Why is my dog or cat limping?
A limp is a sign, not a diagnosis. It can come from something as small as a torn nail or a thorn, or from a fracture, a torn ligament, a joint problem or a nerve issue. Where the limp is, how it started and whether it changes through the day all help narrow it down.
Pets often stop limping the moment they reach a clinic, because excitement and nerves mask pain. A short video helps a lot:
- Film 20 to 30 seconds of your pet walking towards you and away from you, on a floor that isn't slippery.
- If the limp is worse after rest, film them just after they get up.
- For cats, film them jumping up or down, or walking along a corridor.
Bring the video to the consultation, or send it when you message the clinic.
Could my pet have a broken bone?
Possibly, if it won't put weight on a leg, the leg is swollen or at an odd angle, or it cries out when touched, especially after a fall or accident. That needs a vet the same day, and usually X-rays.
Broken bones in pets usually follow road accidents, falls, or being stepped on or caught in a door. In Hyderabad's apartment blocks, cats falling from balconies and windows are a common cause, and a cat that walks away from a fall can still have fractures, jaw injuries or chest injuries.
Contact a vet the same day if
- Your pet won't put any weight on a leg, or a leg hangs at an odd angle
- There was a fall from a height, a road accident, or a door or gate closed on them
- You can see bone, a deep wound, or heavy bleeding
- They suddenly can't use their back legs, or are dragging them
- They cry out when touched, won't settle, or are panting and restless from pain
On the way to the vet
- Keep your pet as still as you can. Carry small dogs and cats in a carrier or a box lined with a towel; move larger dogs on a board or blanket with two people.
- Cover an open wound loosely with a clean cloth.
- Don't try to straighten or splint the leg yourself. It's painful and can make the injury worse.
- Don't give human painkillers. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and similar medicines can be poisonous to dogs and especially cats.
- Even gentle pets may bite when they're in pain. Handle them calmly and keep your face away.
Whether a fracture is treated with surgery, a support dressing or rest depends on which bone is broken, how it's broken, the animal's age and size, and its overall health. X-rays are almost always needed to decide.
Why did my dog suddenly go lame on a back leg?
A torn cruciate ligament in the knee is one of the most common reasons, particularly in larger or overweight dogs.
The cranial cruciate ligament holds a dog's knee stable, much like the ACL in a person's knee. When it tears, a dog often goes suddenly lame on a back leg, sometimes after playing or jumping, and may sit with that leg pushed out to the side. In other dogs the ligament wears gradually, and the limp comes and goes for weeks before it gets worse.
It's especially common in larger and overweight dogs, but small breeds are affected too. Cats can tear the ligament, though much less often. A physical examination of the knee, together with X-rays, usually tells the vet what's going on, and the right approach depends a great deal on the dog's size, age and lifestyle.
Why does my small dog skip or hop on one back leg?
If your small dog runs along and then suddenly skips a step or hops on three legs for a few strides before carrying on normally, the kneecap may be slipping out of its groove. It's common in small breeds such as Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and toy Poodles, and can also affect larger dogs and cats.
Some pets live comfortably with a mild slip; others develop pain and arthritis. Dr. Neelima will grade how far and how often the kneecap moves and talk you through whether it needs treatment now or monitoring.
Why is my dog or cat stiff and slowing down?
In young large-breed dogs it's often hip or elbow dysplasia; in older dogs and cats it's often arthritis. Both can be managed once they're diagnosed.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are developmental problems in how a joint forms. They're seen most in growing large breeds, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. Signs include a swaying back end, a "bunny-hopping" run, reluctance to climb stairs, or a front-leg limp in a young dog.
Arthritis develops later in life, often after years of an earlier joint problem. In dogs you may notice stiffness after rest, slowing on walks, or trouble getting into the car. Cats hide it well: look for a cat who no longer jumps onto the bed, grooms less along the back, or starts missing the litter tray.
Depending on what the examination and X-rays show, a plan might involve weight management, controlled exercise, pain relief prescribed by a vet, physiotherapy advice, changes at home, or surgery. Orthopaedic and general surgery are carried out at N3; Dr. Neelima will explain which options suit your pet.
What happens at an orthopedic consultation?
Call or message first
Tell the clinic the species, age and what you've noticed. They'll tell you how soon your dog or cat should be seen, and what to bring.
History and watching them move
Dr. Neelima will ask when it started and what has changed, then watch how your animal stands, walks or perches where that's safe.
A hands-on examination
She'll gently check bones, joints and muscles, and look for pain, swelling or instability. Some patients need calming or pain relief first.
Imaging if it's needed
X-rays or other tests may be advised to see what's happening inside. Bring any images or reports you already have.
A plan you understand
You'll hear what she has found, what the options are, what each involves, and what recovery at home would ask of you.
What to bring
- Any X-rays, scans, blood reports and prescriptions from earlier visits (originals or clear phone photos of X-ray films)
- A list of medicines and supplements your pet takes, with doses
- A short video of the limp or movement change, if you have one
- Dogs on a secure lead; cats in a closed carrier
Cases from the clinic
Fracture cases treated at N3, shared on the clinic's Instagram.
A cat's fracture
Surgery for a cat's leg fracture
A poodle's leg fracture