Sudden Lameness in Dog's Foot: Possible Causes and Solu

When dogs are out and about, they may sustain injuries to their paw pads from foreign objects on the ground, such as stones, glass, or twigs. It's crucial for owners to carefully inspect their dog's paw pads for any obvious wounds. If any are found, they should be promptly disinfected to prevent infection.

If touching your dog's leg muscles elicits a painful response, it might indicate a muscle strain, which requires rest and treatment. In cases where a dog has been subjected to a severe impact or twist and is limping, it could be a sign of a fracture. In such instances, it's essential to rush your pet to the vet for an Xray to diagnose the issue and initiate appropriate treatment. Prolonged limping, bone deformities, and digestive issues in dogs that are vitamin D deficient might suggest rickets. Joint swelling and difficulty in movement could be indicative of arthritis.

Here are some common conditions that can lead to a dog's leg lameness:

1. Dog Fractures

Specific symptoms of dog fractures include bone deformities and displacement of the fracture site, such as longitudinal, angular, rotational, or lateral displacement. The affected limb may appear abnormally short, crooked, or elongated. Abnormal movements, like abnormal flexion or rotation during weightbearing or passive movement, can cause a grinding sound at the bone ends. Symptoms may also include bleeding, pain, swelling, and limping.

2. Dog Rickets

Rickets can be diagnosed by examining the dog's age, condition, bone deformities, and Xrays. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels can help confirm the diagnosis. If blood calcium is below 9.8% and blood phosphorus is below 2.5%, rickets can be diagnosed. Early symptoms may include pica, such as eating dirt, sand, or debris, and selflicking of the abdomen. Dogs may exhibit a stiff gait, limping, particularly in the hind legs, and may present with a knee屈ed position, an Oshaped or Xshaped stance. Bone deformities, as well as doublejointed knees and ankles, are often visible.

3. Dog Calcium Deficiency

Adult dogs with calcium deficiency may exhibit symptoms like spasms, bleeding, loss of reproductive ability, and spontaneous fractures. In breeding females, calcium deficiency may cause sudden restlessness, unsteady gait, stiffness in the hindquarters, and rigid spasms in the head, neck, chest, and abdominal muscles. They may stand unsteadily, fall, arch their backs, breathe rapidly, sweat, and have their eyes roll upwards. The mouth may clench shut, with the tongue sticking out and purple lips. White foam may be seen at the corners of the mouth. The dog may tremble, have a weak heartbeat, and rigid limbs, resembling symptoms of poisoning.