Sudden Back Leg Limp: What's Wrong?

Your dog can’t speak to you to communicate problems to you. If they are in a great deal of pain, they have no way of letting you know that they need treatment. Instead, you have to look out for the signs and be ready to care for them. 

One of these signs is your dog suddenly limping with its back leg. This is a clear and obvious indication that something is wrong. However, what is wrong varies and will impact the treatment that your dog needs. 

With all this in mind, knowing the common causes of a sudden back leg limp is important. By reading this article, you can become familiar with these causes and know them when you see them. 

Sprains or Strains

Strains and sprains are some of the most common injuries in dogs. They can occur whenever your dog exerts itself. 

Both make it hard for your dog to walk. They cause inflammation and swelling in the legs. This causes your dog to walk differently because they are trying to avoid putting pressure on the leg that is causing them pain. They may even refuse to walk entirely. 

The good thing about strains and sprains is that they heal on their own. Your dog will likely make a full recovery from these injuries by just taking a little time to rest. The problem is that they will be in pain while they recover. Because of this, many dog owners put their dogs on painkillers while they recover. If you are interested in this, you can talk with your veterinarian to find out what kinds of painkillers will be safe for your dog. 

Related: Sleep Twitches: Why Dogs Move at Night

ACL Injury

Many people are familiar with ACL injuries from the world of sports. It can put a professional athlete out of the game for several months, usually causing them to miss the entire season. Unfortunately, this type of injury isn’t just restricted to the world of sports and can just as easily strike your pet. 

An ACL rupture can happen if your dog suddenly changes direction while running around, if they put pressure on their legs in a weird way, or as an entirely random accident. This makes it a very common but very serious injury. To make things worse, it is often painful, which is what causes the limp it is associated with. Because of this, ACL injuries are like a more serious version of strains and sprains. 

The good news is that an ACL injury in dogs can be repaired and is a procedure that usually goes very well. The bad news is that it will require surgery. You will have to discuss your pet’s situation with your veterinarian to find out which option is best for your dog. 

Looking for a natural-based way to help your pet feel calm when they have to go to the vet? Check out our calming hemp oil to help put your pooch at ease. 

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) comes about as a result of both an injury and old age. As your pet ages, the discs in their spinal cord start to become weaker. If an injury takes place, these disks have the potential to herniate. 

Like a refusal to eat, IVDD is more common in older dogs. However, it is possible at any age. Specifically, acute IVDD is more common in young dogs. This is the result of a random injury. Meanwhile, chronic IVDD is more common in older dogs. This is the result of the continued weakening and degeneration of their disks, which causes more problems to regularly occur with them. 

Treatment methods vary depending on the type of IVDD. When acute IVDD cases are mild, they are usually treated with crate rest and pain medication. When acute IVDD cases are more serious, surgery is often required. With chronic IVDD, treatment strategies include a long-term look at your pet’s health to develop a plan, which should be done with a veterinarian. 

 

Iliopsoas Muscle Problem

Your dog’s iliopsoas muscle is located in their hips. So, when injured, it has a direct impact on the way they walk. This injury can occur when this muscle is overused or when it is hurt by an outside force. 

Luckily, treatment is generally simple. Often, a little rest is required to allow the muscle to heal. This healing process can be occasionally stimulated by anti-inflammatories, which can also help lessen pain. 

Related: Sesame Oil for Dogs: Is It Safe and Beneficial?

Fractured Leg

This is another problem that causes a lot of pain and, in doing so, causes your pet to limp. A fractured leg does not happen normally and is typically the result of some sort of incredible injury. For example, if your pet was hit by a car, fell off a high backyard deck, or fell out of your car while it was moving, they may have fractured their leg. They will often whine as a result of an injury like this, giving you another indication something is wrong. 

Most of the time, a fracture will need to be treated professionally. You will have to go into your vet’s office as soon as possible to get your dog’s leg looked at. 

Dislocated Leg or Hip

A dislocated leg is also a severe source of pain that can cause a dog to limp. Like a fractured leg, it is often the result of serious and severe injury. However, the injuries that cause dislocation also include injuries that pull your dog’s leg to the point where it dislocates. 

Again, these injuries will need to be treated by a professional. This should not be delayed as a dislocation will generally not heal on its own, and delaying treatment can actually cause it to get worse. Prompt treatment can prevent a dislocation from being as bad as it would be otherwise.

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Holistic Approach to Leg Pain

For some pets and their owners, a holistic approach to leg pain is the best approach. You can find this through the natural products available from Rooted Owl. 

You may find our calming hemp oil to be the perfect choice for your pet. This can especially be helpful if you decide your pup needs to go to the vet to get their leg checked out. With USDA-certified organic ingredients, you can join the other satisfied pet parents who use Rooted Owl to take care of their pets. 

Help Your Dog Suddenly Limping with Its Back Leg

If your pet has a sudden back leg limp, you need to know what to do for them. With some issues, you need to help them rest so they can heal. With others, you will need to seek out treatment from your veterinarian. In either case, knowing what to look for in a sudden back leg limp is critical. 

Related: Dog Yawns Decoded: What They Really Mean