Back leg limping is one of the most common problems we see in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne.
The cause can be something as simple as a sore paw or muscle strain, but ongoing limping can also be a sign of a knee, hip or lower back problem.
Paw Problems
Paw injuries are particularly common in active dogs around Bayside’s beaches and parks.
Common causes include:
- Cuts from sharp shells or rocks at the beach.
- Glass or other sharp objects.
- Torn nails.
- Insect bites or stings.
- Grass seeds between the toes.
Even a small paw injury can cause a surprisingly significant limp.
Knee Problems
The knee is another very common source of back leg pain.
The two conditions we see most commonly are:
- Cruciate ligament injuries – damage to the ligament that stabilises the knee.
- Luxating patella – where the kneecap repeatedly slips out of position, often causing a skipping or hopping gait.
Both conditions can cause pain, limping and difficulty exercising.
Muscle Strains
Running, jumping, slipping or playing can cause muscle strains.
These are particularly common after unusually vigorous exercise.
Minor strains may improve with rest, but a limp that doesn’t improve or keeps returning should be checked.
Hip and Lower Back Problems
Sometimes the pain is coming from higher up the leg.
Hip dysplasia and hip arthritis can cause stiffness, difficulty getting up and reluctance to run or jump.
Lower back problems can also cause back leg pain, weakness or difficulty walking.
When Should My Dog See a Vet?
A mild limp may settle with rest, but your dog should be examined if:
- The limp doesn’t improve.
- It keeps coming back.
- Your dog won’t put weight on the leg.
- Your dog appears painful.
- Your dog is weak or dragging the foot.
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we regularly investigate back leg lameness in dogs from Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Black Rock and surrounding Bayside suburbs.
Finding where the pain is coming from is the first step towards getting your dog comfortable again.
📞 If your dog is limping on a back leg, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.