Pain can significantly impact a dog’s gait and biomechanics, leading to noticeable changes in how they move and walk. Gait refers to the pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion, and biomechanics involve the study of forces and mechanics related to the dog’s body during motion. When a dog experiences pain, it alters its movement patterns to compensate for the discomfort, resulting in the following changes:
Lameness
Pain in a specific limb or joint can cause a dog to limp or bear less weight on the affected limb. This lameness is often evident as an abnormality in the dog’s gait, such as favouring one leg or having an uneven stride.
Altered Stride Length
Dogs in pain may take shorter strides than usual to minimise the force applied to the affected area. This can result in a choppy gait with reduced limb extension.
Reduced Weight Bearing
To avoid putting pressure on painful areas, dogs may shift their weight to unaffected limbs or redistribute their weight while standing or walking.
Stiffness
Pain can cause muscles and joints to become stiff, leading to restricted movement and reduced joint flexibility. The dog’s gait may appear stiff or rigid.
Guarding
Dogs in pain may hold their bodies differently to protect the painful area. For example, they may tuck their abdomen to reduce strain on their back or avoid using a limb.
Changes in Posture
Pain can influence a dog’s posture, causing them to adopt positions that relieve pressure on painful areas. This can include hunching their back, holding their head lower, or assuming an asymmetrical stance.
Alterations in Foot Placement
A dog in pain may be more careful about how they place their feet. They may land more softly or avoid putting pressure on sensitive areas.
Decreased Activity Level
Chronic pain can lead to reduced physical activity and exercise,
Compensatory Changes
Over time, pain-induced gait alterations can lead to compensatory changes in other parts of the body. For example, if a dog favours one leg, it may put increased stress on other joints, leading to secondary issues.