Lameness or limping

What is limping or lameness?

Lameness is a general term used to describe a dog that is not weight bearing equally, has a gait irregularity, is hobbling or limping, is dipping a shoulder or throwing a leg whilst moving.

This will often be seen as a dog lifting its weight from its affected leg, usually with the affected limb on tip toes with a bend in the wrist and/or the elbow. In more severe cases the dog will not weight bear at all, lifting its leg off of the floor and even being reluctant to place the affected limb on the ground at all when moving.

what causes lameness?

  • Due to a fall

  • Broken nailes oir infected nail beds

  • Slipping or landing awkwardly

  • Soft tissue injury

  • A strained muscle

  • Something stuck in the dogs paw causing pain or discomfort

  • Post surgery recovery

  • An orthopaedic condition such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia

  • Arthritis

  • Trauma such as a road traffic accident

  • A neurological condition

  • and more…..

** Due to the large and varied reasons for a dog to be lame or limp it is imperative to understand the cause fully so that this can be rectified. In being able to understand the root cause of the lameness it will give the therapist the ability to determine if massage therapy is the best option. If it isnt the best option then you will be referred back to the vets for further diagnosis.

Massage can often bring complete resolution if the lameness is due to a muscular issue. If the lameness is due to an orthopaedic condition, such as luxating patella or elbow dysplasia, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis or post-surgery, then massage therapy is great for the management of chronic pain and muscular related issues due to overcompensation.

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema

  • Bruises

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Pregnancy