Dog Leg Pain

Being man's best friend, dogs have universal appeal to people of all ages and nationalities. Treating them with care and affection is a priority, and detecting and treating signs of discomfort in them must be undertaken regularly. Since dogs cannot vocally exhibit their discomfort it is important from an owner's point of view to recognize other forms of implicit expressions by the animal. There are many forms of dog illnesses but they are all curable over time.

Symptoms:

• Physical discomfort can be easily noticed by any person who is familiar with dogs.
• If the dog is limping, it could indicate that it is feeling severe pain.
• Lack of usual physical activities could indicate more than just laziness.
• The dog may also constantly lick the spot that's causing it the pain. As a result of this, the area that's wounded may have a noticeable reduction in the hair.
• Touching the affected area may result in the dog yelping in pain or even snapping at the owner.
• Uncharacteristic moodiness, snapping at familiar faces or just a simple look of dejection or loneliness, all may be indicating that the dog is experiencing pain.

The form and intensity of injury will also depend largely on the dog's age, breed and sex. As the owner of the dog, it is your responsibility to determine if the dog needs to be taken to the vet (in case the symptoms are severe), or if you can observe the dog at home, tend to it and ensure that it will shrug off the pain. Following recommended and proven measures of dog care will aid the smooth flowing of everyday activities.

Causes

1. Osteoarthritis: OA refers to the abnormal condition of the degradation of the joints. Locking of the joints, tingling sensation, cracking of the bone and stiffness are the signs to detect it in your dog. The dog's rate of metabolism, genetic conditions and the rate of physical exertion are its possible causes. These can be cured by dog arthritis supplements.
2. Hip dysplasia: The displacement of the hip from its socket leads to this particular condition. If untreated, it can also lead to extreme cases of arthritis in dogs. Though a dog's nature may determine the nature of hip dysplasia, the root cause of this abnormality is believed to be hereditary.
3. Panosteitis: This is a common bone disease in dogs and occurs during the formative stages of the dog's growth. Abnormal growth rate owing to excessive exercise and high intake of protein foods may lead to such a condition.
4. Luxating Patella: When the patella (or the kneecap) dislocates or moves out of its normal position this condition arises. This is normally seen in small and miniature dog breeds like the chihuahua.
5. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy: HOD is also a condition that occurs in the formative stages and mostly affects large and giant breed dogs, like the greyhound. The portion of the bone that is adjacent to the joint (metaphysis) experiences low blood flow, resulting in HOD.
6. Bite by other dogs: In most cases, it might just be a simple flesh wound due to being bitten by another dog. This is easily visible and also easily treatable.

Treatment

In most cases, it is advisable to observe the animal for a while instead of panicking and rushing to the veterinarian. If the problem persists one must consult the doctor. All these symptoms have medications to help ease the pain, but the severity of the treatment will have to be decided by the doctor after carefully scrutinizing the case.

A careful and measured rehabilitation program will be recommended by the doctor. He will also recommend suitable forms of exercise, provide better dietary plans and constantly review the dog.

It is best to not get disheartened as dogs possess a great ability to recover and recuperate. Cases of dog back leg pain and dog front leg pain are not uncommon occurrences. Remember to shower the dog with your love, give him attention and trust in his ability to be back to normal again. Like human beings, a dog's body will also respond to the right mixture of medicines, physical rehabilitation and the right human touch.