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Medication Finder
Click here to get information
on commonly used
medication for your pet
Ever wondered if you could
use aspirin? Common
over-the-counter medicines
that can be used safely.
Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Lameness
A patient will usually limp on any limb due to bony or muscular disorders,
but can exhibit pain due to neurological abnormalities.
There are different rule outs depending on the pet's age:
Less than 12 months old- congenital disorders, trauma, panosteitis, hip
dysplasia, patellar luxation, growth plate abnormalities
Greater than 12 months old- arthritis, bone cancer, trauma, polymyositis,
cruciate ligament disease, polyneuritis
Symptoms are generally self explanatory. If your pet seems worse
after a nap or in the winter, arthritis is probable. If your pet is young
and having a hard time climbing stairs, hip dysplasia is the primary
rule out, especially if you have a German Shepherd or Golden
Retriever. If you have an older pet and the pain is severe, bone
cancer is a concern.
Treatment will consist of either medical management or surgical
intervention. Your veterinarian can determine which joint is affected
by watching your pet walk and palpating the limb. If it is determined
that there is mild trauma and the radiograph is clear, rest and
antiinflammatories are sufficient.