What should I do if my golden retriever's leg suddenly goes lame?

A sudden limp in a golden retriever's leg may be caused by overtraining, trauma, calcium deficiency, hip arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or other reasons. If the limp is caused by overtraining, it is a normal phenomenon and there is generally no need for excessive worry. However, if the limp is unusual and accompanied by other symptoms, such as slow bone development and joint pain, it is recommended that the owner take the golden retriever to the pet hospital for treatment in a timely manner.

Overtraining

Long-term excessive exercise may lead to strain in the ligament tissue, which can cause increased pain in the local area while walking, leading to a limp. It is recommended to reduce the exercise volume and perform local massage to accelerate blood circulation and promote local recovery.

Trauma

If the leg joint is injured due to a collision, it can cause local bone damage. While walking, the dog may experience sudden limping, accompanied by swelling and pain. Treatment involves taking blood-activating and pain-relieving medications under a doctor's guidance.

Calcium Deficiency

If the golden retriever has a long-term preference for certain foods and refuses to eat other foods, and the owner does not supplement its calcium intake in a timely manner, it can lead to a lack of calcium in the body. This affects normal bone development and can cause the dog to walk unsteadily. It is recommended to consult a doctor and give the golden retriever calcium supplements specifically designed for pets.

Hip Arthritis

This is a degenerative joint disease characterized by hip joint pain and limited mobility. Walking with weight bearing can cause pain in the local joint, resulting in a limp. Treatment involves taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotective agents as prescribed by a doctor.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is a disease that affects the entire joint system and is usually caused by long-term exposure to damp environments. Untreated, it can lead to joint calcification, affecting normal walking. Treatment involves taking anti-rheumatic drugs as prescribed by a doctor.

Gout

If a dog has gout, it can damage the joints. Untreated, it can lead to the formation of uric acid stones in the joint area, causing severe pain while walking and resulting in a limp. Treatment involves taking uric acid-lowering and corticosteroid medications under a doctor's guidance. If the uric acid stones continue to grow, surgical treatment may be necessary.

During treatment, the golden retriever should rest in bed and avoid long-term intense exercise, as this can increase damage to the joint area and affect disease control.