Lameness and Limping in Pets and Pet Care from a Veterinarian Near You in Methuen, MA

At Methuen Veterinary Hospital in Methuen, MA, we sometimes see pets who are limping and suffering from lameness. Typically, lameness and limping are used interchangeably, but lameness can refer to a more permanent disability. These conditions present themselves with the inability of a pet to properly use one or more of its legs. They may also not be able to put weight on a limb, hold up its paw, and have an unaligned gait.

What Causes Lameness and Limping?

Many factors can cause limping and lameness, most of which can be easily treated and some will even resolve themselves without any intervention by a vet. Some incidents that can cause limping and lameness include:

●          Objects embedded in foot or paw pad (pebbles, sticks, dirt)

●          Cut or abrasion

●          Insect or animal bite

●          Overgrown or broken nails

●          Burns (from hot pavement)

●          Frostbite

●          Bone fracture

●          arthritis

●          Hip dysplasia

●          Torn ligament

●          Infection

●          Tumor

●          Obesity

How Can Lameness and Limping Be Treated?

Rest assured that the team at Methuen Veterinary Hospital will perform a thorough examination and all relevant diagnostics to find the cause of your pets limping. We use our vast experience along with x-rays, scans, and bloodwork to identify and properly treat your pet. Depending on our findings, we have a variety of methods to get your pet back on all four feet as quickly as possible.

Fractures - broken bones sometimes require surgery. However, in some instances, we can set the bone, and place a cast or brace on the limb.

Arthritis - if your pet is suffering from arthritis, we can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication as well as supplements like glucosamine and omega fatty acids.

Obesity - if your pet is overweight, we can create a weight-loss plan that will relieve pressure on the joints.

Embedded Objects - our team will carefully remove any objects, clean, disinfect, and bandage the affected area.

For other injuries causing limping, we may bandage wrap the affected area, prescribe antibiotics, or recommend other treatments.

Get Veterinarian and Emergency Animal Hospital Services from an Emergency Vet Near You

When you're in need of an animal hospital or emergency vet near you in Methuen, MA, our team at Methuen Veterinary Hospital is here to help your pet be the healthiest he can be. Call us at (978) 685-8031 for veterinarian and emergency animal hospital services from an emergency vet near you.