Dog Limping Back Leg

One of the most annoying things for us is when our dogs tend to limp up. We have a hard time relaxing around them because they keep pulling and straining on their leg joints, especially the front legs. It could lead to the dog limping back leg. There are ways to stop your dog from doing that. Read on to discover what those ways are.

Exercise – one of the best ways to keep dogs from limping back leg is to let them exercise and play regularly. This would give enough time for the joints to warm up and stretch out. Regular walks and exercises are also necessary to help keep their muscle tone. Walk your canine on a daily basis if you can. If you can’t do that, then consider getting a dog wheelchair or jogging board which will provide some kind of exercise for your canine.

Infection – another common cause for your dog’s limping back leg could be infection. An ear infection is one of the most common infections that can cause a dog to be limping on his back leg. Tapeworms are another cause. Infections like these must be treated right away. The vet might prescribe an antibiotic but you can also help treat the infection by putting ice packs on the infected area.

Lyme disease – this is an infection caused by the bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Your dog might develop arthritis with the affected joints. If the joints are not treated, the dog may end up with permanent joint damage. If you notice any unusual activity with your dog, visit your vet immediately. Lyme disease is a very serious condition and should be taken seriously.

Arthritis – another one of the common causes for your dog’s limping back leg can be arthritis. This disease mainly affects older dogs and is more common in big-sized breeds. You need to visit your veterinarian right away if you notice any change in your dog’s behavior. Treatments for arthritis include pain medication and even surgery for severe cases.

Mange – this is an issue that some dogs experience. It is usually found in mats or shampoos designed for animals. The mange could lead to lameness. The vet will give your dog an anti-mite spray or other treatment. This condition could lead to lameness or even a slipped disk, which would require surgery.

Dislocation – dogs can dislocate their front legs accidentally. This could lead to limping because of the extra pressure on the affected joints. You can help prevent this condition by making sure your dog always wears a supportive collar when it is playing. Limping due to improper fitting shoes or orthotics could also be corrected. There are specially made shoes that are designed for dogs with diabetic feet.

These are just some of the conditions that your dog might suffer from as it gets older. The condition of the bones and joints could play a big part in whether your dog limps or not. Always go to the vet for checkups so your dog’s condition is assessed. In some cases your dog could have a degenerative joint disease and your vet might need to perform surgery to correct the problem. However, most times there is no real cause for concern.

Limping can be a sign that your dog has arthritis. Arthritis in older dogs can lead to limping and difficulty in walking. Examine your dog’s gait as he walks to see if his stride is stiff and rigid. If so then he may be suffering from a form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Limping can be very painful for him but he will usually show signs of pain relief once the vet determines the condition.

Among the most common causes of lameness for dogs are: bone malformation, deformities due to injury and disease, tumors and infection. Other causes include obesity, genetics, and injury. Usually dogs limping back leg can be treated at home with glucosamine products or with an injection of cortisone. Both of these treatment methods have been shown to shorten the length of time your dog’s leg is out of joint. There are no guarantees that the condition will not recur in the future, but the medication and treatment methods available today to work very well to alleviate the symptoms and quickly get your dog back to normal activity.

If you suspect that your dog limps back leg then you should contact your vet. He will examine the condition and do some tests and exams to determine the cause of the problem. Once he has determined what the problem is he can then prescribe medications to help your dog heal and get back to his old self. You and your vet will both want to make sure that your dog’s nutrition and exercise regimen are continued on a daily basis during this time so that he does not regain the weight that was lost due to his lameness.