Understanding Common Hindlimb Injuries in Dogs
By: Dr. Robert Temple
Published August 1, 2024
Hello again Veterinary professionals, pet parents, and all others who have found their way here. In veterinary medicine we often are presented with dogs that have “started limping this morning” or “seem to favor one of their legs”, which can range from mild strains and sprains to more severe conditions that may require surgical intervention. Recognizing and addressing these issues early can make a significant difference in recovery and your pet’s quality of life. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common hindlimb injuries in dogs and what you should watch for:
Cruciate Ligament Injuries: One of the most frequent causes of hindlimb lameness in dogs is a torn or ruptured cruciate ligament. These are the ligaments within their stifle (knee) that help to prevent forward motion of the tibia with relation to the femur. In younger dogs, this injury often results from sudden or abnormal movements, or trauma; and in older dogs is often related to wear over time. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of lameness, swelling around the knee, and difficulty bearing weight. Early intervention, often involving surgery and rehabilitation, can help restore mobility.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the femoral head doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly. Over time, this can cause pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Dogs with hip dysplasia might exhibit signs like difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise, and a characteristic “bunny hop” gait. Managing this condition often involves medication, weight management, and sometimes surgical options.
Patellar Luxation: In this condition, the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause intermittent lameness or abnormal gait, but often times goes unnoticed at home due to a lack of evident discomfort and may be noted incidentally on an annual exam. Dogs may suddenly start limping, then appear to recover, only to limp again later. Owners may notice their dog limp briefly, kick their leg out to the side, then resume walking normally as the patella has moved back within the groove. Treatment can range from monitoring at home, to physical therapy or surgical correction, depending on the severity.
Tendon and Muscle Strains: Active dogs are prone to strains and tears in their muscles or tendons. Symptoms might include swelling, heat, or tenderness in the affected area, and a noticeable limp. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are typically the first line of treatment, but severe cases may require more intensive care and additional therapeutic modalities to resolve.
Fractures: Fractures can occur due to significant trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. A fractured limb will often be visibly swollen, and your dog might cry out in pain or refuse to use the leg. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may involve splinting, casting, or surgery followed by rehab.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the femoral head doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly. Over time, this can cause pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Dogs with hip dysplasia might exhibit signs like difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise, and a characteristic “bunny hop” gait. Managing this condition often involves medication, weight management, and sometimes surgical options.
Patellar Luxation: In this condition, the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause intermittent lameness or abnormal gait, but often times goes unnoticed at home due to a lack of evident discomfort and may be noted incidentally on an annual exam. Dogs may suddenly start limping, then appear to recover, only to limp again later. Owners may notice their dog limp briefly, kick their leg out to the side, then resume walking normally as the patella has moved back within the groove. Treatment can range from monitoring at home, to physical therapy or surgical correction, depending on the severity.
Tendon and Muscle Strains: Active dogs are prone to strains and tears in their muscles or tendons. Symptoms might include swelling, heat, or tenderness in the affected area, and a noticeable limp. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are typically the first line of treatment, but severe cases may require more intensive care and additional therapeutic modalities to resolve.
Fractures: Fractures can occur due to significant trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. A fractured limb will often be visibly swollen, and your dog might cry out in pain or refuse to use the leg. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may involve splinting, casting, or surgery followed by rehab.
If your dog shows signs of lameness, reluctance to move, or seems to be in pain, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring a full recovery and maintaining your dog’s quality of life.
Remember, while some injuries might seem minor, they can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Keeping an eye on your dog’s activity level and being proactive about any changes in their behavior can help catch problems before they escalate.
For any concerns or questions about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your furry friend get back to their happy, active self!
Remember, while some injuries might seem minor, they can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Keeping an eye on your dog’s activity level and being proactive about any changes in their behavior can help catch problems before they escalate.
For any concerns or questions about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your furry friend get back to their happy, active self!
August Pet of the Month
Our August pet of the month is Odin! Odin came to us initially as a referral following the loss of function in his right hindlimb secondary to a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). An FCE is a blockage of a blood vessel in the spinal cord, resulting in a lack of blood supply to a specific region of the spinal cord. This results in neurologic deficits in the dependent tissues, which for Odin was his right hindlimb. Some dogs with this condition do not improve after their initial loss of neurologic function, but fortunately with continuous work from his dedicated owners and frequent visits to our rehab department Odin has regained full function of his right hindlimb. Unfortunately, nearly a year after his initial injury, he tore his cranial cruciate ligament in the same leg. He had a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) performed shortly after the diagnosis and started another round of rehab with us two weeks after his surgery. Again with the work of his owners and visits with our rehab department he has “graduated” from our rehab program and is as happy and healthy as ever! We look forward to seeing him again, but hopefully not too soon!
