Pet Lameness & Limping

Any dog or cat that suddenly starts limping should be checked out by a veterinarian immediately. Lameness often gets worse over time. It also can be the first sign of a serious condition. Learn more about pet lameness & limping from Southside Veterinary Hospital in Vero Beach, FL.

Pet Lameness & Limping

Lameness and Limping Caused by Injuries

One of the most common causes of lameness in pets is injury. These can be anything from a soft tissue injury to broken bones. If the pet’s leg is out of alignment or if the animal is showing signs of acute pain when walking, he or she needs immediate veterinary care. Any pet hit by traffic or suffering from a bad fall also needs to go to an animal hospital immediately.

Other Causes of Lameness and Limping

Arthritis can also cause lameness, even for animals at a young age. Pets with past injuries or ailments like hip dysplasia are prone to developing arthritis. Getting bit by a tick can eventually lead to lameness in dogs. The good news is that many ailments that cause lameness can be treated successfully if caught early.

What Our Vet Needs to Know

In order to help diagnose the cause of your pet’s lameness, it helps to give our vet some context. We need to know when you first noticed your pet limping. Does the limping come and go, or is it constant? Was your pet doing anything like playing or jumping before it starting to limp? Let our vet know about any past medical ailments or injuries your pet has experienced. Is your pet showing any other unusual signs, like strange swellings or loss of appetite?

Diagnosing Lameness and Limping

Since there are many causes of lameness, your pet will likely need to undergo various tests for an accurate diagnosis. Pets may need blood tests, skin scrapes, X-rays, or other kinds of diagnostic imaging when suffering from lameness or limping. A thorough exam by our vet can help us understand the root cause of your pet’s condition and the proper treatment for it.

Never Give Human Medications

Human painkillers can poison any pet, even large dogs. Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can be lethal for pets. If your pet is in pain, talk to our professional staff about what medications you can provide him or her. We can also prescribe medications for your pet’s particular needs.

Contact Us for a Professional Pet Exam from Our Veterinarian in Vero Beach, FL

If you still have questions about pet lameness and limping that have not been answered here, contact our team at Southside Veterinary Hospital today. Our team is dedicated to providing your pet the care he or she needs to live a long and healthy life. We will work with your animal every step of the way throughout its wellness journey. For quality treatment for lameness or limping, call our Vero Beach office at (772) 562-7845 today.

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