Whether it’s a subtle shift in gait or your pet suddenly won’t put weight on a limb, limping is a clear signal that something isn’t right. At Midtown Veterinary Hospital in Rochester, New York, we understand how stressful it is to see your pet in pain—and how hard it can be to know when to act. Sometimes a limp resolves on its own, but often, it’s the result of an injury, orthopedic issue, or underlying disease that needs attention.

This guide is designed to help pet parents understand:

  • The most common reasons dogs and cats limp
  • When limping is a true emergency
  • How our team diagnoses the root cause
  • What treatment options are available
  • How to prevent mobility issues in the future

If your pet is limping, don’t wait and see—contact us for an exam. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and keep your pet moving comfortably.

When Is Limping an Emergency?

Some limps are mild and temporary. Others signal urgent problems. You should call your vet immediately if your pet:

  • Refuses to bear weight on the leg
  • Cries out, whimpers, or pants heavily
  • Has swelling, bruising, or a limb that appears twisted or deformed
  • Was hit by a car or had a fall
  • Has bleeding or a visible wound
  • Becomes lethargic, loses appetite, or seems “off” in combination with a limp

These signs may indicate a fracture, dislocation, deep wound, or severe pain. For guidance, review Common Pet Pain Signs – AAHA.

Why Is My Pet Limping? Common Causes

At Midtown Veterinary Hospital, we often diagnose limping due to:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and muscle tears are frequent in active pets. These injuries often cause stiffness, swelling, or intermittent limping.

Cracked Nails and Paw Injuries

Painful but easy to miss, broken nails, cuts, or foxtails stuck in paws are a common cause of limping.

Bite Wounds or Abscesses

Injuries from other animals—especially bites—can result in swelling, pain, and infection.

Orthopedic and Chronic Conditions

Limping may also point to more serious, long-term conditions.

Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease

As pets age, arthritis becomes more common. Cats, in particular, are experts at hiding discomfort.

Cruciate Ligament Tears (CCL/ACL)

Sudden hind leg limping—especially in larger dogs—may point to a torn ligament.

Hip Dysplasia

Common in large breeds, hip dysplasia leads to joint instability and long-term pain.

Patellar Luxation

This condition (where the kneecap slips out of place) is often seen in small breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas.

Bone Tumors (e.g., Osteosarcoma)

Painful lameness, especially in large-breed dogs, may be due to bone cancer.

Immune-Mediated and Inflammatory Causes of Limping

Not all lameness is due to trauma or degeneration—sometimes, the immune system plays a role. Immune-mediated joint diseases can cause significant pain, inflammation, and stiffness, and they’re often misdiagnosed as arthritis or simple injury.

Canine Immune-Mediated Polyarthropathy (IMPA)

This condition occurs when a dog’s immune system mistakenly targets the joints, leading to pain, joint swelling, and lameness—often in multiple legs. Limping may appear to “shift” from one limb to another, and symptoms can wax and wane.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Though rare, dogs can also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis—an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation and destruction. Affected pets may be reluctant to move, especially in the mornings, and may experience persistent swelling and warmth in the joints.

Treatment for these conditions typically involves immune-modulating drugs, corticosteroids, and supportive therapies. Diagnosis often requires advanced blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and long-term monitoring.

Other Causes of Limping: Panosteitis & Lyme Disease

Some causes of limping are less common—but equally important to recognize.

Growing Pains: Panosteitis in Young Dogs

Panosteitis is a painful bone condition sometimes called “growing pains,” most often seen in rapidly growing large-breed puppies (typically between 5–18 months old). It causes sudden, intermittent lameness that may shift from leg to leg, often without swelling or trauma.

Panosteitis usually resolves on its own as the dog matures, but pain management and monitoring are crucial to ensure comfort during flare-ups.

Lyme Disease and Joint Pain

Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, which often causes limping due to joint inflammation. Dogs may show signs of shifting leg lameness, lethargy, fever, and swollen joints weeks after a tick bite.

Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are essential. Year-round tick prevention is the best defense against Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.

How Midtown Veterinary Hospital Diagnoses Lameness+

Our veterinarians begin with a detailed physical exam to assess:

  • Pain points
  • Joint mobility
  • Posture and gait

We also discuss your pet’s history, activity level, and any recent injuries or changes in behavior.

We offer a full range of diagnostic services to pinpoint the root cause, like x-rays and bloodwork.

Treatment Options for Limping Pets

Your pet’s treatment plan depends on the cause of their lameness, age, lifestyle, and severity of the issue. At Midtown, we offer:

Conservative Care

  • Rest and restricted activity
  • Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
  • Joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s

Physical Therapy & Rehab

Exercise, stretching, and warm-ups and cooldowns help strengthen muscles and ease joint pressure.

Surgical Solutions

For severe cases, we may recommend:

  • Cruciate ligament repair
  • Hip replacement surgery
  • Patellar realignment procedures

All surgical candidates receive a full consultation to discuss options, recovery, and outcomes.

Preventing Future Mobility Issues

At Midtown Veterinary Hospital, we believe in proactive care. Explore our Wellness & Prevention services to keep your pet healthy long-term.

Tips to Support Mobility:

  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight
  • Use joint supplements early for at-risk breeds
  • Avoid high-impact play on hard surfaces
  • Schedule routine wellness exams to catch changes early

Let’s Keep Your Pet Moving—Together

Limping may be the first sign your pet is in pain. With compassionate care and state-of-the-art diagnostics, our team at Midtown Veterinary Hospital is here to help you find answers and relief.

We’re proud to serve Rochester’s pet families with personalized care plans, thorough diagnostics, and a collaborative approach that prioritizes your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

Let’s get your pet back on their feet—pain-free.