If your corgi is limping, you’ll want to know how serious it is, what caused it, whether to see a vet, and what you can to help.
This help guide get’s right into the details and explains everything owners need to know about limping.
You’ll learn the following:
- The 4 main causes of limping
- When to see a veterinarian
- Gradual onset vs sudden limping
- How to help your corgi now
- Last thoughts about corgi limping
4 Main Reasons Behind Limping
Below I’ll explain the most common reasons causing limping in Corgis. Nearly all cases of limping falls under one of the following.
1. Paw injury
A current paw injury or discomfort can cause limping in Corgis.
He may have hurt, sliced, or abraded his paw during his most recent walk, leading him to take extra care not to set it down.
This can be common when a Corgi is often taken to public places, where his paws may be exposed to hazardous items, extreme temperatures, or even dangerous chemicals.
2. General injury or trauma
Injuries or wounds are the primary source of limping in Corgis. The severity of the injury can range from minor to severe.
In addition to this, corgis being active little dogs, means they love to sprint around and jump up… But this can quickly lead to problems. Corgi running guide
Due to the corgi’s short legs and long backs, they prone to serious spinal injuries.
Things that can cause general injuries or trauma include:
- Over exercise
- Long distance sprinting
- Too much jumping
- Climbing stairs (too much)
- Walk on icey surfaces
- Walking on harsh terrain
- Being too active
3. Spinal injuries
Corgis are a breed of dog especially prone to suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
This happens when the discs between the vertebrae either extrude or rupture. These discs may then press against the nerves going down the spine, resulting in extreme agony, immobility, and even paralysis.
This is why it’s crucial for owners to limit the amount of jumping and fast sprinting that their corgi does.
There’s a balance between a few jumps up on the couch (likely okay) vs constant jumping up and down all day.
4. Joint conditions
Joint disease can cause limping in Corgis, usually when they are older and suffered from either genetic or environmental conditions.
Joint disease involves inflammation in the joints, which can result in swelling and pain, leading to limping. This can happen in any joint, but the most common joints affected are those in the hips, knees, and elbows.
As the disease progresses, the pain and stiffness can become worse, making movement even more difficult.
Treatment for joint disease in Corgis typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and sometimes surgery to repair any damaged joint tissue.
When To See a Veterinarian
It’s hard to diagnose limping at home unless it from something obvious like a paw injury you saw happen, or a fresh visible wound.
The best advice when it comes to limping is to contact your veterinarian if you are not absolutely sure of whats caused it.
Sometimes it could just be a simple matter of over-exercise the day before. But you’ll likely know if this is the case based on the previous days events.
If the limping has been happening slowly over the course of a few days/weeks you should definitely call the veterinarian as soon as you can to have this looked into.
Time when limping warrants immediate attention:
- Broken bones (or unnatural angles)
- Dislocations (dragging limp legs)
- Severe wounds
- Severe bleeding
- Limbs that feel excessively hot
- Extreme and sudden weakness
These are time sensitive matters and owners should seek help from an emergency veterinarian asap.
I hope your situation is not as bad as any of the above.
To be clear. If you don’t know what’s causing the limp and there’s no obvious (and non serious explanation) then you should be contacting your veterinarian for a check up.
Gradual Onset vs Sudden Limping
It is important to note if your Corgi’s limp is new or if it has been gradually worsening.
- A sudden limp normally indicates a recent injury or small cut, whereas a gradual limp is usually associated with an underlying chronic health issue or illness.
Your vet will likely ask if the limp was sudden or gradual, as this helps with diagnosing the cause so it’s important to consider this.
Regardless of how the limp appeared, it should be investigated by a professional.
How to Help In the Meantime
To help your corgi in the meantime it’s best to discourage too much movement and activity.
Their exercise routine will need to be reduced significantly until their limping has completely gone.
Encourage your corgi to lay down and rest and avoid playing with them. Resting their affected leg/paw will help them recover and limit any pain they might be experiencing.
- If the limp is cause by a small cut or wound then you might not necessarily need to visit your veterinarian, but you can still call them to receive guidance over the phone.
Small wounds (under 1-2 inches in length and not deep) can usually be helped at home by gently cleaning them, freeing it from debris, then using a bandage to keep it clean. Sometimes healing creams are advised but it’s still best to contact your vet first.
Last thoughts: Summary
Limping should always be investigated. Either it’s a short-term issue with an obvious and non-serious explanation, or it’s something that your veterinarian will need to help with.
Most common caused of limping in Corgis come from paw injuries, general injuries (or trauma), spinal issues, or joint disease.
Corgis, with their long backs and short legs are prone to spinal injuries and despite having a lot of energy, should not be allowed to engage in excessive or strenuous exercise. Especially if it involves a lot of jumping.
If this is an issue your corgi has been dealing with for a while, please consult with your vet. Additionally, if it’s something serious like a broken leg, dangling limb, or a deep wound then contact an emergency veterinarian ASAP.
Thanks for reading!