What To Do If Your German Shepherd Is Limping

Injuries To The Paw Pad

Clean the wound with water, physiologic saline, or dilute hydrogen peroxide. Disinfect it with a diluted tincture of iodine. If they have a deep wound, it is a good idea to pack in a little antibiotic ointment and, if the dog is the kind that licks at their wounds excessively, wrap it with some gauze.

You can even put Vetrap on the wound to keep it all in place. If you do need to use Vetrap, make sure you leave the toes visible to watch for swelling when the bandage is too tight. If you are not sure how to do this, just leave the dog’s wound clean and unwrapped. You can cover the foot with a sock when they go outside to do their business but take the sock off as soon as they are back inside.

Your Dog Is Limping On And Off

Some limps come and go.

Osteoarthritis may worsen in cold and damp weather. Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments will often improve with rest but may return once a dogs activity level increases again.

Immune-mediated polyarthritis, tick-borne infections, and panosteitis are sometimes associated with lameness that seems to move from leg to leg.

Visitor: My German Shepherd Limps

My one-year-old female German Shepherd occasionally limps. She plays hard, digs holes and loves to run. Now she has begun limping badly on her back leg and holds it up when she stands. We have checked her pads and joint movement, but she doesn’t complain.

Help!~~ Jeff

Hi Jeff,

My hunch is that your dog may have some degree of dysplasia. What was once a minor pain is now becoming more of an issue as your dog grows and gains more weight.

When you checked your dog’s joint movement she probably wasn’t putting any weight on it, was she? While she may still be able to tolerate the actual movement of the joint, her own weight will put pressure on the joint and cause the bones to grate painfully against each other.

Thank you for your question, and I hope your dog’s condition is something that can be resolved.

~~ Kelly

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Signs Limping Is An Emergency

• Sudden inability or unwillingness to get up or move
• Obvious fracture
• Dragging of one or more limbs or otherwise appears paralyzed
• Other signs of major illness, like extreme lethargy or severe vomiting.

If you notice anything else that makes you worried, you should contact a veterinary office for advice or simply get to the vet’s office. It’s always better to exercise caution when it comes to your dog’s health.

Injuries To The Webbing

If your dog is injured in the webbing, that delicate skin between the toes, remove whatever is causing the injury and then wash the area out with water, saline, or dilute hydrogen peroxide. Sterilize it with betadine , and it should be okay. If it is bleeding, the foot will need to be wrapped just make sure the toes are visible to watch for swelling. If you do notice any swelling, remove the bandage immediately to prevent gangrene.

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When Should I Take My German Shepherd To The Vet For Limping

Armed with the knowledge of the many reasons why your GSD may be hobbling around, and youve provided first aid where appropriate, you may now be wondering when you should take your German Shepherd to the vet for limping.

You should take your German Shepherd to the vet for limping if he is in extreme pain, has an obvious fracture, cant get up or move, has excessive swelling in his leg, or is bleeding heavily. If the limping isnt an emergency, but the lameness has continued for 24 hours, take him to be checked out.

How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Has Hip Dysplasia

A few dogs start to indicate hip dysplasia when they are pretty much as youthful as four months old. Others come about it with osteoarthritis as they age. In the two cases, there are a couple of manifestations that dog owners ought to be acquainted with. These signs may differ based on the seriousness of the infection, the degree of aggravation, the level of detachment in the joint, and how long the dog has experienced hip dysplasia. Some of the following causes can recognize hip dysplasia

• Reduced movement
• Trouble rising, hopping, running, or climbing steps
• Weakness in the rear end
• Grinding in the joint during development
• A decrease in thigh size
• Recognizable development of the shoulder muscles as they make up for the rear end etc.

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Does Your Older German Shepherd Have Lameness In His Front Leg It Could Be Elbow Dysplasia

Canine elbow dysplasia is a developmental orthopedic disease that affects the bones and joints in a dogs elbow. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth or development of the bones and joint cartilage in the elbow, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and lameness. While CED can occur in any dog breed, it is prevalent in larger breeds like German Shepherds. It is the most common cause of front leg lameness in larger breeds. And although there is no cure for CED, several treatment options can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for dogs affected by the condition.

In this blog post, well break down Canine Elbow Dysplasia and give you some tips on keeping your older German Shepherd with CED as comfortable as possible.

What Causes Elbow Dysplasia In Older German Shepherds?

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons , CED is a multi-factorial disease involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint. It is also believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to CED, leading to arthritis and other joint problems.

