Lameness & Limping Care at Pershing Animal Hospital

At some point in your pet's life, your dog or cat may experience pain or strain that causes him to limp or appear lame. There are a plethora of reasons why an animal is experiencing limping or lameness. Most of the time, it can be a minor condition that heals on its own. However, lameness and limping can be signs of something much more serious occurring. At Pershing Animal Hospital in East Hyde Park, our dedicated team can diagnose the source of your pet's issue and recommend the care he or she needs to restore optimal function.

Why Is My Pet Experiencing Lameness and Limping?

When it comes to limps and lameness, there are two common causes. Sudden limps or lameness are usually due to an injury or trauma. These symptoms are the result of your pet overexerting its body or from an accident. However, pets can also experience gradual onset limps and lameness due to an underlying chronic or degenerative condition causing the impairment. This is usually caused by arthritis or hip dysplasia. Knowing whether or not your pet's lameness or limping is sudden or gradual can help to narrow down the root cause. That is why it is crucial to bring your pet to our clinic as soon as you notice lameness or limping.

When to Take Your Pet to the Veterinarian for Lameness and Limping?

If you see your pet change its gait or favor a specific leg while walking or playing, these may be signs of an issue with one or more of its limbs. If you witness your pet hurt its leg, check the affected leg to see if there are any obvious wounds or other issues. If your pet continues to limp, you should take it to our vet clinic for a proper exam. Lameness or limping for more than a day or so is usually a sign of an underlying injury or condition. Unfortunately, many conditions can't be seen on the surface of your pet. That's why our veterinarian can provide imagining tests for a thorough analysis to find the source of the pain.

Contact Us for a Pet Exam from Our Veterinarian in Hyde Park, IL

Our state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of diagnostic tools needed to find the source of your pet's limping and lameness. We offer x-rays, radiographs, MRIs, CT Scans, and ultrasounds for a full understanding of your pet's condition and overall health. Our professional staff is committed to providing pets the care they need to live long and healthy lives with their owners. Contact us at Pershing Animal Hospital to make an appointment with our veterinarian or to learn more about how we help pets in the Chicago area.