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What to do with a dog that has back problems

Animal welfare, injuries, Pathologies, Treatments

Dogs can have health problems related to their limbs. But they can also have back problems . These problems can be both muscular and bone . And it can be due to various factors. For example, to an illness, whether punctual or chronic. Or to a blow.

They can also be due to the wear and tear of bones and muscles due to age . Indeed, elderly dogs can suffer from degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis . Also have more aches and pains than a young dog. This affects your well-being, but also your mobility. And as a consequence, in its general condition.

Support for dogs with back problems

A dog with pain not only moves worse. He is also in a worse mood and sadder. In these cases it is best to consult the veterinarian. Both to find out what is wrong and to recommend the most appropriate treatment. On many occasions it will basically consist of supplying anti-inflammatories and painkillers. Other times a surgical intervention will be necessary. For example, if there is a complicated herniated disc .

In addition to these types of treatments, the well-being of dogs can be helped with protectors and orthopedic supports . For example, a thoraco-lumbar thermal support . With them, in addition to having the back protected, they will receive heat in the affected area. In this way, your injuries will improve.

This support is indicated for dogs of a certain age that suffer from osteoarthritis in the spine. Also for those with instability in the lumbar and thoracic area , or cauda syndrome . Apart from this, it is indicated for conservative treatment in herniated discs . And also for the periods after the operations of this ailment.

In general, it is recommended for dogs that suffer from any type of spine ailment. And for those who have mobility problems in the hind legs .

Orthopedic beds and thermal coats

Dogs with back problems should rest well to avoid further pain. Generally, a conventional dog bed will not provide them with the support and support that they need. Therefore, if a dog has spinal injuries or mobility problems it is advisable that they use an orthopedic bed . This is especially advisable if the dog is already old , or if it has osteoarthritis problems.

These types of beds are made in a special way to improve the rest of elderly dogs . Thus, if they rest better, their body will be more rested, and their injuries will soften a little . The same will happen if the dog has osteoarthritis. These beds are manufactured with specific materials and finishes to improve the performance of the animal’s joints.

They are usually made up of a special viscoelastic or foam material , covered with soft fabric with a pleasant touch, so that the dog is comfortable on them. Apart from this, they are usually thicker and firmer than conventional dog beds.

In addition to beds, these dogs also need to be bundled up in winter . Low temperatures can affect your joints and your back . Therefore, it is advisable to put a protective thermal coat on them. This way they will stay warmer and your back will not suffer the consequences of the cold.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Total or partial rupture of cruciate ligament in dogs

injuries, Treatments

One of the most frequent injuries that dogs usually suffer is the rupture of one of their cruciate ligaments of the knee. As with humans, cruciate ligament rupture in dogs can be partial or total. And if not treated conveniently, the partial can be converted into total in a short time.

When a dog suffers a rupture of one of its cruciate ligaments, its symptoms become evident very quickly. Therefore, when they are detected, it is necessary to go to a veterinarian as soon as possible to treat it properly. But for this you have to know before what are its symptoms and the consequences of not treating these ailments in time.

Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: symptoms

When a cruciate ligament tear occurs in dogs, the animal suffers almost immediately from walking problems. It is one of the most visible symptoms of what happens. When a dog breaks a cruciate ligament on one of its legs, it begins to limp. In addition, it tries in many cases to keep the affected leg up while moving.

In addition, you may have some stiffness in the limb after a regular activity, such as a walk. And try to move the para to the side when you sit down. It’s likely that you’re down and don’t want to play or run, and prefer to lie down.

Apart from these symptoms, the affected leg may present others that affect its appearance and functions, such as a spill of joint fluid. For example, it can become inflamed. Or, when the dog is walking, clicks are heard in the area of the damaged ligament. Also, when examining it, if the affected knee is touched, it will hurt.

