Does a limping dog always need surgery? Myth or truth?

Did you notice your dog started limping and got worried? That’s a common reaction among pet owners — after all, seeing your pet in pain or having difficulty walking brings up a lot of questions and concerns. One of the most frequent is: does a limping dog always need surgery?

The short answer is: not always. In fact, the idea that every limping dog needs surgery is a myth. The need for surgical intervention depends on the cause of the pain, the severity of the condition, and how the body responds to conservative treatment. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.

Limping in dogs: what can cause it?

Limping is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can stem from a variety of issues — from minor injuries to more complex conditions. Here are some common causes:

• Muscle strains or sprains

• Wounds or cuts on the paw pads

• Fractures or dislocations

• Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCL)

• Hip dysplasia

• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)

• Herniated discs or neurological problems

  
  

As you can see, not all cases require surgery. In many situations, conservative (non-surgical) treatment can be effective and safe.

When is conservative treatment enough?

Many dogs with limb pain can recover without surgery. The key is an accurate and early diagnosis, performed by a veterinarian experienced in orthopedics.

Common conservative approaches include:

• Controlled rest

• Veterinary physical therapy

• Acupuncture and laser therapy

• Weight management

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

• Joint supplements (such as glucosamine and chondroitin)

• Monoclonal antibody injections (such as Librela)

  
  

This type of treatment is often suitable for mild arthritis, sprains, or even moderate hip dysplasia — depending on the dog’s age and size.

When is surgery unavoidable?

On the other hand, certain orthopedic conditions require surgical intervention to ensure the pet’s quality of life and well-being. These include:

• Unstable fractures

• Patellar luxation (grade III or IV)

• Complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament

• Avascular necrosis of the femoral head

• Compressive disc herniation with loss of mobility

  
  

In these cases, delaying surgery can worsen the condition and make recovery more difficult. Still, even when surgery is necessary, postoperative rehabilitation is essential to restore full limb function.

Every case is unique: the importance of orthopedic evaluation

Identifying the cause of limping should be based on:

• A thorough orthopedic examination

• Properly positioned radiographs

• Musculoskeletal ultrasound or CT scans

• In some cases, diagnostic arthroscopy
  

Only after this investigation can the veterinarian determine whether surgery or medical treatment is the best option. Avoid self-medicating or relying on guesswork — your pet deserves expert care.

Conclusion: to operate or not to operate? It depends.

Limping may or may not require surgery. The most important thing is to seek professional help as soon as you notice your dog is limping. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of recovery — with or without surgery.

In most cases, early treatment prevents complications and the need for more invasive procedures in the future.

Unsure what’s causing your dog’s pain? Schedule an appointment with our team and receive a complete diagnosis. We’re here to take care of your best friend with the attention and compassion they deserve.

References

Brinker, Piermattei & Flo. Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2016.Millis DL, Levine D, Taylor R. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2014. About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.