Why Is My Dog Limping On Her Back Leg? Causes & What To Do

If your dog is limping on her back leg, it could be due to a number of reasons, ranging from minor strains to more serious injuries or health conditions. A dog limping on a back leg often indicates dog hind leg pain or canine lameness rear leg. It’s crucial to observe the limping and consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Fathoming the Reasons for Dog Limping Causes Back Leg

A limp in a dog’s back leg can be concerning for any owner. This sign of discomfort or dysfunction means your dog is experiencing dog hind leg pain or canine lameness rear leg. It’s your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t right with their rear limb. We’ll explore the common culprits behind this issue.

Common Injuries Leading to Dog Limping

Injuries are a very frequent cause of a dog favoring its back leg. These can happen during play, exercise, or even from a simple misstep.

Sprains and Strains

Just like humans, dogs can sprain or strain the muscles and ligaments in their back legs. This often happens during vigorous activity like jumping, running, or playing fetch.

• Ligament Sprains: The knee joint, in particular, is prone to ligament damage. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans, is a common culprit. A partial or complete tear of the CCL will often result in a dog limping or refusing to put weight on the affected leg. This is a major reason for dog hind limb injury.
• Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers can cause pain and limping. You might notice your dog’s gait is altered, and they may show signs of dog pawing back leg to try and alleviate discomfort.

Fractures and Dislocations

More severe trauma can lead to broken bones or dislocated joints.

• Fractures: A fall or impact can cause a fracture in any of the bones in the hind leg, including the femur (thigh bone), tibia, fibula, or bones in the paw. This usually causes significant pain and an obvious inability to bear weight.
• Dislocations: The hip or knee joint can become dislocated, leading to a dog wobbly back leg and a noticeable limp.

Cuts and Punctures on the Paw

The paws are directly in contact with the ground and are susceptible to injuries.

• Foreign Objects: Stepping on sharp objects like glass, thorns, or rocks can cause cuts, punctures, or embedded objects that lead to immediate pain and limping.
• Bruising: Even without a visible wound, a hard impact can bruise the paw pads or underlying tissues, causing discomfort.

Degenerative Conditions Affecting the Back Legs

As dogs age, they can develop conditions that affect their joints and mobility, causing a persistent limp.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a common inherited condition, especially in larger breeds. It occurs when the hip socket doesn’t form correctly, leading to instability and pain. Dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit a “bunny hopping” gait or a noticeable limp in one or both hind legs. This is a significant cause of dog hind leg arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It’s more common in older dogs but can affect younger dogs as well, especially those with a history of joint injury. Arthritis can lead to dog difficulty walking back leg and a reluctance to jump or climb stairs.

Luxating Patella

This condition involves the kneecap (patella) slipping out of its normal groove. It’s more common in smaller breeds. When the patella luxates, it can cause a sudden skip or hop in the hind leg, followed by a limp as the patella returns to its position. This can contribute to dog back leg weakness.

Neurological Issues and Nerve Damage

Problems within the nervous system can also manifest as hind leg lameness.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

This condition affects the spinal cord, particularly in breeds like Dachshunds. When discs in the spine degenerate and press on the spinal cord, it can cause pain, weakness, or paralysis in the hind legs. You might observe dog pawing back leg in an attempt to reach the painful area or a general lack of coordination.

Nerve Impingement or Damage

Nerves in the hindquarters can be compressed or damaged due to injury, inflammation, or tumors. This can lead to altered sensation, weakness, and limping.

Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Infections or inflammation can target the bones, joints, or soft tissues of the hind leg.

Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses

These diseases can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to lameness that may shift between legs. This is a critical consideration for dog hind limb injury symptoms.

Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis)

Bacterial or fungal infections can affect the bones, causing pain, swelling, and lameness.

Abscesses

A puncture wound can become infected, forming an abscess that causes localized pain and swelling, leading to a limp.

