Acute non-weight-bearing lameness in the dog: where to start
3-year-old Pointer that, after running through a cereal field in June, suddenly stops bearing weight on the right forelimb and licks the paw. There has been no visible trauma and he is afebrile.
What is the most rewarding first step?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Examine the foot thoroughly: pads, interdigital spaces and nails
Correct. The commonest causes of acute non-weight-bearing lameness without trauma lie in the foot: grass awns, pad wounds, broken nails, interdigital abscesses. Spread the toes and check every space.
B. Radiographs of the whole limb to rule out a fracture
Without trauma and without first localising the problem, radiographs are low-yield, and grass awns are not radiopaque.
C. NSAID and a week's rest before examining
It delays diagnosis: a grass awn may migrate and cause sinus tracts or deep abscesses that are then much harder to treat.
D. Carpal arthrocentesis in case of septic arthritis
Without effusion, fever or localised joint pain there is no indication; the simple foot causes must be excluded first.
lightbulb Key takeaway
With acute non-weight-bearing lameness think of fracture, luxation, abscess, foreign body and nail or pad injury, and always start with the foot. In Spain, from spring to autumn, grass awns are very common. If there is trauma, severe bone pain or crepitus, immobilise and radiograph.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.