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By Dr. Debbie Gross
Is My Dog Lame?
In a stance, most dogs place sixty to seventy percent of their weight on their front legs and thirty to forty percent of their weight on the back legs. This will vary with some of the different breeds but is fairly consistent with more weight placed on the front, and a little less on the back. While dogs move, the percentages change up a bit. The dogs will use their hindlimbs to propel themselves forward. And we should see some nice reach, drive and extension on the front and back legs.
Lameness coming from the rear legs is probably the easiest to pick up on. As mentioned, dogs are placing less weight on their back legs overall. Typically, about fifteen to twenty percent of the dogs weight is placed on each
limb. While in a stance while the dog is just standing there they will place less weight on the leg that is having the problem. In photo one, you can see the St. Bernard is placing less weight on his right hindlimb by the position of the leg, the toes, and the toeing out.
At a walk, the lameness may be present or may not be in the initial phases of the problem. A subtle decrease in weight bearing may be seen, with a decrease in reach and extension. The hind limbs are responsible for power and propulsion, so if there is a problem,
By: Dr. Debbie Gross we will see it at a faster pace, and when they are beginning to fatigue. For example, often in the show ring, a dog will do great the first few times around the ring. But if they make it to the final cuts, they may begin to decrease their reach and extension and the lameness may really start to be seen. In addition, while the dog is moving, their head may lower to compensate for the weakness or reluctance to place weight on the back leg. There is a teeter-totter effect — the dog will compensate by pulling weight off their rear leg and placing more weight on the front legs while dropping their head. This is characteristic lameness in one of the back legs.
Causes of hindlimb lameness include all of the following plus others: cruciate or ligament disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, soft tissue injuries, iliopsoas injuries, Panosteitis, and Osteochondritis d issecans lesions. Of course there are many other causes of lameness and it is very important to get a good diagnosis by someone that is familiar with working breeds, their jobs, and your expectations of the dog.
Lameness present in the forelimbs or front legs is usually more easily spotted but the cause is often more difficult to determine.
When a dog has lameness in one of the front legs, they will often 'bob' their head up when they land with their leg that is having the problems. In the initial phases, you may see it more prominently when they are turning in to a turn. For example, if the dog is in the show ring and
problems, such as Panosteitis or Osteochondritis dissecans, to soft tissue injuries such as bicipital tenosynovitis or other tendonitis issues. Radiographs, or x-rays, should always be taken to rule out fractures or different types of cancer that may present
they are moving around and their left shoulder is problematic, they will likely 'dip' their shoulder due to the increased pressure on the front leg. This may or may not be combined with a head bob. As I mentioned previously, dogs place approximately thirty to thirty five percent of their weight on one front leg. While they are moving, this percentage increases to almost double. The dog will try to take their weight off the front leg by compensating. Dogs will also avoid situations that increase the amount of weight they are placing on their front legs such as jumping out of the car, going down stairs, or running and stopping.
Causes of lameness of the front legs can range from growth related
themselves in many of the working breeds. This is particularly important if the lameness is getting significantly worse fractures and cancer do not get better on their own or with rest. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, do get better with rest but may return after activity.
When attempting to determine if your dog has lameness, try to be objective and determine if your dog is moving 'differently' than they have in the past. Growing dogs will move differently as they mature, and aging dogs will move differently as they age. However, most dogs in the middle will maintain their movement. Watch their center or mid back for fluidity of movement. The front part of
their body should flow into the back part of the body. If there is some sort of interruption, chances are there is an imbalance causing the lack of movement. Other objective opinions, video and an evaluation are always helpful. And it is also important to keep in mind that lameness may come and go — be worse at certain parts of the day, or after the dog is fatigued. Lameness at the end of the day may be secondary to fatigue, weakness, or an inflammation. Lameness at the beginning of the day may be secondary to osteoarthritis.
It's not always easy to determine where something 'funny' is going on with the dog. Four legs can certainly make it confusing at times but if your instinct is telling you something is off it probably is! Look further — and be patient!
Dr. Debbie Gross has been a small animal practitioner involved in canine physical rehabilitation and conditioning for over 18 years. She is considered one of the pioneers in the field, and has a clinic, Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC. She thoroughly enjoys working with the working and sporting breeds on all levels. Visit her website www.wizardofpaws.net - to contact her and to leam more.
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