As pet owners, the last thing you’d want to see is your dog in pain. But like us, dogs are prone to injuries, especially in their hind limbs. Since canines rely heavily on their back legs to move around, they’re constantly at risk of injuring this body part.
Some pups start limping out of nowhere, which is incredibly concerning. If this happens, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the most common hind leg injuries in dogs to ensure they get the treatment they need.
This article will discuss five common back leg injuries in dogs, how veterinarians diagnose these conditions, and possible treatments.
What are hind leg injuries in dogs?
Our pup’s hind limbs allow them to move and run freely, which is why they heavily depend on them. As a result, our dogs are constantly at risk of spraining muscles or tearing their ligaments in the long run due to wear and tear.
Common hind leg injuries in dogs can happen suddenly or gradually over a long period. Aside from repetitive injuries, other common causes include inherited abnormality or other underlying health conditions like arthritis.
Some dogs don’t immediately limp when they have arthritis. While in some cases, some pet owners see changes in their pet’s gait almost immediately.
You might notice different symptoms depending on the leading cause of your dog’s injury. Aside from lameness and limping, the affected area will also start swelling, and bruises will appear as time passes.
How vets diagnose back leg injuries in dogs
If your dog is still showing lameness weeks after the incident, we recommend taking them to your local veterinarian for a consultation.
During the initial checkup, the veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and inspect your canine’s injured leg. They’ll examine the limb, observe how your dog stands, and see how they will react when the affected area is touched or manipulated.
Depending on the result of your initial visit with them, your vet might ask you to come back for more tests like X-rays or ultrasounds for further observation.
Keep in mind that some injuries aren’t visible. It can be challenging to figure out what your dog is going through without proper consultation. These examinations allow you and your vet to determine the best course of action regarding your pet’s treatment.
Five common hind leg injuries in dogs
There are different back leg injuries in dogs. Typically, there are only five common injuries among common breeds.
Ankle strains and sprains
Although it seems like strains and sprains are the same, they affect different parts of your dog’s legs.
Strains happen when dogs injure their muscle or the band of tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. On the other hand, sprains involve the tissue bands connecting two bones, leading to joint damage if not treated correctly.
Bad landing, slipping, falling, and similar incidents often cause ankle sprains or strains. Depending on your veterinarian’s diagnosis, your pet will need anti-inflammatory drugs and crate rest until their injury heals.
If your dog has torn their ligament or tendon, it might need to undergo surgery and physical therapy.
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture
A cranial cruciate ligament or CCL rupture is one of the most common back leg injuries in dogs.
Some veterinarians recommend rehab and physical therapy for less severe cases. Your dog can return to active life with the proper medication, rest, and support from a knee brace.
At its worst, CCL injuries will call for corrective treatments like TPLO surgery that require proper post-op recovery.
Achilles tendon injuries
Dogs have an Achilles tendon that’s prone to overstretching or tearing. Depending on the severity of your dog’s injury, it might be caused by trauma or degeneration.
If your dog accidentally slips while running, it will need a splint until its hind limb fully heals. However, if the cause of your dog’s injury is degenerative, a vet will recommend surgical repair and proper recovery.
Typically, your dog will need a complete physical examination from a vet to determine the cause. They might require further investigation if they think the tear is worse than it seems.
Hyperextended hock
A canine’s hock joint becomes injured by repetitive jumping or running. Sometimes hock hyperextension only leads to mild dislocations that vets can quickly treat, but at its worst, it can lead to invasive surgery involving pins and screws
Some veterinarians also recommend using orthopedic dog braces or leg sleeves to support your canine’s leg. These accessories will help your dog smoothly return to normal after the surgery.
Luxating patella
Canine luxating patella happens when your dog’s kneecap slips out of its place and goes back into alignment. Specific traumatic injuries can sometimes cause luxating patella, but this injury is common among smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.
Treatments range from weight management to surgery, depending on your dog’s case. Some classifications of luxating patella may require an operation to prevent severe chronic pain.
Early diagnosis is the key
Dogs are always at risk of injuries due to their active lifestyle. While we can’t prevent this from happening, as pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they get all the help they need during recovery.
The critical factor is early diagnosis, which can mean the difference between recovery and further injury. Getting them the appropriate treatment at the right time, helps to ensure an easier recovery. A proper diagnosis can help your dog to continue living a happy and healthy life.
Visit our blog to learn more about other common back limb injuries in dogs.
