Has your pet started limping—or suddenly stopped putting weight on one of their legs? Whether it’s a subtle limp after a long walk or a sudden refusal to move, limping in pets is a common clinical sign that something isn’t quite right. And while some cases are minor, others can indicate underlying orthopedic, neurological, or soft tissue issues that require prompt attention.

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital in Reno, Nevada, we understand how worrying it can be to see your pet in pain or unable to move comfortably. That’s why we offer comprehensive diagnostic services and a wide range of treatment options to get to the root of the problem and help your pet return to their happy, active self.

Why Is Your Pet Limping? Understanding the Warning Signs

Limping, also known as lameness, can stem from injury, inflammation, infection, or disease. Pets may limp suddenly or gradually, and they may show other signs of discomfort such as:

  • Reluctance to walk, jump, or climb stairs
  • Whimpering or growling when touched
  • Swelling or heat around a joint
  • Licking or chewing at a specific paw or limb
  • Behavioral changes like restlessness or hiding

Not sure if your pet’s limp is serious? Read more from the AKC

Common Causes of Limping in Dogs and Cats

Limping can affect any pet, regardless of age or breed, but some conditions are more likely depending on lifestyle, weight, or genetics. Below are the most frequent causes we see:

1. Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, Strains & Muscle Tears

These injuries are common after overexertion, rough play, or jumping from high surfaces.

  • Symptoms: Limping, mild swelling, muscle stiffness, hesitation to bear weight
  • Treatment: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care

More on treating sprains and strains

2. Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

Arthritis isn’t just a human problem—it’s very common in aging pets and some breeds. Chronic joint inflammation leads to stiffness and pain, especially after rest or in cold weather.

  • Symptoms: Difficulty getting up, slow movement, joint swelling
  • Treatment: Joint supplements, prescription pain medications, and physical therapy

Learn more:
Arthritis in Cats – iCatCare
AAHA Mobility Matters Guide

3. Cruciate Ligament Injuries (CCL Tears)

One of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, especially active breeds. Similar to ACL tears in humans, it causes sudden lameness in a rear leg.

  • Symptoms: Non-weight bearing hind leg, swelling, joint instability
  • Treatment: Surgical repair (e.g., TPLO or extracapsular repair) and rehabilitation

Learn about CCL Injuries – CSU

4. Hip Dysplasia

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, causing joint looseness and arthritis over time.

  • Symptoms: Bunny-hopping gait, stiffness, trouble rising or climbing stairs
  • Treatment: Weight control, pain management, joint support, or hip replacement surgery in severe cases

Explore surgical options for hip dysplasia

5. Patellar Luxation

More common in small dog breeds, this condition occurs when the kneecap slides out of place.

  • Symptoms: Intermittent limping, “skipping” while walking, sudden leg extension
  • Treatment: Mild cases may require only monitoring; severe ones need surgical correction

More about patellar luxation – Cornell Vet

6. Foreign Objects or Paw Injuries

Foxtails, splinters, glass, or thorns can embed in your pet’s paw pads or between the toes—especially in outdoor pets.

  • Symptoms: Sudden limping, licking the paw, swelling, limping after outdoor activity
  • Treatment: Foreign body removal and treatment for infection or abscesses

The dangers of foxtails – UC Davis

7. Fractures or Traumatic Injuries

Falls, car accidents, or rough play can result in broken bones or dislocations.

  • Symptoms: Severe pain, refusal to walk, visible swelling or limb deformity
  • Treatment: X-rays to diagnose, followed by splinting, casting, or surgery

Learn more about fractures – Zoetis Pet Care

8. Nail & Pad Injuries

Cracked or broken nails, burns from hot pavement, or infections can all lead to limping.

  • Symptoms: Bleeding, favoring one paw, licking, limping after walks
  • Treatment: Nail trimming, bandaging, antibiotics, and pain relief

How to handle broken nails – Kinship

9. Bite Wounds or Infections

Bite wounds, especially from other animals, can become infected quickly and may not always be visible under fur.

  • Symptoms: Localized swelling, fever, abscess formation, limping
  • Treatment: Antibiotics, wound drainage, and pain relief

Read more about bite wounds – AKC

How Veterinary Diagnostics Help Pinpoint the Problem

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital, our approach to diagnosing limping is thorough and tailored to your pet’s needs.

1. Physical Examination

We begin by evaluating your pet’s posture, gait, muscle tone, joint range of motion, and pain sensitivity.

2. Diagnostic Imaging

What we recommend depends on your pet’s symptoms.

3. Laboratory Testing

  • Bloodwork to detect systemic illness or inflammation
  • Joint fluid analysis to diagnose arthritis or infection
  • Testing for tick-borne diseases if Lyme disease is a possibility

When to See a Veterinarian

It’s always better to be safe than sorry—especially when your pet is in pain. Seek immediate veterinary care if:

  • Limping persists for more than 24 hours
  • Your pet refuses to put weight on a limb
  • There’s visible swelling, heat, or bleeding
  • Your pet is crying out, lethargic, or shaking
  • A traumatic injury (fall, hit, or accident) occurred

Treatment Options for Limping in Pets

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital, we create custom care plans based on your pet’s diagnosis, age, activity level, and overall health.

  • Rest and Activity Restriction
  • Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
  • Joint Supplements and Nutraceuticals
  • Cold Laser Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercises
  • Surgical Intervention, when needed for fractures, torn ligaments, or joint deformities

Helping Your Pet Move Comfortably Again

No pet should have to live with chronic pain or mobility issues. Whether the cause is a simple paw injury or a complex orthopedic condition, the sooner we diagnose it, the sooner we can help.

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital, we’re committed to supporting your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. With advanced diagnostics, compassionate care, and personalized treatment plans, we’ll help your four-legged family member get back on their feet—literally.

If your pet is limping or showing signs of pain, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an exam.