Signs Your Dog May Have a Knee Injury
Knee injuries are a common cause of hind leg lameness in dogs. These injuries often affect the ligament that stabilises the knee joint.
Dogs with knee injuries may show subtle changes at first, or they may suddenly begin limping after activity.
Signs that may suggest a knee injury include:
• limping or holding up a back leg
• difficulty rising from rest
• stiffness after exercise
• sitting with the affected leg extended out to the side
• reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs
• swelling around the knee joint
• reduced activity or reluctance to play
Some dogs improve slightly with rest but begin limping again once they become more active.
Because knee injuries can worsen over time, early assessment is important. Prompt diagnosis allows treatment to begin sooner and may help reduce long-term joint damage.
If you notice persistent limping or changes in your dog’s movement, a veterinary examination is recommended.
One of the most common knee injuries in dogs is a cruciate ligament injury. These injuries can cause pain, limping, and difficulty with everyday movement. You can learn more about causes, treatment options, and surgery on our Signs Your Dog Mag Have A Cruciate Injury page.