Knuckling in dogs can signal a variety of conditions. A number of neurologic and musculoskeletal issues can cause dogs to drag one or more of their paws as they stand or walk. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby discusses some of the reasons a dog may start knuckling on a front or back leg and shares some advice about caring for affected dogs.
Lameness or trouble walking is one of the most common reasons for dogs to see their veterinarians. When I see these patients in practice, most of them are limping or seem painful. Some dogs make it obvious which leg is affected. They might put a little bit of weight on the leg or none at all.
However, limping is distinguishable from knuckling, where the dog is not positioning one or more of their paws correctly on the ground when they stand or walk. Generally this sign leads to different diagnostic tests and treatment options than limping caused by pain or injury. Let’s take a look at some common causes of knuckling in dogs, and what we can do to help our furry friends.
A case of a knuckling dog
Marie was a seven-year-old German Shepherd dog who presented to my clinic for limping on her right hind leg. Marie’s mom was very concerned about her normally active pup on this particular day.
On physical exam, my German Shepherd patient seemed normal except for mild limping on the right hind limb whenever she took a step forward. It seemed like she was dropping her hip as she stepped. However, her hips flexed and extended well during my orthopedic evaluation.
After gathering more information, I recommended X-rays. Thankfully, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. I didn’t notice any signs of hip dysplasia in dogs or bone tumors. Her knees were also healthy so a torn ACL in dogs seemed less likely. I recommended an anti-inflammatory medication for Marie and talked to her mom about restricting exercise for a week or two to help facilitate healing.
Unfortunately, my patient wasn’t any better at her recheck. In fact she was worse. She was still limping on the right hind limb but also seemed to be losing feeling in her leg. Her right rear paw was now knuckling and she was starting to show similar signs on the left hind leg. She was also wobbling when she walked. Marie’s mom mentioned that Marie seemed a little more lethargic. The big question in my mind was, “What is causing the knuckling and rapid progression of signs?”
What is knuckling in dogs?
When a dog’s foot rolls under as he or she stands or walks, this is referred to as knuckling. Because the dog may end up dragging the foot, paw knuckling can cause physical injury to the top or sides of the foot. This is due to the dog standing on the top of their paw rather than on the paw pad.
Overall, knuckling is far less common in dogs than true limping, but it is still important to recognize.
What are the signs of knuckling in dogs?
Of course, knuckling itself is a symptom of another issue, but what are some secondary signs of knuckling?
Early signs of knuckling
Sometimes knuckling starts subtly or intermittently. A dog may miss a step here or there, but a majority of the time has proper paw placement. Early signs of knuckling may include:
- Frayed toenail tips
- Occasional dragging of one or more paws, or abnormal gait
- Difficulty rising
- Weakness in one or more legs
Other symptoms of knuckling
Many of the causes of knuckling are progressive, so you may notice some of these early signs are followed by other symptoms of knuckling, such as:
- Consistently uncoordinated gait
- Sores on the tops or sides of the paw(s)
- Scuffed toenails
- Difficulty gaining traction on slippery surfaces such as hard floors
If you notice any of these signs, pay close attention to how your dog places his or her paws down when walking or standing. If they’re bearing weight on the tops of their paws rather than the paw pads, it’s time for a vet appointment.
Why might a dog knuckle?
In some cases, paw knuckling occurs due to a problem with the dog’s nervous system. Normally, signals are sent through the nerves in the leg to the spinal cord and brain. This input is used to determine the position of the dog’s foot—is it upside down, right side up, being held up, etc. The term conscious proprioception describes the nervous system’s coordination of signals to identify the position of a dog’s limb.
In a healthy dog, if they place their paw down in an abnormal position, those neural pathways will send a message to the brain and the dog will quickly correct the position. If something interrupts the signaling pathway, the dog will not know where the limb is in space or how it is positioned. This causes proprioceptive deficits, such as:
- Knuckling
- Abnormal paw positioning when standing
- Paw dragging when walking
- An uneven gait (a dog that is wobbly and off balance)
Alternatively, a knuckling dog may have a normal neurologic system but their ligaments, tendons, or muscles are weak and cannot support their weight. Knuckling in puppies, for example, may be caused by nutritional issues or congenital problems. Frail senior dogs may also walk on the top of their paws occasionally due to weakness.
Now that we have discussed some general reasons a dog may knuckle, let’s move on to some of the specific conditions that may cause knuckling in dogs..
