{"id":2662,"date":"2026-10-29T10:12:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T14:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/?p=2662"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:19:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T14:19:39","slug":"my-dog-is-limping-when-should-i-see-a-surgeon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/my-dog-is-limping-when-should-i-see-a-surgeon\/","title":{"rendered":"My dog is limping &#8211; when should I see a surgeon?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Dog-banner-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Dog-banner-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Dog-banner-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your dog woke up limping (although we won\u2019t mention cats below, the exact same reasoning applies to them!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe it started after rough playing, a jump off the couch, or seemingly out of nowhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re not sure whether to wait and see &#8211; or pick up the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This blog will help you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What causes limping in dogs?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limping &#8211; also called lameness &#8211; means your dog is not putting weight normally on one or more legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can affect any leg, and it can range from a subtle hitch to a complete inability to bear weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The causes range from minor to serious, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A thorn, cut, or foreign object in the paw<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A sprained muscle or ligament<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A broken nail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fracture (broken bone) \u2013 see the X-ray of broken toes below<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) or CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hip dysplasia &#8211; abnormal development of the hip joint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bone cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A dislocated joint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A nerve or spinal problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of these resolve with rest or a simple fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others require surgery &#8211; and the sooner, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"  style=\"text-align:center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"326\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Broken-toes.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2663\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">When should I take my limping dog to the vet?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is simple: if your dog is limping and it has not resolved within 24 to 48 hours of rest, please see your family or emergency vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, in the case of known trauma, or if you suspect your pet has a broken bone, a trip to your family vet, a surgeon or the ER, needs to happen ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not wait days or weeks hoping it will go away on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many conditions &#8211; like an ACL tear or a fracture &#8211; will not heal without treatment, and delay only makes them worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your family vet or the ER is the right first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They will examine your dog, take X-rays if needed, and determine whether a referral to a board-certified surgeon is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What are the red flag signs that mean call today?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some signs mean you should call your vet immediately &#8211; today, not tomorrow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete non-weight-bearing &#8211; your pet refuses to put any weight on the leg at all<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visible deformity &#8211; the leg looks bent, twisted, or at an abnormal angle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swelling, heat, or an open wound on the leg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sudden onset after a known trauma &#8211; a car accident, a fall, a collision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crying out in pain when the leg is touched or moved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dragging one or both back legs \u2013 which could be a spinal emergency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limping that is rapidly getting worse over hours, not days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IF YOUR DOG SHOWS ANY OF THESE SIGNS, THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please call your vet \u2014 or an emergency animal hospital \u2014 right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">When does a limping dog need a surgeon?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your family vet will guide this decision, but in general, a referral to a board-certified surgeon is recommended when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The diagnosis requires fancy X-rays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A bone fracture needs to be repaired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A joint needs to be reconstructed &#8211; such as after an ACL tear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A bone or soft tissue tumor needs to be removed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lameness has not responded to rest and medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A second opinion is needed after an inconclusive workup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A board-certified veterinary surgeon, someone with the letters DACVS (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons) after their name &#8211; has completed years of additional training specifically in surgical conditions like these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are not a replacement for your family vet &#8211; they are a partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What conditions most commonly require surgery in limping dogs?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the most common surgical causes of limping in dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ACL tear (Torn Cruciate Ligament)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ACL is the most commonly torn ligament in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It causes sudden rear-leg lameness, often after running or jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without surgery, most dogs with an ACL (or CCL) tear will not return to normal function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have a detailed explanation of the TPLO surgery here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/tplo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/tplo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a postop X-ray of a TPLO done on a 6 year old Labrador.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"1532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TPLO-X-ray.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TPLO-X-ray.jpg 694w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TPLO-X-ray-498x1100.jpg 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 694px) 100vw, 694px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hip dysplasia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing pain and eventually arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some surgical options range from an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) to a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) or a Total Hip Replacement (THR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We wrote a detailed blog about hip dysplasia &#8211; you can read it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/what-to-do-about-hip-dysplasia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is an X-ray of a 6 month old Mastiff with severe hip dysplasia. Notice how the \u201cball\u201d of the thigh bone (or femur) doesn\u2019t fit inside the socket.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1645\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-1645x2000.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-1645x2000.jpg 1645w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-905x1100.jpg 905w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-768x934.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-1263x1536.jpg 1263w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Hip-dysplasia-X-ray-1684x2048.jpg 1684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1645px) 100vw, 1645px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fractures and dislocations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broken bone and joint dislocations almost always require surgical repair to heal correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daisy Duke, a Golden Retriever we treated, dislocated her ankle after a stumble in the park &#8211; and spent weeks without a clear diagnosis before finding her way to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can read her story <a href=\"https:\/\/lrvss.com\/daisy-duke-and-the-ankle-dislocation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are before and after X-rays of a 1 year old German shepherd with a broken forearm (radius and ulna).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1650\" height=\"1275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gioia-fracture.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gioia-fracture.png 1650w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gioia-fracture-1100x850.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gioia-fracture-768x593.png 768w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gioia-fracture-1536x1187.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1650px) 100vw, 1650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Angular Limb Deformity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes a young dog&#8217;s bones grow unevenly, causing a leg to bend in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lucy, a 9-month-old Golden Retriever, was had a crooked front leg (one way to call it is radius curvus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Corrective surgery straightened her leg completely, as shown in the before and after X-rays below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1650\" height=\"1275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Lucy-X-rays.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Lucy-X-rays.png 1650w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Lucy-X-rays-1100x850.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Lucy-X-rays-768x593.png 768w, https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Lucy-X-rays-1536x1187.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1650px) 100vw, 1650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can read her story <a href=\"https:\/\/hrvss.com\/how-surgery-fixed-lucys-crooked-leg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bone Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Osteosarcoma &#8211; bone cancer &#8211; typically causes progressive lameness in large and giant breed dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is aggressive and requires prompt diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is a dramatic X-ray of a 5 year old Great Dane with osteosarcoma eating away his ulna, a bone in the forearm.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Osteosarcoma-X-ray.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2668\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What happens if I wait too long?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the question that keeps us up at night on behalf of our patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waiting rarely helps &#8211; and often hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ACL tear left untreated will lead to progressive arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fracture left alone can develop complications that make surgery far more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bone tumor caught late may leave fewer treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Ivy&#8217;s owner told us after we finally resolved her chronic condition: &#8220;I just wish I&#8217;d brought her in sooner.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is one of the most common things we hear &#8211; and one of the easiest things to prevent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">So, when should you see a veterinary surgeon?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your dog is limping and not improving within 24 to 48 hours, see your family or emergency vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they recommend a surgeon, don&#8217;t delay the referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If things are unclear, or the diagnosis is delayed, ask for a second opinion &#8211; you owe it to your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if your dog shows any of the red flag signs listed above, call today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sooner the right diagnosis is made, the better the outcome &#8211; almost every single time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you would like to learn how we can help your limping dog (or cat), please contact us through <a href=\"http:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.DrPhilZeltzman.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never miss a blog by subscribing here: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.DrPhilZeltzman.com\/blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pete Baia, DVM, MS, DACVS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your dog woke up limping (although we won\u2019t mention cats below, the exact same reasoning applies to them!). Maybe it started after rough playing, a jump off the couch, or seemingly out of nowhere. You&#8217;re not sure whether to wait and see &#8211; or pick up the phone. This blog will help you decide. What [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>My dog is limping - when should I see a surgeon? | Dr Phil Zeltzman\u2019s Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"IS YOUR DOG LIMPING? 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