One moment your dog is bounding across the yard like a four-legged rocket, and the next, they’re favoring one leg and refusing to put weight on it. Or maybe your cat is suddenly not jumping up to her favorite window ledge. When pets start limping, it’s easy to assume it’s “just a sprain” or “probably nothing.”
But lameness is your pet’s way of telling you something’s wrong—and sometimes, the real problem is more serious than it looks on the surface.
At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we see limping pets every week. And while some cases are minor, others reveal hidden injuries or health issues that require immediate attention. So how do you know when it’s time to be concerned?
Let’s break it down.
The Limp That Comes And Goes… And Comes Back
Intermittent limping can be one of the most confusing signs for pet parents. Your dog may seem totally fine during the day but then hobble after a walk or nap. Your cat may leap like normal one moment, then avoid putting pressure on a paw the next.
This kind of on-and-off lameness is often overlooked. But it could point to early-stage joint issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia, especially in older pets or large breeds. We’ve also seen it linked to ligament strain, soft tissue injury, or even early bone disease.
If a limp keeps returning—even if it seems minor—it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with our team. We can help determine whether rest is enough or if a deeper issue is brewing.
Sudden Limping With No Clear Injury
It can be alarming when your pet starts limping out of nowhere, especially if there’s no visible wound or trauma. While minor injuries like sprains or insect stings can cause temporary limping, there are other possibilities that aren’t so obvious.
In dogs, sudden lameness can be caused by:
- Cruciate ligament tears (especially in active breeds)
- Luxating patella (common in smaller dogs)
- Paw pad injuries or foreign objects (think splinters or burrs)
Cats may limp from:
- Nail injuries
- Abscesses from cat fights
- Hidden fractures after a fall or rough play
Alta Vista Animal Hospital is equipped with in-house diagnostics to check for soft tissue injuries, joint damage, and hidden infections. The sooner we identify the cause, the sooner we can help your pet heal.
When Limping Becomes An Emergency
While many limps are non-emergency, some require immediate veterinary attention. Contact us right away if you notice any of the following:
- Your pet refuses to bear any weight on a limb
- There’s swelling, bruising, or intense pain when touched
- The limb appears deformed or angled unnaturally
- Your pet is lethargic, whining, or refusing to eat
- There’s a history of trauma (a fall, a car accident, rough play)
In cases like these, prompt care at Alta Vista can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage or chronic pain.
Chronic Limping May Not Be An Injury At All
Here’s something most pet parents don’t expect: not all limps are due to physical injury. Some are signs of underlying diseases that affect the bones, joints, or nerves.
We’ve diagnosed limping pets with:
- Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
- Bone cancer (especially in large, older dogs)
- Autoimmune joint disease
- Neurological disorders
That’s why we don’t just treat the symptom—we dig deeper. If your pet’s limp doesn’t improve with rest or returns despite medication, it’s time for a thorough workup.
Rest Isn’t Always The Best Medicine
We often hear, “We thought we’d just let them rest for a few days to see if it got better.” While rest can help with minor sprains, it can also delay treatment for more serious conditions.
In some cases, waiting too long can lead to permanent joint damage or loss of mobility. If your pet is still limping after 48 hours, it’s time to bring them in.
Our team at Alta Vista Animal Hospital will do a full orthopedic exam and can perform x-rays on-site if needed. We’ll explain what’s going on in plain language, walk you through the options, and help you build a treatment plan that works for both your pet and your budget.
Let’s Get Your Pet Back On All Fours
We know how upsetting it is to see your furry companion limping, especially when they can’t tell you what hurts. Whether it’s a simple strain or something more serious, getting answers quickly is the best way to support their recovery and comfort.
If your pet is limping—or if that limp keeps coming back—Alta Vista Animal Hospital is here to help. Our caring team is trained to evaluate and treat lameness with compassion and precision. We love nothing more than seeing a limping pet walk out of our clinic pain-free.
Give us a call at 604-221-5858 to book an appointment or ask questions about your pet’s symptoms. You don’t have to guess what’s going on—we’re here to help you find out.