If some of these symptoms are observed, you have to go to the veterinarian, as we have mentioned, to study the dog’s limb. If it is left, in addition to the dog feeling pain, the injury will get worse. Thus, a partial break can degenerate into a total break. Or in osteoarthritis. In fact, it is one of the main causes of knee osteoarthritis in dogs. It can even affect other ligaments of the same leg.

Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

One of the treatments that are often used to correct a cruciate ligament tear in dogs is surgery. But it is a fairly complex operation, and in some cases it is convenient to perform some operations before. For example, in case the cruciate ligament tear in dogs leads to a spill of liquid, it should be removed by a puncture.

In addition, the condition of the joint must be examined. To do this, in addition to performing a manipulation of the affected limb, a knee arthroscopy can also be performed on the dog. Often, this technique can be used to treat the injury and rule out others. In any case, if the break is total, it only remains to operate to repair the knee.

Subsequently, the affected joint can be protected by a knee protector or an articulated knee orthosis. This last type of restraint element can also come in handy for dogs that, for any reason, cannot be operated. With them, the animal will feel less pain, and the affected paw will not suffer abnormal displacements due to the injury. In addition to, of course, a treatment with anti-inflammatories and prevent the animal from suffering from being overweight.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

How to treat patellar luxation in dogs?

injuries, vet

There is talk of patellar dislocation in dogs, when the patella, a small bone located in front of the knee joint and whose correct position is necessary for a good functioning of the animal’s limb, gets out of its place, trochlea, causing functional pain and weakness in the dog.

Within the dislocations, the medial dislocation is the most frequent. It arises in 80% of cases while the lateral only occurs in 20%. Between 30% and 50% of cases are bilateral and more frequent in females than in males, especially small breeds and toys.

Lateral dislocations can occur in adult small breeds and in large and giant breed puppies.

It is a pathology that is characterized by a poor alignment of the limb, deformations occur during the development of the animal, which cause the patella to come out of its place. It may be due to a congenital disease or, in some cases, caused by trauma.

It is convenient that dogs suffering from this congenital pathology are not used in reproduction since it is transmitted through generations.

There are dogs that have patella luxation due to trauma. In these cases, the dislocation is generally associated with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Depending on the clinical signs and later on the radiological results, dislocations can be classified into 4 degrees:

Grade I – Intermittent patellar dislocation causing limb lameness when out of place. In the dynamic test, every three or four steps they raise their leg by flexing the knee or they take a little jump.

Grade II – Dislocation that occurs more frequently than Grade I. The patella dislocates easily. There is a slight external rotation of the leg. Many dogs live with this grade for years before progressive arthritis manifests as lameness or more serious causes.

Grade III and IV – The patella is permanently dislocated, with very noticeable external rotation of the leg. There is moderate lameness. If it is bilateral, dogs walk with bowed legs, turning the feet inward and bearing weight on the forelimbs. In the most severe cases, it can be confused with hip problems.

In addition, the animal presents pain, crepitus and increased sensitivity in the knee, which leads to it reducing its activity, even refusing to go up and down stairs, the car or the sofa.

Treatment depends on the degree of dislocation and lameness, but in most cases surgical treatment consisting of soft tissue repair, bone reconstruction, or a combination of the two is required. There are infinite techniques and the orthopedic veterinarian chooses the most suitable one(s) in each case.

Among the most used techniques we find: Overlay of the medial or lateral retinaculum, overlay of the fascia lata, anti-rotational suture of the patellar and tibial ligaments, desmotomy/capsulectomy, quadriceps release, trochleoplasty (trochlear chondroplasty, sulcoplasty resection, trochlear sulcoplasty), transposition of the tibial tuberosity, patellectomy, osteotomy…

As a novelty, orthoses are being applied for knee dislocation as a means of conservative orthopedic treatment that allows the patella to be kept within the femoral condyles and avoid pain and instability. These orthoses are made to measure and are very useful in cases where surgery has failed, you cannot or do not want to operate for different reasons.