What causes knuckling in dogs?
Knuckling in dogs can most commonly be caused by neurological disorders such as:
- IVDD
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Spinal stroke
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Injury or trauma
- Neoplasia (cancer)
- Obesity
If your dog is walking on the top of one or more paws, consult your vet to determine what may be going on. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common causes of dog knuckling.
Neurological conditions causing paw knuckling
1. Spinal stroke (Fibrocartilaginous embolism or FCE)
Many individual bones known as vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord. Cartilaginous discs sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers and to give the dog’s back and neck the ability to flex, extend, and move side to side. These discs are great when they are healthy but can create quite a problem if they rupture.
Sometimes a small piece of a ruptured disc enters the blood stream and obstructs one of the small vessels that supplies blood to a certain part of the spinal cord. This is known as a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) or spinal stroke in dogs. FCEs are more common in young giant and large breed dogs. However, they may also occur in some small breed dogs, especially Shelties and Schnauzers.
Affected dogs may suddenly cry out when running, jumping, or playing then immediately become weak or paralyzed. They may knuckle on one or more limbs, have an uncoordinated gait, and sometimes be unable to walk at all. After the initial moment of pain, dogs with an FCE are generally non-painful. This is one of the things that may make a vet suspicious of an FCE (rather than a different, more painful cause of spinal cord trauma) during the physical exam.
Your veterinarian may recommend X-rays, which are usually normal in cases of FCE, but can rule out other conditions with similar signs. Definitive diagnosis requires an MRI. This usually means referral to a veterinary neurology specialist.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for FCE except for supportive care and time. Some dogs may recover over several days to weeks but others may remain permanently paralyzed.
2. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
In addition to causing a FCE, those discs can also contribute to intervertebral disc disease( IVDD) in dogs, which is divided into two types:
- Type I IVDD: The disc acutely ruptures into the spinal canal
- Type II IVDD: The disc degenerates over time and begins to bulge
Both of these situations put pressure on the spinal cord, which sits just above the disc. While IVDD can occur anywhere in the spine, it happens most often in the cervical (i.e. neck) or thoracolumbar area (i.e. mid-back near the junction of the last rib and the first few lumbar vertebrae).
Affected dogs may become weak or paralyzed in their rear limbs (if the problem is in the thoracolumbar region) or all four limbs (if the problem is in the neck). They are often painful in their back or neck and may knuckle or drag their feet. Severely affected dogs may be paralyzed and in some cases are unable to urinate on their own.
If your dog develops signs of IVDD, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays to look for signs of a ruptured or mineralized disc. Sometimes, a veterinary neurologist may inject dye around the spinal cord then take an X-ray (a test known as a myelogram) or use an MRI or CT to find the area(s) of compression.
IVDD treatment
Some dogs with IVDD can recover without surgery after strict rest, medications and supportive care (more on that later). However, others will need IVDD surgery for dogs to remove the ruptured portion of the disc and take pressure off the spinal cord. For a paralyzed dog, emergency back or neck surgery gives the best chances of walking again. Without surgery, paralysis may be permanent. Sometimes even after surgery, some degree of weakness or paralysis may persist with severe spinal cord injuries.
3. Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a chronic disease of the spinal cord that causes progressive paralysis. It can start out looking like arthritis or hip dysplasia, which makes it difficult to diagnose right away. Dogs may initially just be limping on one of their hind limbs but otherwise appear normal.
However, as this spinal condition progresses, it affects the other hind leg and causes a dog to be weak, have a wobbly gait, and knuckle on one or both rear legs. Eventually, the dog becomes completely paralyzed and unable to control his or her bowels or bladder.
Degenerative myelopathy affects middle-aged and older dogs. It is most common in German Shepherds, Huskies, Retrievers, and Corgis. The exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown. However, a mutated gene known as SOD-1 puts dogs at high risk for developing degenerative myelopathy.
There is no definitive test for degenerative myelopathy. Blood testing can look for the presence of the mutated gene. The presence of the gene plus signs consistent with degenerative myelopathy make it the most likely diagnosis.
Unfortunately, clinical signs can progress over the span of a few weeks to several months in most cases. The overall prognosis is poor because there is no cure. Therapy with aminocaproic acid, n-acetylcysteine, prednisone for dogs, and vitamin supplements may possibly help slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy, but none of those are curative.
