NEW LIMPING OR STIFFNESS IN SENIORS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Limping or stiffness in senior pets is usually due to arthritis, muscle loss, pain, or neurological disease—but can also indicate cancer, infection, or immune-mediated joint disease.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mild arthritis flare
• Overexertion
MEDICAL
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle weakness
• Spine disease
• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• Lyme disease (dogs)
• Tendon or ligament degeneration
EMERGENCY
• Sudden inability to walk
• Lameness + swelling
• Lameness + fever
• Lameness + crying out
RED FLAGS
• Sudden onset
• Non–weight bearing
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Soft bedding
• Gentle, controlled walks
• Omega-3 supplements
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Orthopedic exam
• X-rays
• Neurological exam
• Pain assessment
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Osteoarthritis
• Spine disease
• Soft tissue injury
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Untreated arthritis reduces mobility → reduces muscle mass → accelerates frailty.