Marta Subirats & Toni Ramon

animal physiotherapists

Ortocanis technical team

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

The Four Main Types of Hernia in Dogs

injuries, most commented

Although it may not seem like it, dogs suffer from many of the ailments that humans experience. From a simple cold to osteoarthritis, through hernias. As in humans, those suffered by dogs can have varying severity. In addition, hernias in dogs can be of four types: inguinal, diaphragm, umbilical and disc.

In any of the four cases, it is very important to diagnose them correctly as soon as possible. In this way, the appropriate treatment can be applied to the animal to relieve its discomfort. To do this, the main thing is to understand what a hernia is, what it implies and the main types of hernias in dogs.

Hernia in dogs: main types

The hernias of dogs, like those of humans, are lumps and bumps product of the exit of tissue from some organ of its usual position. They are quite painful, and are usually noticeable because the animal has a lump where it should not. A lump that is painful to the touch on many occasions.

As we have mentioned, the main types of hernias in dogs are four. Of these, the two most common are umbilical and disc herniations . The first usually occur when the animal is very young, shortly after birth. They usually start when the mother of a puppy incorrectly cuts the umbilical cord that joins him to him. When this happens they do not have a navel left as it happens with humans. But it is noticeable in an area that there has been a union with the mother.

In that area, if a hernia has formed, there will be a lump. Do not try to push it into the animal, because it can be painful. The solution to this hernia, and in general to all, is a surgical intervention to eliminate it.

The second most common type of hernia in dogs is herniated disc. Generally, it has its origin in a fall or a blow, which cause a rupture or inflammation of the intervertebral discs of the dog’s spine . However, in older dogs it may simply be due to the deterioration of the discs.

This hernia, in addition to being very painful, can generate mobility problems for dogs. These will be greater the more advanced and severe the hernia. In many cases, the solution will be surgery, but since it involves certain risks, it is the veterinarian who will have to assess if it is worth it. Meanwhile, you can relieve their pain with painkillers and anti-inflammatories. And in case the hernia is very serious and mobility is impaired, you can help him recover it with an adaptable dog wheelchair .

Inguinal and abdominal hernias in dogs

The other two types of hernia in dogs are less common. But equally painful for the animal. They are inguinal hernias and diaphragm hernias. The first are formed in the inguinal canal, a duct located between the muscles of the abdomen.

These types of hernias, which have the appearance of a mass of tissues, can become quite large. Therefore, as soon as they are detected, it is advisable to eliminate them by surgery, and this will probably be indicated by the veterinarian.

As for hernias of the diaphragm, they can cause serious health problems to the affected dog. This hernia, which is usually internal, often develops into the dog’s body. This is dangerous, as it can displace your organs. And it makes that many times, its symptoms are completely different from those of the rest of hernias.

Among them, the dog may have shortness of breath and irregularity in the heartbeat. Also vomiting or diarrhea if it affects the stomach or intestine. In addition, you may notice strange movements in the dog’s abdomen. This type of hernia is quite serious, and must be intervened as soon as possible to correct it.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Animal welfare, injuries, Treatments, vet

Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. The more active you are, the higher the chances of getting injured.

It is especially true when it comes to dogs. Dogs are naturally active animals and need to run around and get plenty of exercise. Not only running, but they also love to jump indoors and outdoors.

Their nature makes them do this many times without being cautious. It makes dogs more prone to injuries, even as serious as fractures and broken bones.

Using a cast is a popular method of healing an injury such as a fracture. This article explains important facts about using cast for dogs.

What Is Casting

A cast is a type of hard bandage that wraps around limbs that have been fractured or injured in some form. Dogs are very active animals that run and jump around almost daily. So, they are at high risk of injuring themselves and fracturing their bones

Accidents, falls, and trauma can lead to injuries that require a cast on a dog. Limbs are the most common area that gets fractured in dogs and require casting.

