Abnormal Gait

The normal gait of a dog is smooth and graceful so that the dog moves with ease and strength. A normal gait requires the bones, joints, and muscles of the legs, neck, and back function without pain and that the brain, spinal cord, and associated nerves function smoothly.

Lameness

Lameness can indicate:

• pain
• broken bones
• torn ligaments
• torn tendons
• infection of structures used for movement
• inflammation of structures used for movement

Weakness and Paralysis

Weakness is a loss of strength. It may be difficult to differentiate from pain and reluctance to walk. Weakness is caused by:

• malfunction of nervous system
• malfunction of muscular system
• pressure from intervertebral disk
• blood clot
• mass
• broken bones
• localized disease of nerves or muscles

Weakness can lead to paralysis or a total inability to move.

Loss of Coordination and Balance

Symptoms include:

• tendency to circle when walking
• tendency to fall while walking
• high-stepping gait
• pronounced head tilt
• tendency to fall to one side
• complete inability to walk

Strength is maintained, but the ability to coordinate movements is missing. Causes include:

• masses
• blood clots
• disease
• parasites
• infection