When an active dog suddenly goes lame, many parents find it puzzling and wonder why. In fact, there are many reasons why a dog may be lame, and different treatments are needed depending on the cause. If you are suddenly lame, especially after strenuous exercise, it is likely to be an injury. Injuries can be mild or severe, and in mild cases it may be soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. In severe cases it may be fractures, joint dislocations, ligament ruptures, etc. Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint is a relatively common example of joyfulness. Of course, the paw is cut by a stone, the dog because of the pain will also appear leg lame problem, but the impact is not significant. Treatment: Don’t just move the injured leg first, as it may make the injury worse and you may get bitten for making your pet sore. If the leg is swollen or completely unable to land, you need to seek immediate medical attention. If it is only a slight limp, try limiting your pet’s movement and let him rest to see if it gets better. If it is still painful for more than 24 hours, you will need to go to the hospital. The doctor will usually perform palpation and will likely need to take X-rays to determine if there are any fractures, misaligned joints, or other problems. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a referral to an orthopedic specialist for surgery may be necessary. Soft tissue injuries may require the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers and good rest.2. Calcium deficiency Long-term dog eating a single dog food, resulting in nutritional imbalance, especially calcium intake, when the dog calcium deficiency reaches a certain level, one of the performance symptoms is leg lameness. The following list of different stages of calcium deficiency in dogs will cause problems. If you see your dog has the corresponding symptoms, you need to supplement calcium. (1) puppies 4-10 months baby bones, teeth fast growth, calcium deficiency will lead to slow growth, O-leg and other problems. (2) Older dogs After the age of 7 years old, dogs absorb less calcium and lose more, so they should be supplemented in time. (3) Pregnant or post-birth female dogs The pregnancy process and the process of breastfeeding puppies, calcium loss is serious and must be supplemented in time, otherwise they are prone to convulsions, spasms, etc. (4) Meat-based dogs The scientific calcium to phosphorus ratio for pets is 1.2 : 1. Meat has a low calcium content and a high phosphorus content, so long-term feeding will result in high phosphorus and low calcium. The calcium to phosphorus ratio is out of balance and leads to calcium deficiency. (5) Sub-health or with symptoms of calcium deficiency Picky eating, malnutrition, osteoporosis, etc., or recovering from illness, O-legged, outgrown leg, etc., also need calcium supplementation. (6) Dogs with high activity The demand and loss of calcium from high exercise are more than that of ordinary dogs, so calcium supplementation is needed. Treatment: Usually you can supplement some calcium powder and calcium tablets when feeding, and give the dog some food with high calcium content. Such as bone broth, tofu, shrimp skin, etc. Of course, if the calcium deficiency is relatively serious, it is necessary to give the dog to take the dog special calcium powder. Also often take the dog out in the sun. 3. Infection or inflammation caused by If the limp does not occur after strenuous exercise, be careful of other possibilities. Infection caused by injury: for example, bacteria invade when the skin is broken, and then cause abscesses, or infection of the joints, etc. For dogs that go outside, it is common for them to be bitten by other stray dogs and subsequently form abscesses. Treatment: Seek prompt medical attention. The doctor will check the body temperature, look for any remaining skin wounds, and may require x-rays and blood tests. For suspected abscesses, a syringe sample may be needed to see if there is an infection. Systemic infections: for example, diseases caused by certain ticks. Lyme disease is one of the more typical ones, where different joints may hurt in rotation, along with decreased appetite and spirits, fever, difficulty breathing, etc. Treatment: Have a 4Dx SNAP Test, which is a test that includes heartworm and 3 other tick diseases. X-rays and blood tests are also needed to rule out other possibilities.4. Arthritis More common, especially in older or somewhat obese dogs. Chronic arthritis lameness is slowly worsening, but injuries can also cause arthritis to worsen suddenly. Treatment: After ruling out other possibilities, use joint supplements, and may need painkillers if it is really painful. 5. Spinal problems Spinal problems in dogs are also relatively common, especially in Dachshunds with particularly long backs. A herniated disc or injury to the spine causing damage to the spinal nerve can cause loss of movement in the hind legs, loss of pain, and even the inability to urinate normally. Treatment: It is important to seek prompt medical attention. Your doctor will do a neurological exam and x-rays to identify the location of the affected spine. If available, a myelogram, CT or MRI will give more accurate results. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may choose to treat the condition with medication or surgery. 6. caused by genetic or developmental disorders Dogs with genetic or developmental disorders are usually lame at a younger age and are less likely to develop suddenly. The dog can have hip dysplasia CHD, elbow dysplasia and so on. If the nutrition is not balanced as a child, it can also lead to bone and joint dysplasia. Treatment: First go to the hospital for examination and may need X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity, medication or surgery may be required. To prevent such problems, be sure to eat food suitable for young pets during the dog’s early years, ensure balanced nutrition, and rationalize the amount of exercise your dog gets. Note 1. Use a leash when you go out to try to avoid injuries to your pet. 2. Puppies and older dogs usually need to pay attention to calcium supplementation. 3. Do not bandage your dog’s leg after it is lame, otherwise it may lead to lifelong disability, must go to a regular hospital to deal with.
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