Sometimes, a cast doesn’t prove to be sufficient for healing. In severe falls, and traumatic accidents, dogs could even break a leg. It could even lead to the requirement of surgery.

Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Casts lie in close contact with the dog’s skin and are a method used to treat external immobilization. It consists of several layers of plaster and padding.

Materials used in a cast include fiberglass, polyurethane-impregnated cotton-polyester, or thermoplastics.

Some fractures in dogs are generally visible right away. So you can take your dog to the vet for casting.

Other fractures are not as obvious and may be missed for a few days until you see your dog limping.

A vet needs to examine the injury using an x-ray to determine if a casting is sufficient or if it requires surgery.

Depending on the severity of the break, your vet may require plates or pins to keep the bones in place. Once the plates are in place and immobilized, the bones will heal around the steel parts. Your vet may recommend a cast to keep the bones immobilized.

If your dog’s injury is more severe and requires surgery, the vet might use anesthesia to reset the bones.

Casting Procedure

Casting is done using an aseptic technique, which means the method is designed to prevent microorganism contamination. Therefore, your dog could even be anesthetized, and the affected area may be shaved before the procedure.

Here is the step-by-step procedure followed for casting on a foreleg fracture.

Place the dog in a side-lying (lateral recumbency) position with the injured extremity facing down.
Apply tape to the ventral and dorsal areas of the foot while a stirrup is created. At this point, the dog’s leg should be elevated to provide support while performing the casting procedure.
Sometimes, the application of a stockinette bandage may be required.
Apply several layers of padding to the elevated leg. The padding consists of layers that are wound tightly around the leg.
Roll out several layers of cast material around the leg, from distal to proximal limb aspects, overlapping itself on each encirclement.
Place wet plaster atop the casting material to get the shape of the leg.
Turn the visible padding at both ends downwards, and tape over the stirrup.
The plaster will take several hours to dry, so the dog may have to stay overnight at the hospital.

Efficacy Of Casting In Dogs

Casting done by a professional such as a vet will permanently fix the affected skeleton. Casting effectively treats most fractures in dogs, except for a few serious ones that require surgery.

An injury with a cast will heal 97% of the time without complications.

A vet will try his best to treat injuries by putting on a cast. However, if it’s unable to do so, a vet has no choice but to go for surgery. It’s usually the case when there are severe breaks in multiple locations.

A cast is put on the affected area for full immobilization. A dog needs adequate rest to recover with minimal effect and gain full mobility soon.

Casting Recovery In Dogs

Your dog might have to stay overnight at the hospital after the initial cast setting based on the vet’s recommendation.

You must take good care of your dog when recovering at home. Your dog needs to rest and not put too much weight and pressure on the affected limbs.

The vet will provide drug therapy consisting of pain medications to give your dog while recovering at home. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in case of secondary damage like swelling or infection due to injury.

At-home care accounts for about 50% of the recovery. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, it could take anywhere between five to twelve weeks for a full recovery.

You may have to take your dog to check and change the outer bandages during recovery. Your vet will inspect the injury to see if it’s healing well.

Your vet needs to recheck your dog’s injury after recovery with additional x-rays to ensure that it has completely healed.

Casting Cost

The casting cost depends on factors such as the injury’s type, severity, and location. It also varies based on whether there is emergency care or specialized surgical care.

A simple cast would cost under $400. However, if the injury involves surgery, it could cost several thousand dollars.

The national average of casting varies between $1000 and $5000. It depends on the specialization of the vet and follow-up care procedures.

Going to the vet may cost approximately $50 per visit. X-rays and tests will cost between $50 – $200 per visit. In addition, medication and other follow-up care requirements will cost upto $100.

Casting Considerations

Once casting is done, your dog’s recovery depends on how well you take care of it. You need to give it the medication as advised by the vet.

The risk of using a cast is higher at home than at the vet. Because your dog will be spending more time recovering at home, your care is of utmost importance.