Remember our friend Marie the German Shepherd? Unfortunately, she ended up having degenerative myelopathy. We submitted a blood sample for gene testing, and it came back positive for the SOD-1 mutation. Marie’s mom made sure to keep her comfortable and spoiled for the following two months of her dear dog’s life.
4. Wobbler Syndrome
This condition gets its name from the wobbly gait that most affected dogs exhibit. The exact cause is still undetermined, but it is possible that it may have a genetic basis since it is most common in Great Danes and Dobermans.
Dogs with wobbler syndrome typically have spinal cord compression in their neck from either an abnormally narrow spinal canal plus intervertebral disc herniation, or from a narrowed spinal canal due to changes to the surrounding bone. In addition to compressing the spinal cord, these changes may also put pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal cord.
Dogs with wobblers tend to have an unsteady gait which is more pronounced in the rear legs. They may also knuckle their paws, have difficulty getting up, or appear weak. Nerve damage and compression can cause significant pain and affected dogs may walk with their heads lowered. Signs tend to show up in Great Danes around the age of three years and Dobermans around six years on average.
If your vet suspects your dog may have wobbler syndrome he or she will most likely start by taking X-rays to look for any bone changes or signs of other conditions. Then he or she may refer you to a veterinary neurologist for advanced imaging such as a myelogram, CT, or MRI.
Some dogs with wobblers will do well with medications, supportive care, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding leashes that go around the neck. Other dogs may benefit from surgery. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association demonstrated that the average survival time for dogs with wobblers is approximately four years regardless of whether they had medical or surgical management.
Other causes of knuckling in dogs
1. Carpal flexural deformity
Carpal flexural deformity is a bit different than the other conditions discussed because it doesn’t come from a problem with the nervous system. The exact cause is unknown. However, researchers believe it may result from some combination of genetic predisposition plus nutritional factors in rapidly growing puppies. A diet with excess protein and few other core elements like carbohydrates can cause painful growth spurts that contribute to this condition.
Carpal flexural deformity mostly affects large and giant breed puppies, usually younger than four months of age. As the name indicates, it affects the puppy’s carpus (i.e. wrist—the joint on the front leg between the elbow and the foot). The puppy may have hyperextension, hyperflexion or general laxity (i.e. looseness) of the carpus. Additionally, the carpus could be bowed inward (i.e. varus deformity) or outward (i.e. valgus deformity). This combination of changes may cause front paw knuckling.
The good news is that most affected dogs improve within one to three weeks of diagnosis. Sometimes a diet change (i.e. to a balanced or energy restricted diet) and/or soft splints to support the legs may be beneficial during the recovery period.
2. Trauma or injury
If a dog has a paw pad injury, they may not want to bear weight directly on that foot. Sometimes this can cause limping or completely holding up one paw, but sometimes it can present as knuckling on one or more paws. Some injuries that may cause this include:
- Thorns or sharp objects embedded in paw pads
- Burned paw pads from standing on hot surfaces
- Insect bite or sting
- Broken toenail
If your dog is suddenly knuckling, especially if it’s only on one paw, check the paw for any obvious injuries.
3. Neoplasia
Unfortunately, cancer is almost always on the list of differential diagnoses. Tumors can grow on nerves, bones, or muscles and can cause weakness or loss of proprioception. While it’s not as common as some of the other neurological conditions discussed above, it is a possible cause of knuckling in dogs.
How to treat knuckling in dogs
As you can see, there are many reasons a dog may be knuckling. Some may resolve with supportive care and time while others may require surgery. And still others may never completely resolve. There are many ways you can support your dog after he or she is diagnosed with a condition that causes knuckling.
1. Give the gift of traction
Dogs with neurologic conditions or other issues causing knuckling often have a hard time gaining traction when standing or walking. Without the paw pad making contact with the ground, dogs may slip or feel unsteady on their feet.
My signature product, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips, can work wonders for dogs who have an unsteady gait and are knuckling, prone to slipping, or weak. They can help your dog regain traction and walk with confidence on slippery floors that otherwise might pose a mobility problem.
Plus, ToeGrips somehow seem to provide feedback to the brain and spinal cord to help enhance a dog’s conscious proprioception. If you remember from the beginning, conscious proprioception is the nervous system’s way of telling where a dog’s limbs are in space. Dogs who are knuckling usually do so because they have altered conscious proprioception. ToeGrips may help them by reminding the dog’s brain to pick up the paws, thus improving the dog’s gait.
