One of the most common reasons a dog comes into Arfit is because they are limping. One might assume that since they are picking up a leg, the leg must be the problem. Veterinarians frequently diagnose these dogs with hip dysplasia or a CCL/ligament tear. Surgery may be recommended by veterinarians. Veterinarians prescribe rest and medication, which sometimes resolves the limp. Often times the limp returns after several weeks or months and becomes more severe. This time, the patient seeks physical therapy as an alternative to surgery because the medication is ineffective.
Untreated causes led to the return of these conditions. The dog limping was the compensatory effect of low back pain. Just like with people when your back hurts you stop putting pressure on the leg on the painful side. Dogs do the same thing and shift their weight off the painful side. This can cause atrophy and stiffness in the lumbar spine and the leg on the painful side. They can also suffer from muscle strains and sprains of the unaffected side because of overuse. Veterinarians almost always overlook this common cause. Unless the tightness and discomfort in the low back is treated, the limp will return. At Arfit, we are experts at locating the source of discomfort, treating the pain and inflammation and preventing it from returning.
Before Surgery, come to Arfit.