While at the vet, you need to consider his advice regarding alternatives to surgery, like using steel pins or plates. However, surgery may sometimes be unavoidable, so you’ll have to go with what your vet recommends.

There is also a method that does bone reset using a bandage cast. You can discuss all of these alternatives in detail with your vet.

Once the procedure is done, you must take good care of your dog at home. Improper care can pose a risk in the following ways.

Infection
Loss of circulation
Necrotic tissues
Delayed healing time

If everything is fine, your dog should heal well within several weeks with minimal aches and pains in the affected area.

How To Take Care Of A Dog In A Cast

Taking good care of your dog is essential during recovery. An essential fact to note is never to let a cast or bandage get wet. A cast could get wet from water bowls, wet grass, urine, and saliva.

A wet cast could cause problems when bacteria begin to multiply on it. You can cover it with a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet when your dog goes out. However, don’t keep it for longer than 30 minutes.

If the plaster gets wet, you can dry it using a hair dryer. Be sure not to overheat the skins beneath the cast. If it’s too wet, you must return and get a new dressing done.

Always touch and feel the toes daily to check for warmth and dryness. Do this when your dog is occupied with something.

Your dog should respond when you squeeze its toes. If your dog is unresponsive, it’s a cause for concern, and you need to take it to the vet.

Place a sock over the cast to prevent your dog from licking the area. Your dog will not lick the cast when there is a sock on it. Ensure it’s a cover that allows the dressing to ‘breathe.’ Avoid using plastic or waterproof materials.

Watch for any irritations on top of the dressing. Sometimes sticky plasters and the dressing rubbing could cause allergic reactions, which you must address with the vet.

Ensure to take your pet for dressing changes as required.

Casting Prevention In Dogs

Preventing injuries requires you to watch your dog at all possible times. Dogs can jump or fall and get injured both indoors and outdoors. So it’s important to be on alert at all times.

Make a note of areas with stairs, as there is a high risk of your dog falling up. Fence your yard to ensure your dog doesn’t run onto the road without your knowledge. Road accidents are also a common reason for an injury that requires putting on a cast.

Stay alert when you take your dog outdoors for a walk or on an adventure like hiking, especially if it’s a stubborn one. Make sure you use a training collar for stubborn dogs to control your dog and prevent them from doing something that would cause an injury.

Conclusion

Keep these important facts on casting for dogs to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. Prevention is better than cure, so always keep an eye on your dog to prevent injuries that require using a cast for healing.

Finally, take good care of your dog while in recovery to ensure that it has minimal pain and that the affected area is fully-healed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should A Dog Wear A Cast?

A dog should wear a cast for five to twelve weeks, depending on the severity and nature of the fracture.

Can A Dog Walk With A Cast?

Walking is fine as long as your dog doesn’t run or walk very fast. Ensure to keep the casting clean at all times, especially when it goes outdoors.

Can A Dog Fully Recover From A Broken Leg?

Yes. A dog can take up to twelve weeks to fully recover from a broken leg.

26/09/2022/1 Comment/by Ortocanis

How to take care of your dog’s bandage

Curiosities, injuries, stories, vet

If your dog is recovering from an illness that requires a bandage, splint or sling, proper care is essential for his recovery. Complications are much more likely to occur in dogs that do not receive proper care and supervision.

Splints , slings, and bandages can cause serious problems for your dog if:

they hurt you
slip with them
they twist
They stay for a long time
they get wet

Splints, slings, and bandages must be kept dry and clean at all times. If they get damp, wet or dirty, it is necessary to remedy this as soon as possible.

When the animal goes outdoors, a temporary waterproof coating may be applied to the bandage , sling, or splint to keep it dry. The cover should be used for short periods only (no more than 60 minutes at a time) and should be removed immediately upon returning home.

If the cover is left on for more than 60 minutes, moisture can accumulate inside the liner, causing the bandage to become soggy.

