top of page

Dog not putting weight on front leg: Causes and solutions

When a dog suddenly stops putting weight on one of its front legs, it can be alarming for any pet owner.


This kind of behavior typically indicates pain, discomfort, or a physical impediment that makes walking normally difficult. While it’s natural for dogs to occasionally favor one leg after vigorous activity or play, persistent or sudden non-weight bearing lameness deserves immediate attention.


The causes for this condition can range from relatively mild issues like soft tissue injuries to more serious problems such as fractures, dislocations, or neurological deficits. A common cause is a sprain or strain involving the shoulder, elbow, or wrist (carpus). Dogs that run, jump, or twist abruptly can injure ligaments or tendons in these joints, leading to acute lameness. In other cases, an embedded foreign body such as a thorn or piece of glass in the paw pad can make a dog avoid putting pressure on the limb altogether.


Trauma is a major concern, especially if the lameness appeared suddenly after a fall, rough play, or a car accident.


Fractures or luxations in the humerus, radius, ulna, or carpal bones may not always show visible swelling but can cause immediate and severe pain, making the dog avoid touching the paw to the ground. In growing dogs, conditions like panosteitis or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can also lead to front leg pain, even in the absence of trauma. In older dogs, degenerative conditions such as elbow dysplasia or arthritis might contribute to chronic lameness that can worsen suddenly.

Sometimes, the cause may be neurological.


A slipped disc in the cervical spine or a brachial plexus injury can lead to nerve dysfunction, causing the dog to drag or avoid using the limb. These cases are more complex to diagnose and usually require advanced imaging, such as radiographs or MRI, to confirm the source of the issue.


It’s essential not to attempt to manipulate or test the limb forcefully at home, as this could worsen the injury. The best course of action is to restrict your dog’s movement and schedule a veterinary consultation as soon as possible.


The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays, orthopedic manipulations under sedation, or bloodwork to assess for inflammatory or infectious processes.


Treatment varies significantly depending on the underlying cause. While minor strains might resolve with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, more severe injuries may require surgery, splints, or physical rehabilitation.


Early intervention increases the chances of full recovery and prevents further complications. It’s also important to monitor for additional signs such as swelling, heat, bruising, or behavioral changes like lethargy or loss of appetite, which can indicate a more systemic issue.


Dogs often hide pain well, so if your pet is consistently avoiding pressure on a front leg, even if it seems otherwise active or alert, don’t ignore the signs. Prompt attention can make all the difference between a simple recovery and a long-term problem.

References


  1. Fossum, T. W. (2018). Small Animal Surgery (5th ed.). Elsevier.


  2. Brinker, W. O., Piermattei, D. L., & Flo, G. L. (1997). Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment (2nd ed.). Saunders.


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.

 
 
 

Kommentare


Que tal receber grátis mais artigos incríveis como esse?

Obrigado(a)!

Contact
Horary: Monday to Friday, between 11am and 7pm. Saturdays 10:00 and 14:00. 

Whatsapp:(11)91258-5102.
Address: Alameda dos Guaramomis, 1067, Moema, São Paulo, SP.

bottom of page