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Limping and Mobility

Dog limping or not walking? We can see them today.

Limping usually means pain in a paw, leg, joint, or the spine, and a dog that suddenly can't walk or stand needs care right away. Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency sees dogs and cats for limping and mobility problems same day, with digital X-ray and CT imaging when needed.

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Call Us Right Away If

When a limp or weakness can't wait.

A mild limp can usually wait for a regular visit. Come in now if:

  • ✓Your dog suddenly cannot walk, stand up, or get up from lying down
  • ✓One or both back legs are dragging, knuckling over, or wobbly
  • ✓Your dog cries out, trembles, or won't let you touch the leg, back, or neck
  • ✓There was a fall, jump, car accident, or dog fight
  • ✓A leg is at an odd angle, very swollen, or has an open wound
  • ✓Your pet has lost bladder or bowel control
  • ✓A cat suddenly can't use its back legs, especially while crying or if the legs feel cold

Sudden hind leg weakness in dogs can come from a spinal disc problem, and in cats, sudden back leg paralysis with crying can be a blood clot. Keep your pet still and move them on a firm, flat surface. Do not give human pain relievers, which can be dangerous for dogs and deadly for cats.

See our emergency and urgent care page. After 7:30 PM, a pet that can't walk or is in severe pain should go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.

Common Causes

Common causes of limping in dogs.

Where the limp is and how it started give us strong clues.

Dog limping on a back leg: a torn cruciate ligament, similar to a torn ACL in people, is a leading cause. Slipping kneecaps, hip dysplasia, and arthritis are also common.

Dog limping on a front leg: paw injuries, torn nails, and shoulder or elbow problems are common. Other causes include:

  • ✓Foxtails and other grass awns lodged between the toes
  • ✓Sprains, strains, and bruises from rough play
  • ✓Arthritis, especially in senior dogs
  • ✓Fractures and dislocations
  • ✓Bone tumors, more common in large and giant breed older dogs
  • ✓Spinal disc disease, which can cause weakness, wobbling, or paralysis

Cats often limp from bite wound abscesses, injuries from falls, or arthritis. A cat that stops jumping should be checked, and senior care visits include arthritis checks.

At Your Visit

Exam, imaging, and pain relief.

We start with a hands-on orthopedic exam, watching your pet walk if they can, and a neurologic exam to check reflexes and nerve function. Pain relief comes early.

Digital X-rays show fractures, joint changes, and many bone problems, and a board-certified veterinary radiologist reads our X-ray studies. For complex fractures and joint problems, a CT scan gives a detailed three-dimensional view that helps plan treatment. Bloodwork is often recommended before pain medication or anesthesia.

Many limps improve with prescription pain relief, rest, and a gradual return to activity. If your dog has a torn ligament, a fracture, or a spinal problem that may need surgery, our team will set up a specialty surgery consultation so you understand the options. Pets that need pain control, IV fluids, or close monitoring can stay with us through pet hospitalization.

We see dogs and cats from across the Valley, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura, and families from Palmdale can call ahead so we are ready.

Common Questions

Limping and not walking FAQ.

Why is my dog limping on its back leg?
Common causes include a torn cruciate ligament, a slipping kneecap, hip problems, arthritis, and paw injuries. A sudden back leg limp in an active dog is often a ligament injury. Call us for a same-day visit.
What should I do if my dog suddenly can't walk?
Treat it as an emergency and come in right away. Sudden inability to walk can be caused by a spinal disc problem, a fracture, or another serious condition where fast care matters.
Should I wait to see if my dog's limp goes away?
A very mild limp that clearly improves within a day may be minor, but limping that lasts more than a day or two, gets worse, or comes with swelling or pain should be checked. Any limp after trauma should be seen the same day. Do not give human pain relievers, which can be dangerous for pets.
When do you recommend a CT scan for a limping dog?
We may recommend CT when X-rays do not fully explain the problem, or for complex fractures and elbow or shoulder problems. CT gives a detailed three-dimensional view that helps plan treatment or surgery.
Can cats limp or have trouble walking too?
Yes. Cats commonly limp from bite wound abscesses, falls, or arthritis, and they often hide pain. A cat that suddenly cannot use its back legs, especially while crying or with cold legs, needs emergency care right away.

Is your dog limping or struggling to walk?

Call or walk in today, we are open every day from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209