What Are The Signs Of CED In Older German Shepherds?

• Unwillingness or inability to exercise or walk

• Plopping down to lay

• Elbows pointing in toward the body as opposed to pointing straight back

How Is CED Diagnosed?

Treatment For CED:

Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With CED:

I will leave you with some tools we employ for our older German Shepherds with CED.

Why Is My German Shepherd Limping

You ever noticed that your dog came home from the garden after playing, and it has one of its legs hanging, or have you been seeing that one of its legs is getting stiff and can no longer walk properly? It gets you are wondering, why is my German Shepherd limping?

Limping in dogs is of two sorts. It can be gradual, which is usually caused by certain health conditions. It can also be sudden, as a result of injury or trauma.

Limping sometimes might just require that you let the dog rest and take better care of it. Other times, you will need the service of a veterinarian urgently.

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Should I Try To Examine The Leg

If your dog is in severe pain, do not attempt to examine her. Even if shes not in obvious discomfort, manipulating broken bones or dislocated joints can cause unnecessary pain and may worsen the injury. Heres a simple guideline to help you determine the severity of the injury: Most dogs will not walk on a broken leg or dislocated joint.

A good exam requires two people: one to examine the leg and one to restrain the dog. Painful dogs bite, even people they love, so be cautious. If the exam becomes too painful, stop! The evaluation of most lame dogs is best left to a veterinarian, but here are a few pointers in case you decide to give it a try.

Painful dogs bite, even people they love, so be cautious.

After you identify the hurt leg, its time to pinpoint where it hurts. Begin your exam with the toes. Look between the toes for foreign bodies or redness . Examine the pads for cuts or punctures and assess each toenail for breaks or nail bed infections. Apply gentle pressure to each toe and note painful areas. Most dogs will pull the leg back when you touch a sore spot.

Work your way up the limb identifying areas of tenderness by applying gentle pressure on each part of the leg. Note areas of swelling. Bend and flex joints. Resistance to bending a joint is a sign of pain. If something looks or feels unusual, compare it to the other leg. Then call your veterinarian with your observations.

What To Do When No Vet Is Available

In some parts of the world, no small animal veterinarian is available. In other countries, like here in Brazil, there are plenty of small animal veterinarians in big cities like Rio and São Paulo, but none in isolated rural areas like parts of the Amazon. Whether you live in an area without a vet, or are just traveling with your dog, sometimes your pet needs help and no one is available.

A lame dog needs veterinary care, if available. If none is available, they need some assistance. When your dog starts limping, it is best to find out what is wrong as soon as possible. If you are in an isolated area, you might need help , but you can do a lot yourself.

Find out what is wrong so you can do what needs to be done, but no more. If your hunting dog only has a cut on their pad, you do not need to give them steroids. A pet with a bee sting does not need to be treated for a broken bone.

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Your Dog Is Limping After Tplo Surgery

It is normal for dogs to limp after leg surgery.

For example, a dog who has undergone a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy to treat a cruciate ligament rupture generally begins bearing some weight on the affected leg within a week or so after surgery.

Over the next few weeks, the limping should gradually improve, but if your dog is too active, the limp may temporarily worsen. Call your veterinarian if a postoperative limp is severe or doesnt start improving with a day or two of rest.

As tempting as it may be, NEVER give your dog the following without talking with your veterinarian first:

• Prescription pain relievers

All medications, including aspirin, are associated with potentially severe side effects when used at the wrong dose or in the wrong situations.

If your dogs limp is bad enough that you think pain relief is necessary, call your veterinarian.

Determining why your dog is limping is the first step to providing the right treatment.

How Do I Transport A Limping Dog

Transporting an injured dog can worsen injuries, so proceed with caution. Carry small dogs to the car while supporting the head and hips. Lay the dog down with the injured leg up. For larger dogs that can walk on 3 legs, gently help them into the vehicle. If the dog cannot walk, use a blanket as a sling to carry her. When you reach the emergency clinic, ask for assistance in getting your dog out of the vehicle.

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What To Do If Your Dog Is Limping

If you notice your dog is limping, but have determined it is not an emergency, there are a few things you can do to help.

First, examine the area. If your dog will allow it, try to get a closer look at the affected limb. Is there a certain spot your dog is licking? This could be the source of the problem. Gently handle the foot and leg, looking for cuts, bruises, swelling, heat, tender spots, instability, and any other unusual signs. Look at the paw pad and between the toes to see if there is a wound or a foreign object stuck somewhere. Check for torn toenails. Gently manipulate the joints to check for tenderness or stiffness. You may feel or hear grinding in the joints that might indicate arthritis.

