocalize when touched. Neurological exams and imaging are typically needed to identify the cause.

Bone Diseases and Conditions

Some bone diseases, particularly in growing dogs, can lead to lameness. Although less common than other causes, they should still be considered.

Panosteitis

Sometimes called “growing pains,” panosteitis affects young, large-breed dogs and causes shifting lameness—limping that moves from one leg to another. While it can be alarming, panosteitis often resolves as the dog matures.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that typically affects the long bones of the legs. This condition causes persistent lameness that worsens over time. Swelling, pain, and reluctance to move are common. While rare, it is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Red Flags It’s Time to Call Your Vet for Lameness in Dogs

Because lameness in dogs can have many underlying causes—some mild and others more serious—it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care. Signs that require prompt attention include:

• Sudden, severe limping or refusal to bear weight
• Swelling or heat in the affected limb
• Limping that lasts longer than 24-48 hours
• Signs of pain, such as crying out or avoiding touch
• Lameness accompanied by lethargy or appetite changes

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests like X-rays, joint taps, or bloodwork to pinpoint the cause. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes, especially for orthopedic and neurological issues.

How Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital Can Help

At Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you understand why your dog is limping and provide the care they need to move comfortably again. Whether your dog’s lameness is due to an injury, joint disease, or another issue, our experienced veterinary team will work closely with you to find the best path forward. If you’ve noticed lameness in your dog—whether it appeared suddenly or has been gradually getting worse—call us at (847) 394-1128 or request an appointment online. We’ll help identify the cause and guide you through the next steps to support your pet’s mobility and well-being.