Trouble Walking

When your dog suddenly can’t put weight on a leg, starts dragging a paw, or cries out in pain when moving, the worry sets in fast. Mobility problems can result from injuries as straightforward as a sprained muscle or as serious as a fracture, and the right imaging and diagnosis make all the difference in the treatment plan.

At Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care in Johns Creek, our ER-trained veterinarians use digital radiography and thorough orthopedic and neurological exams to identify the cause of your pet’s mobility issue and provide same-day treatment and pain relief.

• Fractures can result from trauma such as being hit by a car, falls, or rough play. Signs include sudden non-weight-bearing lameness, swelling, and visible deformity.
• Joint luxations occur when a joint is displaced from its normal position, commonly affecting the hip, knee (patella), or elbow.
• Sprains and strains involve damage to ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains), causing pain, swelling, and limping.
• Cruciate ligament tears, similar to an ACL tear in humans, are one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, particularly in active and overweight pets.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when a spinal disc herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing back pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. It is most common in breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Corgis.
• Arthritis flare-ups, while typically a chronic condition, can cause sudden worsening of mobility, especially in senior pets.
• Nail injuries including broken or torn toenails can cause significant pain and lameness.

Bring your pet in for evaluation if you observe:

• Sudden lameness or inability to bear weight on one or more legs
• Visible swelling, bruising, or deformity of a limb
• Dragging one or both back paws
• Hunched back, reluctance to jump, or difficulty with stairs
• Crying out or whimpering when touched or when trying to move
• Sudden onset of weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs
• Broken or bleeding toenail

Our veterinarian will perform an orthopedic exam to evaluate joint range of motion, stability, and where your pet is experiencing pain. If we suspect a spinal issue, we'll also do a neurological exam to assess nerve function, reflexes, and sensation. Our digital X-rays give us detailed images of bones and joints to identify fractures, luxations, arthritis, and other structural problems, and you'll have results while your pet is still in the clinic.

From there, treatment depends on what we find. Pain management is always our first priority and may include injectable and oral pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases, sedation for severe pain.

For broken or torn toenails, we handle the repair and bandaging right here. For fractures, we stabilize the injury with splinting or bandaging to provide temporary support until surgical repair can take place. In some cases, we can reduce a joint luxation under sedation. For sprains, strains, and mild injuries, we'll send you home with clear guidance on rest and activity restriction.

If your pet needs orthopedic surgery or would benefit from seeing a neurological specialist, we coordinate the referral promptly and provide all records and imaging directly to the specialist so nothing gets lost in the handoff.

Mobility visits typically take 45 to 75 minutes. After a thorough history and physical, orthopedic, and neurological exam, X-rays are taken and reviewed with you in real time. Your veterinarian will explain the findings, discuss treatment options including any recommended specialist referrals, and ensure your pet is comfortable with appropriate pain management before going home.

Recovery timelines vary widely depending on what's going on. Sprains and mild strains typically improve within 1 to 3 weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Fractures that need surgical repair generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Cruciate ligament tears do best with surgery, and full recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months. IVDD recovery depends on severity, ranging from strict rest and medication for mild cases to emergency surgery for severe disc herniation.

No matter the cause, sticking to activity restrictions during recovery is critical. Follow your veterinarian's instructions about crate rest, leash-only walks, and when to gradually let your pet do more.

Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care is located at 10710 State Bridge Road Ste 120 in Johns Creek, Georgia, just minutes from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Suwanee, Duluth, Peachtree Corners, Sandy Springs, and Cumming. We serve pet families across North Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, and greater metro Atlanta. Open Monday through Friday 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Walk-ins welcome or reserve your spot online.