DIFFICULTY WALKING (GENERAL MEDICAL CAUSES)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Difficulty walking may arise from orthopedic, neurological, metabolic, toxic, or cardiovascular disease.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Minor sprain
• Low-grade arthritis
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Pain
• Arthritis
• Spinal disease
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Early heart disease
• Muscle weakness from illness
• Obesity
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Sudden paralysis
• Severe back pain
• Inability to use hind legs
• Collapse
• Toxicity (marijuana, permethrin, antifreeze)
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Sudden onset
• Crying out
• Dragging limbs
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Orthopedic exam
• Neurological exam
• Blood panels
• Imaging
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Arthritis
• Muscle injury
• Disc disease
• Neurological disorders