Other Less Common Causes

• Cancer: Bone cancer or tumors in the soft tissues of the leg can cause pain and lameness.
• Growth Plate Injuries: In young, growing dogs, injuries to the growth plates can affect bone development and lead to lameness.
• Congenital Abnormalities: Some dogs are born with abnormalities in their leg structure that can cause them to limp.

Recognizing the Signs: Dog Hind Leg Injury Symptoms

Observing your dog closely can provide crucial clues about the cause of their limp. Pay attention to the following dog hind limb injury symptoms:

Subtle Changes in Gait

• Limping: The most obvious sign is a visible limp, where the dog favors one leg.
• Stiffness: Your dog might seem stiff, especially after resting.
• Difficulty Rising: Struggling to get up from a lying position.
• Bunny Hopping: Moving both back legs together, often seen with hip issues.
• “Skipping” or Hopping: Lifting one leg momentarily while walking or running.

Behavioral Changes

• Lethargy: Reduced energy and unwillingness to play or exercise.
• Irritability: Snapping or growling when the affected leg is touched.
• Excessive Licking or Chewing: Your dog might repeatedly lick or chew at the leg, paw, or hip, indicating a localized source of discomfort. This is often described as dog pawing back leg.
• Reluctance to Jump or Climb Stairs: Avoiding activities that put stress on the hind legs.
• Vocalization: Whining or yelping when moving the leg or when weight is placed on it.

Visible Physical Signs

• Swelling: Puffiness or enlargement around the affected joint or limb.
• Redness: Inflammation of the skin.
• Heat: The area might feel warmer to the touch.
• Lameness that Worsens with Activity: The limp may be mild at first but become more pronounced after exercise.
• Lameness that Improves with Rest: Conversely, some dogs might appear better after resting.
• Uneven Muscle Mass: One hind leg might appear smaller or less muscular than the other due to disuse from pain.
• Abnormal Limb Position: The leg may be held at an unusual angle.
• Visible Wounds: Cuts, punctures, or abrasions on the paw or leg.

A dog wobbly back leg can be a sign of neurological issues, severe pain, or weakness in the limb.

What To Do When Your Dog Limps on Her Back Leg

When you notice your dog limping, the first and most important step is to consult your veterinarian. Self-diagnosis and treatment can be dangerous and delay proper care.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Rest: Immediately restrict your dog’s activity. No running, jumping, or rough play. Keep them on a leash for bathroom breaks.
2. Observe: Carefully note when the limping started, which leg is affected, the severity of the limp, and any other symptoms you observe. This information will be invaluable to your vet.
3. Gentle Examination (with Caution): If your dog is comfortable, you can gently feel the leg for heat, swelling, or obvious wounds. Avoid pressing on painful areas, as this could worsen the injury or cause your dog to bite. Check the paw pads for cuts or foreign objects.
4. Do Not Medicate: Never give your dog human pain medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as they can be toxic to dogs. Only administer medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

• Sudden or Severe Limping: If your dog suddenly stops putting weight on the leg or the limp is severe.
• Signs of Intense Pain: Vocalizing, trembling, or extreme reluctance to move.
• Obvious Deformity or Swelling: If you see a misshapen limb or significant swelling.
• Open Wounds or Bleeding: Any break in the skin needs prompt attention.
• Limping That Doesn’t Improve: If the limp persists for more than 24-48 hours despite rest.
• Limping in a Puppy or Senior Dog: These age groups can be more vulnerable to complications.
• Other Symptoms: If the limping is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or other signs of illness.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, which may include:

• Gait Analysis: Watching your dog walk and run to assess the degree and pattern of lameness.
• Palpation: Gently feeling the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments for pain, swelling, instability, or abnormalities.
• Orthopedic Tests: Specific maneuvers to check the stability of joints like the knees (e.g., cranial drawer test for CCL tears) or hips.
• Neurological Examination: To assess nerve function and spinal reflexes if a neurological cause is suspected.