It is generally recommended that dogs remain indoors as much as possible while they are bandaged and rehabilitating. A wet bandage can quickly cause a skin infection. Change the bandage as soon as possible.

Check the toes and the tissue at the bottom of the bandage or splint at least once a day. If you notice any swelling the bandage may be too tight or shifted and needs to be checked out by a vet right away and probably replaced. In bandages or splints the swelling may appear as an extension apart from the toes. Compare with the other foot to detect differences.

If the bandage or splint appears to have slipped or twisted, smells bad, or has been damaged by chewing, your dog needs a new one.

You should monitor the skin near the edges of the bandage, sling, or splint for chafing, redness, or rashes. If any of these problems appear, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Activity restriction is usually an important part of the healing process, as long as you have a bandage. Significantly restrict the dog’s activity unless your vet tells you otherwise. This includes keeping your dog on a leash on outings, if he is too active the bandage may lose its function.

Prevent slippery floors while leg, foot, back, hip, neck or shoulder bandages are in use.
It is in the animal’s best interest to avoid playing with other dogs or children during rehabilitation.
It is imperative to work closely with your vet during this period. Complications are much more likely to occur in pets that are not carefully watched.

Check bandages usually every 48 hours, from when they are placed. Check splints and slings every 1-2 days, depending on the needs of the patient.

IMPORTANT POINTS :

Use medications according to medical prescriptions.
Be sure to follow all activity restriction instructions from your veterinarian.
Watch carefully for any splint, sling, bandage, or post-surgical instructions (these can be the difference between a successful recovery and more problems).
Monitor your dog carefully and perform check-ups as directed by your veterinarian.

29/03/2022/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Care of a dog that has had a leg amputation

Animal welfare, injuries, most commented

Until not so long ago, finding a dog with one or more legs missing, either completely or partially, was not very common. When a doghad an accident or suffereda disease that resulted in the amputation of a leg, it was customary to put it down. There was not much information on the subject, nor many options for dogs suffering from this problem.

But fortunately for animals, this is no longer the case. Advances in both surgery and care for dogs that have suffered the loss of a leg mean that they are able to cope and fend for themselves. To the point of living a practically normal life. Of course, with some special care and attention.

Caring for a dog with a recently amputated leg

If the dog has recently lost a leg, it will require certaincare until it physically recovers. Unlike humans, who require several months to recover physically after an amputation, a dog recovers from this type of operation quite quickly. Indeed, in two or three days, a dog can be quite recoveredfrom the operation. And he will have regainedhis mobility, almost completely, in two to three weeks.

You may need a little help at first to get up, relieve yourself, or eat, for example. Especially if the amputation is of the foreleg. In these cases, the animal will recover somewhat more slowly than if the amputation is of the rear. This is because dogs carry more weight on their front legs than on their hind legs.

What we will have to worry about is the wound healing and its cures. It is important to make sure that the wound does not become infected and that it heals well. Generally, the veterinarian will be in charge of a careful follow-up of the wound, although it is also advisable to monitor it at home and report any anomaly to the veterinarian. If there is no problem, the staples that are usually used to close this type of wound will be removed in about 15 days.

On an emotional level, recovery will be another matter. An amputation can be somewhat complicated for a dog, so he may be sad or listless for a few days. It’s perfectly normal, but it won’t last long. Dogs, when they get used to their new situation, have no trauma. They can be perfectly happy even if they have three legs.

Precautions for dogs with amputated legs

As mentioned above, a dog with a missing leg will be able to recover in a short time. And live a practically normal life. For them it will be no problem to run or jump with only three legs. It seems amazing, but that’s how it is. However, there are some precautions to be taken with the health of this type of dog. Especially in terms of muscles and bones.

