From the Guidelines
If your dog is running like a loser, it's crucial to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment, as abnormal gaits can be a sign of underlying pain or illness. Abnormal gaits in dogs can stem from various causes including orthopedic issues (like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or fractures), neurological problems (such as intervertebral disc disease or degenerative myelopathy), soft tissue injuries (sprains or strains), or even pain from other conditions 1. While waiting for your veterinary appointment, it's essential to restrict your dog's activity to prevent further injury and provide a comfortable resting area. Do not administer any human pain medications as many are toxic to dogs. Some key points to consider when assessing your dog's condition include:
- Monitoring their gait and overall mobility
- Watching for signs of pain or discomfort, such as intermittent use of an affected limb or a protective pose
- Ensuring they have easy access to food and water to prevent weight loss Your veterinarian may prescribe appropriate pain management, recommend physical therapy, weight management, or in some cases, surgery, depending on the diagnosis. The abnormal gait is your dog's way of compensating for pain or physical limitation, so addressing the underlying cause is essential for their comfort and mobility. It's also important to follow the veterinarian's guidance on monitoring frequency, which may need to be increased to 1 time per day or more, depending on your dog's condition, as outlined in guidelines for monitoring animals with locomotor signs 1.
From the Research
Abnormal Gait in Dogs
There are no research papers provided that directly address why a dog may be showing an abnormal gait. However, some studies discuss dog health and veterinary care:
- A study on the use of carprofen for the treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs 2 may be relevant if the abnormal gait is caused by pain or inflammation.
- Another study on dog owner perceptions of veterinary handling techniques 3 discusses the importance of low-stress handling methods, but does not directly address abnormal gait.
- A study on veterinary behavior and assessment of veterinarians' training, experience, and comfort level with cases 4 found that veterinarians often do not bring up behavioral topics during appointments, but this may not be directly related to abnormal gait.
- A study on veterinary decision making in relation to metritis 5 discusses the importance of understanding the human influence on data collection and decision making in veterinary care, but does not address abnormal gait specifically.
- A study on the role of the veterinarian during natural disasters 6 is not relevant to abnormal gait in dogs.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Gait
Some possible causes of abnormal gait in dogs include:
- Pain or inflammation in the joints or muscles
- Neurological disorders
- Orthopedic issues
- Injury or trauma It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of the abnormal gait and receive proper diagnosis and treatment.