Depending on the initial findings, your vet may recommend further diagnostic tests:

Diagnostic Tools

• X-rays (Radiographs): Essential for identifying fractures, dislocations, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and bone cancer. They can help diagnose dog hind leg arthritis and other skeletal issues.
• Blood Tests: To check for infection or inflammatory markers, especially if a tick-borne illness or systemic infection is suspected.
• Ultrasound: Useful for evaluating soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and can help detect tears or fluid accumulation.
• CT Scan or MRI: More advanced imaging techniques used for complex cases, particularly those involving the spine or intricate joint injuries, to provide detailed views of soft tissues and nerves.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend entirely on the diagnosed cause.

• Rest and Activity Modification: For mild sprains or strains, rest is often the primary treatment.
• Medications:
  • Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) specifically formulated for dogs can reduce pain and inflammation. Your vet will prescribe the correct dosage and type.
  • Antibiotics: If an infection is present.
• Bandaging or Splinting: To support injured limbs and prevent further damage.
• Surgery:
  • CCL Repair: Various surgical techniques exist to stabilize the knee joint after a CCL tear.
  • Fracture Repair: Using plates, screws, or pins to stabilize broken bones.
  • Hip Dysplasia Surgery: Procedures like femoral head ostectomy or total hip replacement may be recommended for severe cases.
  • Patellar Luxation Correction: Surgery to reposition the kneecap.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Crucial for recovery after injury or surgery. This can include:
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill)
  • Laser therapy
  • Massage
• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health, especially for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
• Weight Management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is vital, as excess weight puts significant stress on joints and can worsen lameness.

Specific Conditions and Their Management

Let’s delve deeper into some common issues causing dog limping causes back leg.

Cruciate Ligament Tears

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog’s knee is very similar to the ACL in humans. Tears are extremely common and a leading cause of dog hind limb injury.

Signs of CCL Injury

• Sudden onset of limping, often after exercise.
• Holding the leg up or “toe touching” with the paw.
• Stiffness after rest.
• A “drawer sign” during veterinary examination (the tibia can be pulled forward abnormally relative to the femur).
• Swelling around the knee.
• The dog may exhibit dog back leg weakness and appear generally less stable.

Treatment Approaches for CCL Tears

• Non-Surgical Management: Best suited for very small dogs or dogs with significant concurrent health issues. Involves strict rest, anti-inflammatories, and potentially physical therapy. However, long-term success without surgery is often limited, and arthritis typically develops.
• Surgical Management: The gold standard for most dogs. Procedures aim to stabilize the knee joint and prevent painful arthritis progression. Common surgeries include:
  • Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): Reshaping the top of the tibia to reduce the tibial plateau angle, thus neutralizing the cranial thrust caused by the torn CCL.
  • Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): Moving the attachment point of the patellar ligament forward to achieve similar stability.
  • Extracapsular Repair (Lateral Fabellar Suture Technique): Using a strong suture material to mimic the function of the CCL. This is typically recommended for smaller dogs.

Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis

These conditions are often intertwined, with hip dysplasia frequently leading to secondary osteoarthritis.

Fathoming Hip Dysplasia

This is a developmental malformation where the hip joint is unstable.

Contributing Factors:

• Genetics
• Rapid growth in large breeds
• Diet
• Exercise (both too much and too little can be detrimental during growth)

Signs:

• Bunny hopping gait.
• Reluctance to exercise.
• Stiffness, especially in the morning.
• Pain when the hips are manipulated.
• A dog wobbly back leg can be observed, particularly when turning.
• Over time, muscle wasting in the hindquarters may occur due to disuse.

Fathoming Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Degenerative joint disease causing pain and inflammation.

Contributing Factors:

• Age
• Previous injuries
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Hip dysplasia or other joint instability

Signs:

• Stiffness, particularly after rest.
• Limping that worsens with activity or cold weather.
• Difficulty rising or lying down.
• Reduced range of motion in the joint.
• Pain on palpation of the joint.
• Can lead to significant dog difficulty walking back leg.

