There are many different causes for pain when walking in dogs. Your dog may be experiencing passing pain which can be an occasional discomfort or it can be the result of a more serious medical condition. Pain when walking in dogs should not be disregarded and should be monitored closely, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as lameness, stiffness, and lack of ability to walk. There are a few reasons why a dog may experience pain when walking:
Arthritis
When it comes to pain when walking in dogs, arthritis can be considered one of the most common causes of pain. It is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs suffers from the symptoms of arthritis, which can cause severe discomfort and pain if left untreated. Arthritis is defined as a degenerative disease caused by average wear and tear in joints. Due to the chronic condition that is arthritis, it is essential to keep your veterinarian informed of any possible changes your dog has been experiencing in terms of his daily routine.
If your dog has started slowing down in his mobility, it is imperative that you seek veterinary guidance to help assist with your dog's health. Some of the following signs are important to monitor in your dog such as lameness or stiffness, slow gait, lethargy, muscle atrophy, swelling, or licking of joints. While there are five types of arthritis in dogs, there are two common arthritis conditions known as degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint disease. Degenerative joint disease results from erosion of the cartilage in the bones caused by friction. Inflammatory joint disease can occur from infection and bone spurs. The less common conditions are known as metabolic (joint-bleeding), crystalloid (joints being formed with crystals), and neoplastic.
Hip Dysplasia
If you notice your dog exhibiting pain when walking, it can be indicative of a medical condition such as hip dysplasia. If you notice your dog has been limping and struggling to navigate up and down the stairs, hip dysplasia may be another medical condition to look into. Hip dysplasia may manifest with symptoms similar to arthritis, which can cause confusion as to the true diagnosis for your dog. Hip dysplasia is caused by an abnormal formation in the hip socket which may result in discomfort and pain. You may notice your dog experiencing the following symptoms: pain after physical exertion, change of gait, stiffness in the mornings, and difficulty navigating stairs. The severity of hip dysplasia varies from minor irritation to severe pain which can incapacitate your dog.
Hip dysplasia can affect any dog at any age, including puppies. While hip dysplasia can occur in any dog, there are breeds that are susceptible to the medical condition. The breeds that may suffer from hip dysplasia include the German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernards. If you observe your dog with pain when walking, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Lyme Disease
Another medical condition that can cause pain when walking in dogs is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is transmitted through a tick bite, usually the deer tick. Lyme disease can be difficult to initially diagnose, due to the lack of rash that usually plagues humans. Once the tick bites your dog, the infection enters the bloodstream, and can cause your dog to experience joint inflammation, fever, lameness, issues related to kidneys, as well as cardiovascular and neurological problems.
A delay in diagnosing Lyme disease may occur since symptoms can take as long as 2 to 5 months to manifest. Symptoms can be similar to arthritis or hip dysplasia, which is another reason why seeking a veterinarian's advice is highly recommended. Some of the symptoms that can manifest as a result of Lyme disease are walking with pain, generalized pain, lameness, limping, lack of appetite, and potentially swollen lymph nodes.
Walking when in pain may only indicate one symptom of a potentially devastating medical condition. These conditions are not exhaustive and should only be used to confirm whether your dog has been experiencing certain symptoms. It is important to follow up with your veterinarian to pinpoint and treat the appropriate medical condition.