Abnormal development of the hip or elbow joint, most common in Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Early on, the dog limps sometimes and seems fine other times — stiffens after exercise but appears to loosen up within minutes.

The “bunny hop” gait — pushing off both hind legs together — is a classic early sign. Stiffness for the first few steps after waking is another. An X-ray is required for definitive diagnosis.

The canine equivalent of a human ACL tear can arrive suddenly after a jump or twist, or — especially in overweight dogs — develop gradually as the ligament frays into a partial tear. With partial tears the dog can sometimes bear weight; stops suddenly mid-play, walks with a slight hitch, then appears to “come right.”

Left untreated, the joint develops osteoarthritis and surgical outcomes worsen. With early TPLO or TTA surgery, success rates exceed 90%.

A disc between vertebrae bulges or herniates, pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Because the compressed nerve supplies sensation to the affected leg, the dog may feel no pain there — but that very loss of sensation is the danger signal. The leg drags, the gait becomes uncoordinated, or the paw knuckles under.

Dachshunds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and French Bulldogs carry significantly higher risk. Without intervention within 24–48 hours of symptom onset, the risk of permanent paralysis rises sharply.

The kneecap repeatedly slips out of position. The dog lifts the affected leg mid-stride, hops on three legs for a few steps, then a small click and it’s back — apparently fine. Owners say “it passed” — but the kneecap is dislocating over and over again.

Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese and Poodles are most at risk. Untreated Grade I–II luxation progresses, the knee slides into arthritis, and surgery becomes unavoidable.

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumour most commonly affecting the long bones of the forelimbs in large and giant breeds. For the first few months the only sign is mild lameness — dog eating, playing, appearing happy. Owners typically attribute it to “getting older, joint pain” and delay.

Great Danes, Rottweilers, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and St. Bernards are high-risk breeds. Progressive unexplained lameness in a middle-aged or older large-breed dog should never be left without an X-ray.

As joint cartilage erodes over years, the dog adapts so gradually that the owner doesn’t notice. Reluctance to rise in the morning, avoiding stairs, unwillingness to jump, slowing down — these aren’t signs of “no pain,” they’re signs of normalised pain. The limp may be very subtle.

Annual joint assessment is recommended for all dogs over 7. Early joint support, pain management and appropriate exercise programming dramatically improve quality of life.

Overgrown nails twist the toes sideways and distort the gait. Summer tarmac or winter salt-grit cracks and sensitises paw pads. A thorn, glass fragment or splinter may be lodged between the toes. These look painless because the dog adjusts gradually — but once infection develops, the situation escalates fast.

Always start your home assessment at the paw. Check between toes, at nail bases and across pad surfaces carefully.

Lameness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi may begin 2–5 months after an infected tick bite. Initial presentation is often mild, shifting lameness — may affect different legs in sequence. Joint swelling, fever and lethargy can accompany it, but sometimes lameness is the only sign. Dogs who walk in rural, woodland or long-grass areas are at risk.

Inflammation within the long bone marrow during growth phases, seen particularly in 6–18 month German Shepherd, Golden and Labrador pups. The classic picture: lameness shifts from leg to leg — one week the front left, then the rear right, then gone — while the puppy still plays enthusiastically. Treatment is pain management and dietary adjustment; no permanent damage, but X-ray exclusion diagnosis is required.