Dogs that have had a leg amputated will, thereafter,redistribute the weight of the body and remaining limbs differently. From one that, although comfortable for you, is not your natural one. Therefore, it is advisable to watch your bones and, above all, your spine, to avoid wear and tear. Periodic check-ups sincethe amputation will have to pay special attention to your muscles and bones to avoid problems.

Ortocanis editorial team.

13/03/2019/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Boots for dogs: to prevent and heal injuries

Animal welfare, injuries

Surely on some occasion you have seen a dog with a kind of shoes that protected its legs. It is not a whim of its owner so that the animal looks like it is wearing shoes. Surely there is a reason for you to wear dog boots . A poorly healed wound, an injury to a foot pad, etc.

But they can also be used preventively to avoid injuries and illnesses . Especially when taking a dog to the mountains or for a walk through rough terrain. Or when there are low temperatures, snow or ice. The use of shoes or boots for dogs protects their paws and avoids problems derived from stepping on them.

Boots for dogs: as an aid in healing injuries

When dogs suffer certain types of injuries, they feel pain when supporting the injured paw. In addition, especially if it is a wound caused by a sharp object , the paw pads are often injured. Therefore, for a certain time they feel pain when stepping on . And the paws are more sensitive when stepping on certain surfaces and can be hurt again.

Protecting the injured leg with a boot will prevent many situations in which it could be injured again. The boots can be high and low, with a rubber sole or with a vibram type. In the latter case, it will help you move comfortably (and with better grip) on all types of surfaces.

The boots are indicated for dogs that have some mobility problems . In these cases, they will have to wear boots on all their legs. They are not uncomfortable and are easy to put on and take off, so they are perfect for them. And by wearing them, you will improve your grip level. Precisely, dogs that have mobility problems, mainly due to age or a serious injury, often have stability problems . And they slip.

With the boots they will be able to grip better , they will walk with more comfort and they will avoid falls. In these cases, the most recommended, especially if they move on smooth surfaces, are those with rubber soles .

Boots on uneven or snowy surfaces

Dog boots will also be very comfortable for the animal if we put them on in certain situations. For example, to walk through forests or uneven surfaces . Also for climbs to the mountain. Or when it is very cold or snowing. With them, their legs will not suffer from finding stones or other strange elements. Nor by the action of the cold.

Frost and snowfall leave the ground in conditions that are not exactly the most suitable for dog paws. The cold when stepping on them can dry out their pads , which in many cases can open. This leads to injuries to their legs, and consequent mobility problems. Boots with vibram-type soles have more grip than rubber ones and are more appropriate for snow. However, they can be used on all types of terrain.

04/01/2019/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Causes of a limp in young dogs

Animal welfare, injuries, Pathologies

Lameness, although we usually relate it to older dogs or that are close to it, the truth is that it can appear at any age. However, it can be due to specific pathologies. Here we leave you the causes of lameness in young dogs.

Why does lameness appear in young dogs?

Lameness is a problem that occurs in dogs very frequently. The origin of this can be found in the bones, cartilage, joints and even the hip. To determine its cause, we will not only have to take into account the age of the animal and its lifestyle, but we will also have to value the presence of certain pathologies or diseases.

Although in many cases the cause can be the same at any age, today we are going to talk about the causes of lameness in young dogs. However, whenever we observe problems walking, it is convenient to go to the veterinarian.

canine panoaestheitis

This inflammatory-type disease is one of the causes of lameness in young dogs. Its origin is found in the bones, especially the humerus. It occurs mainly in large and giant breeds due to their own growth.

Symptoms include weakness and a limp that can alternatively affect both legs. For the diagnosis, an X-ray will be performed that will allow us to see the affected parts inside the bone. It usually disappears when the animal reaches adulthood, so only anti-inflammatories are administered.

Avascular necrosis in the femur

This cause of lameness in young dogs also occurs in humans. The head of the femur is disappearing for reasons that are not fully known. It most often affects small dog breeds, although it also affects some large ones. Usually between four and six weeks of age.