Management Strategies for Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis

• Weight Management: Crucial for reducing joint stress.
• Controlled Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise like walking on soft surfaces is better than sporadic intense activity. Avoid high-impact activities.
• Medications:
  • NSAIDs for pain and inflammation.
  • Other pain relievers like gabapentin if needed.
• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support cartilage and reduce inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage can improve strength and flexibility.
• Surgery: For severe hip dysplasia, procedures like total hip replacement can restore function and eliminate pain.

IVDD and Neurological Causes

When the problem stems from the spine or nerves, the symptoms can be more varied.

Deciphering IVDD

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the shock-absorbing discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord.

Breeds Prone to IVDD: Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Beagles.

Signs:

• Back pain, vocalizing when moving.
• Stiff gait.
• Reluctance to jump or use stairs.
• Weakness in the hind legs, leading to a dog wobbly back leg.
• In severe cases, paralysis and loss of bladder/bowel control.
• A dog might exhibit dog pawing back leg as a sign of nerve pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment for IVDD

• Neurological Exam: To assess reflexes and nerve function.
• X-rays: Can sometimes show vertebral changes but may not reveal disc issues directly.
• Myelography, CT Scan, or MRI: These are necessary to pinpoint the location and severity of spinal cord compression.

Treatment:

• Conservative Management: Strict crate rest, anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and muscle relaxants. This is for mild cases.
• Surgery: Often recommended for dogs with significant neurological deficits or those not improving with conservative care. Surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Preventing Back Leg Injuries in Dogs

While not all injuries can be prevented, some steps can reduce the risk of your dog developing dog hind leg pain or canine lameness rear leg.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a major contributing factor to joint problems and exacerbates existing conditions. Work with your vet to ensure your dog is at an ideal body condition score.

Provide Appropriate Exercise

• Regular, Moderate Exercise: Daily walks and play sessions help maintain muscle tone and joint health.
• Avoid Overexertion: Especially in young dogs with still-developing joints, or in older dogs prone to arthritis.
• Warm-up and Cool-down: For dogs engaged in vigorous activities, a brief warm-up and cool-down period can help prevent strains.

Proper Nutrition

A balanced diet supports overall health, including bone and joint integrity. Consider joint supplements if recommended by your vet, especially for large breeds or older dogs.

Environmental Safety

• Non-Slip Surfaces: Use rugs or runners on slippery floors, especially for older dogs or those with existing mobility issues. This helps prevent slips and falls that can lead to injuries.
• Ramps: Provide ramps for dogs to access couches, cars, or stairs if they have difficulty.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Annual or semi-annual check-ups allow your vet to detect early signs of joint disease or other orthopedic issues, enabling timely intervention and potentially preventing more serious problems from developing, thus addressing dog back leg weakness before it becomes severe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My dog is limping on her back leg, can I just give her some aspirin?
A1: No, you should never give your dog human pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. These medications can be toxic to dogs and cause serious internal damage, including stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Q2: How long should I wait before taking my dog to the vet for a limp?
A2: If the limp is severe, sudden, or your dog shows signs of intense pain, seek veterinary attention immediately. For mild limping that doesn’t improve within 24-48 hours of rest, it’s also best to consult your vet. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a good prognosis.

Q3: Will my dog’s limp ever go away completely?
A3: This depends on the underlying cause. Mild sprains or strains may resolve completely with rest. However, conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or severe ligament tears often require ongoing management or surgical intervention for significant improvement. Some dogs may always have a slight limp or require long-term care.

Q4: Can my dog still play fetch if she has a mild limp?
A4: It’s generally advised to avoid activities that could worsen the condition. If your dog has a mild limp, it’s best to refrain from high-impact activities like fetch, jumping, or rough play until you have consulted with your veterinarian and received a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Q5: What are the signs that my dog might have hip dysplasia?
A5: Signs of hip dysplasia often include a “bunny hopping” gait (moving both hind legs together), stiffness after rest, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty with activities like jumping or climbing stairs. You might notice a dog wobbly back leg when they are turning or moving slowly.

By staying observant, seeking professional veterinary advice promptly, and following through with recommended treatments and preventative measures, you can help your dog overcome back leg lameness and maintain a happy, active life.