At Jackpot Veterinary Center, we specialize in lameness and pain management for small, companion animals. If your pet is showing signs or symptoms of pain or lameness, our veterinarians will first perform a thorough physical examination to localize the source of your pet’s lameness. We then take a set of radiographs to verify the source and diagnose the underlying cause of the pet’s lameness. We can then recommend a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pet’s symptoms while addressing the underlying musculoskeletal problem.
What Is Lameness?
Lameness refers to a musculoskeletal problem in a pet that results in limited mobility and pain.
Common Causes of Lameness in Companion Animals
There are several diseases, injuries, and congenital conditions that can cause lameness in dogs and cats. Some of the most common include:
- CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) Rupture or Tear
- Hip Dysplasia
- Valley Fever
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Arthritis
Signs and Symptoms of Lameness and Pain in Pets
Many conditions that cause lameness in pets present with similar signs and symptoms. These include:
- Limping or limb favoring
- Limited mobility
- Decreased range of motion
- Stiffness after exercise
- Trouble standing up or sitting down
- Shifting weight to one side of the body
- Change in gate or posture
- Trembling or shivering
- Not wanting to be touched
A CCL rupture presents with a few additional symptoms that are specific to this type of injury, such as:
- A crackling sound when a pet's bones rub together in the stifle joint (crepitus)
- Not wanting the stifle joint to be touched
- Swollen stifle joint
- Extends hind leg when sitting
If you observe any of the above-listed signs or symptoms of lameness and pain in your pet or other unexplained changes to your pet’s gate, posture, behavior, energy level, appetite, or appearance, we encourage you to schedule an examination right away.
Multimodal Pain Management for Pets
Once your pet’s condition has been diagnosed, our veterinarians will provide you with a range of multimodal treatment options for your pet. These treatments are designed to both alleviate symptoms and address the underlying cause of lameness and pain. Treatment and pain management plans typically include a variety of treatments and therapies such as medications, orthopedic surgery, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, and cold laser therapy.
Preventing Lameness With OFA-Certified Pre-Breeding Screening
At Jackpot Veterinary Center, our veterinarians are here to set your pet up for a healthy and happy life. We not only provide comprehensive pet dental care in our office but are always happy to talk with you about steps you can take at home to help promote better oral health in your pets. To learn more, contact our office today.
To learn more about lameness examinations, pain management, and pre-breeding screening or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our veterinary hospital in Tucson today.