To diagnose it, it will be necessary to observe lameness in young dogs with support and a progressive increase in pain. The kneecap of that leg will be elevated from its normal position. Initially it may be mild but in one or two months it will intensify. An X-ray makes it possible to verify it. The treatment is surgical, and consists of joining the tibia with a band and nails.

hypertrophic osteodystrophy

The third cause of lameness in young dogs comes from feeding. Imbalances in the diet cause abnormal bone proliferation to occur. The limbs swell and fever also appears. It is very painful.

To treat this lameness in young dogs, which are usually large breeds, the diet is modified and anti-inflammatories are administered. It can take months for the problem to be fixed.

Osteochondritis dissecans

The cause of this lameness in young dogs is a crack in the cartilage of the joint. By losing the liquid that is inside, it touches the bone and inflammation occurs. It can appear on the knee, elbow or shoulder, among others. Surgical intervention is usually necessary, in addition to using protections, such as chondroprotectors .

Patella dislocation

The last of the causes of lameness in young dogs is dislocation. Both due to a blow and genetics, the patella moves out of place. It is more frequent in small breeds and the symptomatology is jumping when walking. By palpating the joint it can be easily detected. Depending on the severity of the lameness in young dogs, surgery may be required. If it is mild, anti-inflammatories and chondroprotectors will suffice.

And so far the causes of lameness in young dogs. Remember that blows, accidents or excessive activity can also cause it. In any case, the veterinarian will be the one who can tell us the reason and its treatment.

31/12/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Why is my dog limping?

injuries, Pathologies

It is quite common to see a dog limp . Like humans, a bad step or a blow can lead them to suffer pain. And as a consequence to limp for a few minutes. But when time passes and they don’t stop doing it, or when they start to limp on one leg for no apparent reason, it’s a good idea to find the causes.

To do this, the first thing is to check the leg on the outside. It may simply be that the animal has stuck something in the area of the paw pads and is hurting it when walking. In these cases, it will suffice to carefully remove it and disinfect the affected area. Sometimes you can remove it yourself. But other times, what is wrong will not be so obvious, and it will be necessary to go to the vet to examine the dog.

-“My dog limps”: let’s see the possible causes.

Aside from getting something stuck in the leg, or suffering from an injury, the most common cause of a dog limping is a joint injury . Or in the muscles and bones. In many of these cases, it will be revealed by some swelling in the leg, or an inflammation in the joints. But other times there will be no external sign that gives it away. In these cases, the dog starts to limp suddenly. Many times, it does so after practicing physical activity of a certain intensity. Among the most common injuries are ligament tears and dislocations , as well as fractures .

The effects of age can also cause a dog to limp due to conditions such as osteoarthritis . In these cases, the veterinarian must prepare a plan for the dog to get better. It can also be caused by dysplasia , either of the hip or elbow. In this case, the hip or elbow joint becomes inflamed, and does not fit properly in its rightful place. In many cases it may require surgery to correct.

Also, in young dogs, it can be caused by something similar to the pain children experience in their legs as they grow. It is more frequent in large dogs, and disappears only after a few weeks. It is called panosteitis and can pass from one leg to another. In any case, it is much less worrying than the previous causes.

What to do if your dog limps

The first thing to do when faced with lameness in a dog is to go to the vet. He will examine you to determine the causes of the ailment and will give you the appropriate treatment. In some cases, anti- inflammatories and perhaps a splint, orthosis or harness will suffice. But in other cases surgery will be advisable to correct the problem.

In other cases, the animal will have to perform various rehabilitation exercises. And you may need some help to improve your ambulation . For example, a joint protector , which will vary depending on the affected leg. And the area of it that is affected. These neoprene protectors will increase the working temperature of the joint, accelerating metabolism and recovery while reducing pain and inflammation.

In any case, it is advisable to follow the recommendation of the veterinarian before placing one.

aids for limping dogs

26/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina