Differential Diagnosis for Limping in Pets

The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help guide the diagnostic process.

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition in older pets, especially dogs, causing pain and stiffness in the joints, leading to limping.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Cruciate ligament injury: Similar to ACL injuries in humans, this is a common cause of limping in dogs, especially larger breeds.
  • Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing arthritis and limping, commonly seen in certain breeds.
  • Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and limping, often seen in small breed dogs.
  • Intervertebral disc disease: A condition where the discs between the vertebrae rupture or herniate, causing pain and limping, especially in dogs.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
  • Bone cancer (osteosarcoma): Although less common, bone cancer can cause limping and is critical to diagnose early for treatment.
  • Septic arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.
  • Fractures: Especially in cases of trauma, fractures can cause limping and need immediate attention to prevent further complications.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Lyme disease: A tick-borne illness that can cause arthritis and limping in pets, more common in certain geographic areas.
  • Ehrlichiosis: Another tick-borne disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including limping due to arthritis.
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy): These can cause limping due to nerve damage or disease affecting the nerves controlling the limbs.