Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to tell if your dog or cat's limp is bone or nerve
By Kerwin, Sharon C & Taylor, Amanda R·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2021·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Assessment of Orthopedic Versus Neurologic Causes of Gait Change in Dogs and Cats.
Plain-English summary
A dog or cat with a limp in their front leg could be suffering from either an orthopedic issue, like arthritis or a sprain, or a neurologic problem affecting their nerves. To figure out the cause, a veterinarian will perform a detailed exam that looks for signs of nerve issues, such as changes in reflexes or sensitivity in the spine. Identifying these symptoms is crucial for determining the right treatment plan. If your pet is limping, it's important to see a vet who can assess whether it's a joint problem or something related to their nervous system.
People also search for: why is my dog limping · cat front leg pain · dog neurologic exam · treatment for dog lameness · signs of nerve problems in pets
Abstract
Diagnosis of forelimb lameness may be challenging, as it not only can be due to multiple common orthopedic diseases but also may occasionally be caused by neurologic disease. A thorough orthopedic and neurologic examination is key to determining which disease category is the likely culprit. Deficits identified on the neurologic examination, such as proprioceptive deficits, changes in reflexes, and presence of spinal hyperesthesia, are key in identifying neurologic causes of forelimb lameness.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33446364/