If you find a minor wound, clean it with gentle soap and lukewarm water . You can apply an antiseptic ointment if desired, but make sure to keep your dog from licking it off.

Can My Dogs Limp Heal On Its Own

A dogs limp can heal on its own. If the limping of a dog is not severe, attempt to keep it tranquil and agreeable. Oblige your dog to rest, and do not let him partake in any physical activity. Try not to permit your dog to exercise or hop. Keep the dog away from staircases if possible if not, you can help carry the dog up and down the stairs. You may keep your dog to a little territory. Let it lay down most of the day. If the limping leg doesnt begin to heal within a day or two, it is best to take the dog to the vet.

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Panosteitis In Dogs Faqs

What can you give a puppy for growing pains?

Reducing your puppys activity will help alleviate growing pains. Your veterinarian can also prescribe a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as carprofen, to relieve pain.

How do I know if my puppy or dog has growing pains?

Puppies or young adult dogs with growing pains often suddenly start limping with no known injury. Visit a vet for confirmation.

How long do growing pains last in puppies and dogs?

Typically, each growing pain episode lasts 2-4 weeks. Once your dog reaches age 2, growing pains usually cease.

It Is A General Misconception That If A Dog Isn’t Crying Out Or Whining They Are Not In Pain But A Limp Is A Sure Sign Of Pain Indicating That Your Dog Doesn’t Want To Put Weight On The Leg

Dogs are usually active, enthusiastic household members, and as a result, they are prone to injuries. These can range from muscle strains to broken bones to systemic infections.

When your dog is limping its time to consult with a veterinarian. They may have you rest your dog and monitor at home for 24-48 hours depending on the severity of the problem. If the limp doesnt improve or worsens, they will likely have you come in for an appointment.

It is important to remember not to use over-the-counter remedies for pain in this case. While aspirin and acetaminophen can be used safely in dogs, improper dosing can lead to bleeding problems and liver failure. Never use these medications without first consulting your veterinarian.

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What Is Panosteitis In Dogs

Panosteitis in dogs, also known as pano, is a condition that affects the long bones of the legs. Because it most commonly affects large-breed dogs that are less than 2 years old, it has been called growing pains in dogs.

Although it might not sound serious, it can be very painful and cause severe limping when a dogs bones are touched. Unfortunately, it can occur in multiple legs and move to a different leg after the first leg gets better.

Its a self-limiting disease, which means that it will resolve on its own over time, but you should also see your vet to prescribe pain medication until it does. Heres what you need to know about panosteitis in dogs.

Common Problems With German Shepherd Back Legs

German Shepherds are a dog breed often linked to mobility issues, especially in their older years. Mobility is an important consideration when it comes to taking care of your dog. Not only does it affect most of the normal daily activities the dog can perform, but mobility issues can affect the dogs mood, appetite, and quality of life. Therefore, in this article, we explore some of the common German Shepherd back leg problems.

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What Not To Do For Dog Front Leg Limping

• DO NOT give your dog over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin.
• DO NOT try to self-diagnose. Seek medical attention. Dogs are masters of hiding their pain.
• DO NOT make the injury worse. Use extreme caution transporting the dog to the vet or outside. A sling or a blanket is best for this situation. When our last Cocker injured her leg, we put her on a blanket and each of us held a side to get her into the car.

In The Case Of My Dog Limping What Should I Do

A few limps are more genuine than others, so the initial phase in giving emergency treatment is to survey the limp. Watch your dog walk. Distinguish the limping leg from the healthy leg. Observe the limping. Check how the dog walks, whether it hangs the limping leg or it walks with it. Discern whether the limping was sudden or gradual. Take note of how quickly the limping escalates. You can also try to discover if the limping is constant throughout the day or gets worse at a particular time. If your dog is in serious pain, you shouldnt try to examine it. Regardless of whether she’s not in evident distress, trying to examine broken bones or disengaged joints can cause needless torment and may deteriorate the injury. To determine the severity of an injury, it is essential to note that most dogs cannot walk on a wrecked leg or a dislocated bone.

When you notice an injury that makes your dog limp and you want to examine it, get someone else with you, one of you will restrain the dog while the other person checks the injury. This is important because when dogs are in pain, they tend to bite anyone, even their owners. If the examination becomes unbearably painful for the dog, you should stop and not put the dog in more pain. What is left is for you to take the dog to a veterinarian.

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