ToeGrips not only help these dogs with stability and confidence, they can also serve to take the brunt of chronic trauma to the nails from dragging. Over time, if the dog’s conscious proprioception does not improve, the nails can start to wear in a funny pattern or even wear back to bloody “stumps.” ToeGrips, when glued in place, can protect the nail from this demise.
For dogs who are scuffing or dragging their feet, we recommend an alternative application method—affixing ToeGrips to the nails with super glue. This is not necessary for most dogs, but for dogs who drag/scuff their paws, that altered gait tends to tug the ToeGrips off the nails. Super Glue is the simple solution to keep the ToeGrips securely in position. I demonstrate application of ToeGrips using glue in this video:
2. Reduce inflammation and pain
Some conditions such as IVDD and wobbler syndrome may cause considerable pain and inflammation. Thus, your vet may prescribe medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), tramadol for dogs, gabapentin for dogs, steroids like prednisone, or other medications.
Always give all medications as directed and notify your vet immediately if you notice any concerning side effects. Don’t abruptly stop any medications without first consulting your vet. Never decide to give your dog your own pain medications as human pain-relievers like Advil can be toxic for dogs.
Some dogs may also benefit from laser therapy for dogs, which has several benefits including:
- Pain relief
- Improved healing
- Decreased swelling and inflammation
3. Help your dog get up and walk
Some dogs who are knuckling may also be weak or paralyzed, making it difficult for them to stand up or move from place to place. Two of my favorite mobility aids are the GingerLead® Support and Rehabilitation Harness, and the Help ‘Em Up® Mobility Harness. Both products can help save your back and are much more comfortable for you and your dog than using a towel as a sling (although that does work in a pinch).
Permanently paralyzed or significantly weak dogs may also do well with a wheelchair in some situations. Your vet can recommend some good companies to purchase a wheelchair from. Alternatively, there are plans online for making a doggy wheelchair. Always ensure the wheelchair fits your dog well (which is where purchasing it through a reputable company with good customer support can help) and check your dog frequently for any rub sores.
4. Find a rehab vet
One of the best ways to help knuckling in dogs is to visit a rehab vet. In many situations, dogs can benefit from physical therapy just like people do. You may be able to find a veterinary professional who specializes in rehabilitation and physical therapy in your area. Alternatively, some general practice vets also provide rehab services.
A rehab vet can evaluate your dog and help design an exercise program specifically for him or her. They will most likely do some exercises with your dog and teach you how to do the exercises at home too. Some rehab vets may also have an underwater treadmill or a hydrotherapy pool. Both of these can be very beneficial as the buoyancy of the water will help support your dog. Plus, many dogs quite enjoy their time in the water!
5. Protect your dog’s feet
If your dog is dragging his or her feet or knuckling, sometimes the tops or side of the feet may get scraped up. This can be exacerbated if a dog walks on more abrasive surfaces like concrete. To protect your dog’s feet, try to stick to soft surfaces like grass while outside.
If your dog requires hind end support for walking, try to hold him or her in a position where the rear paws aren’t dragging but the dog can still attempt to walk to build strength (if appropriate).
For a short-term solution, you may be able to wrap your dog’s sore paw to prevent it from getting worse. Placing a piece of gauze and then gently wrapping the paw with Coban or Vet Wrap can act as a Band-Aid for urgent situations. If employing this method, you must be sure the wrap is not too tight, as it can act as a compression bandage, and it should not stay on for longer than a few hours.
Another alternative to cover your dog’s paws for short periods of time is PawZ Boots. They are thin (think latex balloon) so they don’t pose as big of a tripping hazard as bigger bulky booties but still offer some protection. I always caution owners to read the instructions carefully when using PawZ, because they do have the potential to effect obstruct circulation to the paw and are not intended to be left on continuously.
Diagnosis of knuckling in dogs
Unfortunately, there is no singular dog knuckling test. The causes are so varied, and so are the diagnostics. A thorough orthopedic and neurologic exam is a great place to start, and then your vet will have a better idea of what the most likely differentials are.
Your vet may then recommend diagnostic tests such as:
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT scan
- Myelogram
- Blood tests
Some of these tests can be performed at a general practice, but some may require referral to a specialist. Your vet will be your best guide to determine which test(s) will give you the most valuable information to reach a diagnosis.
If you notice knuckling, contact your vet
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to stay in close contact with your vet and any specialists you are working with. Since there are a variety of causes of knuckling with different outlooks and treatments, the first step is to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Once you know what you are dealing with, ask all your questions and do your research (using reputable sources) to find out as much as possible about your dog’s condition and how you can help. And of course, keep loving on your dog and treasure the time you have together. Have confidence that you can tackle whatever is in front of you.
Have you noticed your dog knuckling?
What was the cause and how did you help your pup? Please comment below.
My boxer/bully mix’s front legs are both bowed inward and are both knuckling and they have apparently been this way since my SO rescued him from a friend who found him around 2-3 months old on a train track. He is almost 3 years old now and is sometimes wobbly when urinating. Noticed some light bleeding yesterday after a walk but thought it was from his excited pulling. He is active and loves to do zoomies around the house but I do notice that sometimes he’s content laying all day. A few weeks ago he started whining extremely high pitched and would not stop, his back leg kept twitching uncontrollably almost kicking and he was licking the air and kind of doing this weird pace almost like a quick motion like he’s about to do a zoomie. We tried everything we could possibly think of and eventually it got so loud and non stop we had to take him to emergency and vet said it was behavioral. He was prescribed gabapentin and trazadone and a sedative if it’s ever severe again. He starts moderate whining every other day but it doesn’t seem like he’s in pain. I thought maybe it was an attention seeking behavior that is learned or anxiety related but now I am worried it could be neurological and related to his front legs. Is there a possibility they are related and will his condition lead to pain or lameness?
Hi Britt,
I am so sorry your boy is experiencing these worrisome behavioral issues. I agree that some of what you describe sounds neurological in origin. Without examining your pup myself, I can’t say for sure if all these problems are related. Many of the “bully” breeds have been bred to a point where they are born with severe orthopedic abnormalities. It is likely that his bowed front legs are a congenital deformation and not actually due to a neurological issue. It may be a good idea to ask for a consultation with a veterinary neurologist and see what they have to offer. Hoping you can get some answers and praying for an easy solution. Wishing you both the best of luck.
Hello,
A week ago I noticed my dog was not himself. He showed low head carriage, stiff & limited ROM in his neck. It’s progressed to muscle spasms around his shoulders. He yelps spontaneously when turning around or when going to pick a treat up from the ground. Urgent Care vet thought muscle strain but didn’t even do the two simple tests to determine if Neuro related… anyway, gave gaba, carprofen, tramadol. He did bed rest but I did continue to take him on short walks outside b/c I thought it was just a strain so Deff no park & running but walks I thought would be ok. He kept looking the same but no improvement. Took him to his reg vet, added robaxin for another management option. He was status quo for a few days but now he’s showing signs of decline. I did my own research and did the two reflex tests: pinch bwtn toes, in the webbing. He didn’t react & pull back. Then I flipped his paws and he did correct them. It’s only the two front paws. I am now noticing he’s not flipping his paws right to get up and stand, he is not recognizing they are flipped, so guess this is called knuckling. Yesterday he was walking and today he can barely walk. I have to use a strap under him. He’s is ok to pee and is eating alright but I have to bring the bowl to him in his bed and he will pick up his head to eat. I did take a needle to his front paws and on the first two paw fingers? Not sure what to call them, but he didn’t really pull back. The rest of the toes he did pull back & yelped. This is progressing fast and I don’t trust my Vet who didn’t even do those first two tests to determine if muscle or Neuro. What should I do. I’m in tears and reading all these comments, I’m scared. Can I just call a neurologist vet and get him in? Should I go to an ER? This is just processing fast… so I’m so scared. Please, any suggestions, advice, differentiating DX would help. I’m desperate. He’s just sedated with tramadol, gaba, robaxin, and carprofin and sleeps all day but like should be improving not declining with strict rest and meds.
Thank you,
Angela
Dear Angela,
I am so sorry your boy is suffering, and I understand your concern. You can call a veterinary neurologist and see if they are willing to schedule an appointment without a referral. But if a referral is required, your vet will fill out the necessary paperwork if you request it. From what you describe, it sounds like your boy may be dealing with IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) of his neck. Of course, there are many other possible causes and without examining him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. I agree this needs more investigation and am hopeful you can get a definitive diagnosis. Praying for a clear path forward and relief for your sweet boy.
our 9 year old Macee ( part Pyreenees, Golden retriever, boxer) is knuckling her front left paw and dragging back paw…she is diabetic diagnosed in January 2025 her nails.would.bleed so we got her shoes for walking
she is weak on her left side she was seen by a neurologist today. I can’t afford $4500 mri but doing xrays with my vet next Monday for her nexk and chest and spine. we also have a vet performing acupuncture doesnt seem to help though
we bought your toe grips waiting for them to arrive. Hopefully all her weakness and leg issues are due to the diabetes as we are steuggling to get her numbers regulated. if mri wasnt so expensive we would do that but hopefully the xrays can help rule out any issues. thank you for the article it was very informative
best,
Terri Doolittle.
Hi Terri,
Sorry to hear your sweet Macee is struggling with knuckling, dragging her hind foot, and overall left-sided weakness. It is great that you had her evaluated by a neurologist today, and I hope that the X-rays help give you some answers. It sounds like you, your vet, and the neurologist are doing a great job covering all the bases by doing the X-rays, working on regulating her diabetes, protecting her feet, trying acupuncture, and applying ToeGrips. As discussed in the article, it is important to glue the ToeGrips on for dogs who are dragging their feet. That way the ToeGrips don’t get tugged off as the foot scrapes the ground. You can find instructions for gluing the ToeGrips on here: How to Glue Your Dog’s ToeGrips
I’ll ask my amazing customer support team to reach out to you a few days after your ToeGrips arrive so that we can see how they are working out. I hope they are a great solution for Macee and that her mobility improves. Please feel free to give us an update!
Could Lyme disease cause knuckling?
Hi Stacy,
While Lyme disease does cause lameness, I don’t usually see knuckling. That doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. There is a very quick and simple test that can be done in the vet clinic to rule out the possibility of the most common tick-borne diseases (including Lyme). If you think your pup may be living with this disease, don’t hesitate to ask your vet about testing. Thanks for asking this great question!
could golpp also be a cause of knuckling?
Hi Lynne,
Yes, GOLPP can cause knuckling, but usually only in the rear limbs. If you have any concerns about your pup, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for support and advice. Best wishes!
our pitbull has started knuckling. She injured her right back leg. it’s been about 4 months ago. but anyway her leg swelled up at the ankle, I took her to our vet they didn’t do any x-rays and it was just arthritis they put her on steroids and pain medication. but it’s not getting any better what do you suggest.
Hi Sheila,
I am sorry your pup is dealing with this leg issue and agree it sounds concerning. Anytime I prescribe a treatment, and it does not produce the effects I was hoping for, I like to schedule a recheck and move forward with more in-depth testing. Since the steroids and pain medication did not resolve the swelling, I highly recommend you contact your vet. It may be time to proceed with x-rays or run some lab work. Hoping for clear answers and an easy solution. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl.
Our 9 month old boxer is showing signs of paw knuckling on 1 foot, he shows no pain or discomfort. His mom has been checked for dm before the litter was born she has no generic sign of it.
My son has a herding breed dog which is very active and she runs over born did when they’re outside of this a possibility that caused the paw knuckling? and yes I’ll be taking him to our vet later today.
Hi Anthony,
I understand your concern for your young pup with this new lameness issue he is displaying. If this was due to an injury while running with your other dog, I would expect there to be pain and swelling as well. What did you find out from your vet? Feel free to leave an update and let us know how things are going. Hoping all is well and wishing your sweet boy all the best.
Thank you for this article! I had no idea what knuckling in dog was until recently. I bought a puppy from the website PetzLover recently. So the section on possible causes and treatments is very helpful for a new dog owner like me.
Hi Aishwarya,
Thank you for the positive feedback. Wishing you all the best with your new puppy!
Hello,
My 9.5 week old Golden Retriever just started doing this to his back left foot 3 days ago. He is still completely happy, eating normal, energetic. I messaged our breeder and she mentioned it could be a strain. I’m devastated that it may be something more. Should I be concerned with these issues or are these more common in older dogs? Is it likely just a strain? I have checked for any stings, etc. and I can’t find anything. He seems unaffected. The leg also seems to hang limply when I’m holding him certain ways. His walk also seems different but I can’t tell if I’m just overanalyzing that… we have a vet apt. in 3 days. They told us that if he seems fine in every other way that it would be fine to wait. Basically, with his age… is it likely something that will be fixed or is this neurological? Also, he was in his crate sometime early last week and started yelping so badly it terrified me. By the time I got over there I couldn’t see what had happened. Crate is new, in great condition. I figured he just got something caught or something. Would this be a possible stroke, like you had mentioned? Any information would be great based on his age and breed. Thank you! My mind is going in all the worst scenarios.
Hi Casja,
I am sorry your puppy is experiencing this worrisome issue with his foot. Unfortunately, without examining him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. I am glad you had a vet appointment already scheduled as I think that is the best way to get answers. What did you find out? How are things today? Hoping all is well. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes to you and your sweet boy.
I have found this really interesting reading. My 5yr old vizla was recently speyed and she walked out ofnthe surgery. we were concerned on the third morning where she had lost her appetite and could stand up. Returned to vet where it was discovered that she was full of bloodclots. A vein near her cervix was oozing blood and hadn’t been sutured. this was corrected. she obviously had severe blood loss. she has recovered but has loss of feeling in her right rear paw and is knuckling. Any ideas please?
Hi Fiona,
Wow, this is such a strange situation. I have never heard of post-op internal bleeding causing neurological issues with a rear leg. Despite the puzzling circumstances, I would recommend treating the knuckling just like any other cause of neuro deficits. I like to have neuro patients on something for inflammation and pain and always recommend physical therapy since it is great at helping restore nerve function. You can also ask your vet about treatments like laser therapy and acupuncture. You can utilize boots, ToeGrips, or even a brace to help prevent damage to the nails and foot from scuffing when the paw is knuckled over. Hopefully this condition will resolve on its own with some time. But don’t forget you can always request a consultation with a specialist if needed. Praying for healing and wishing your sweet girl all the best.
Hi, I have a mixed breed, husky, Shepard, lab 14 year old girl who started knuckling of her right hind leg several times a day a couple of months ago and then even more rarely her left. She definitely has some weakness in her hind end and her real legs foot placement is often awkward. Her vet thought arthritis or DM. We do not have a neurologist vet where we live. She was getting 2 good walks daily all winter but after spending the last 4-5 weekends at our family cottage in the country where she has been running around more freely and increasing her exercise more, her knuckling has vastly improved to happening only rarely. She doesn’t appear to have pain but we did start her on Meloxicam a year ago as she was having some difficulty with stairs and jumping onto our bed. We also started her on However, it has increased a bit the ast couple of days. If she does have DM, would we have seen an improvement in her?
Hi Alison,
I understand your concern for your senior girl. I saw the comment you left on the 26th that is almost identical to this one. I hope you will see the response I left. I tried to address your questions as best I could. Wishing you all the best and praying for a clear path forward. ♥
Hi, I have a mixed breed, husky, Shepard, lab 14 year old girl who started knuckling of her right hind leg several times a day a couple of months ago and then a bit on her left. She definitely has some weakness in her hind end and her back legs foot placement is often awkward.and unbalanced Her vet thought arthritis or DM. We do not have a neurologist vet where we live though. She was getting 2 good walks daily all winter but after spending the last 4-5 weekends at our family cottage in the country where she has been running around freely and increasing her exercise, her knuckling has vastly improved to happening rarely. She doesn’t appear to have pain but we did start her on Meloxicam a year ago, as she was having some difficulty with stairs and jumping onto our bed. We also started her on Lebrela injections monthly when we first noticed the knuckling. She had heavy panting prior to starting the injections and it has improved, so wondering if she has been experiencing pain. She doesn’t seem to have a lot of sensation in her feet as they used to be ticklish but not so much anymore. She doesn’t like the warmer summer weather and we have noticed a bit of a decline the last couple of days on her walks as she walk slower and tends to knuckle occasionally again. She trotts much better then a slow walk. If she does have DM, would we have seen such an improvement in her as it is a progressive disease? She is scheduled for a dental cleaning and possible extractions next week. Not sure if we should put her through it or risk the sedation. What are your thoughts?
Hi Alison,
I am sorry your senior girl is having these ongoing issues with rear limb weakness. With good physical therapy it may be possible to get a temporary improvement in DM symptoms. Also, have you noticed any changes to your dog’s bark, increased panting overall, or gagging/coughing especially when drinking water? There is a condition where dogs can get a polyneuropathy (affects many different nerves) that usually starts with hind limb weakness and eventually causes laryngeal paralysis. Here is a link to another article with more information: Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
Without examining your girl and performing more in-depth testing, I can’t make specific conclusions. As long as her lab work looks normal, it may be ok to proceed with the dental cleaning. Hoping you can find the answers you need to continue navigating this difficult path. Wishing you all the best of luck and feel free to keep us updated on how your girl is doing.