Cats and dogs could be limping for many reasons. These reasons depend on the age of the pet as well as overall health. It is important to remember limping is a sign of a disease, not a disease itself. The following are the most common reasons for limping in dogs and cats:

1. INJURY – Most of the time we will see the moment when our pet injures their leg and subsequently notice that our cat or dog is limping. Jumping off of decks, furniture, our arms and stairs are common ways cats or dogs injure their legs and start limping. Different amounts of damage to muscles, tendons, cartilage and bone will occur depending on the severity of injury. Fighting/bites are another common reason for a cat to be limping.
2. NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS – Slipped discs in the spine can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause a cat or dog’s limping. Damage to the disc can occur suddenly with an injury or slowly over time. In either case, disc material puts pressure on the spinal cord, which is painful. Severe cases can lead to paralysis that can be permanent if not treated immediately. Infectious and immune-mediated diseases can cause meningitis that will result in limping.
3. ARTHRITIS –Arthritis in cats and dogscan develop from injury, abnormal growth of bones, infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Infectious causes can include bacterial diseases that are transmitted by wood ticks; the most well known of these is Lyme disease. Arthritis is commonly seen in older cats and dogs, especially if they have had an injury in the past. It has been stated that 80% of cats over 10 years of age will have arthritis in their elbows, but arthritis can also be seen in a kitten or puppy, and limping may result.
4. CANCER –Cancer in dogs’ and cats’ bones can cause limping that may come and go initially. Bone cancer can weaken the bone to the point where the dog or cat will break their leg after a very simple play activity. Larger tumours can also interfere with the movement of legs.
5. METABOLIC PROBLEMS – The most common of these are diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s disease. These diseases affect the nervous system and muscles causing weakness and pain, which would definitely result in a dog or cat limping.

When to call your veterinarian if your cat or dog is limping

A cat or dog that is limping should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Animals hide pain very well, so what we perceive as a minor problem is actually much more serious for our pets. Cats that are not jumping as high, hiding from owners, or sensitive when touched in certain areas should be examined, as these can be signs of arthritis in cats.

what tests should be done on limping dogs and cats?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete history andphysical examination of your pet.After that, x-rays of the suspected area are usually taken. Further testing can include blood analysis, infectious disease testing, joint taps, biopsy or CT and MRIs. The recommended tests will vary with each patient.

What is the treatment for limping cats and dogs?

Treatment will be tailored to each case, but can include medications,veterinary surgery,physiotherapy, weight loss, andprescription animal dietsto name a few. Do not give medications to your pet without discussing it with your veterinarian first. Some common medications for pain for people can be toxic to cats and dogs.

The sooner you call yourveterinarian,the sooner they will be able to help bring relief to your pet.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley