My dog is about 3 years old now, and he is a staff cross. Over the past 3 weeks his back legs have started 'clicking'. To start off with it was just when he was getting up from the sitting position but now it slowly starting to happen as he walks around.
It doesn't seem to be causing him any problems or discomfort. Should I be very worried by this? Is there anything I can do about it? Does he really need to go to the vets so they can check him out? Thanks in advance. Kay Guest. Sorry I don't have any advice on what you can do about it Joined: Nov 22, Messages: 1, Likes Received: Eolabeo Guest. Joined: Jul 19, Messages: 15, Likes Received: Quite often ligaments can become slack and then joints start to make a clicking sound..
Also my Horses back stifle does this.. But I would take him to the vets and let them check her over. Joined: Aug 12, Messages: Likes Received: 2. My sweet Cody and sweet Bailey had those problems. Bailey had doube hip dysplasia and knee problems and Cody had knee problem. They both had knee surgeries. The cartilage within the joint may also become eroded, including tearing of the menisci cartilage shock-absorbing pads within the knee.
However, this is extremely rare as a sole cause in dogs and usually only occurs in very athletic dogs e. In the vast majority of dogs, the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures as a result of long-term degeneration, whereby the fibres within the ligament weaken over time.
We do not know the precise cause of this, but genetic factors are probably most important, with certain breeds being predisposed including Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers and Newfoundlands. Other factors such as obesity, individual conformation i.
As soon as cranial cruciate ligament degeneration starts to develop, osteoarthritis inflammation of the joint and associated bones immediately starts to develop too. Once present, osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but in most patients, it can be effectively managed.
Hind limb lameness is the most common presenting symptom. Swelling and obvious instability such as a clicking noise when the dog walks are also identified in some dogs, particularly if the cruciate ligament is fully ruptured at the time of diagnosis. Many dogs are reluctant to bend the affected knee, so when they sit, the affected leg may stick out to the side of their body instead of being bent under their hind-quarters.
Many dogs will have degenerative changes of the cranial cruciate ligament in both knees. In this circumstance, lameness may be less obvious, but affected dogs may appear stiff, reluctant to exercise or play, or may seem generally depressed. This is sometimes erroneously perceived as a different problem, such as a spinal or hip issue.
As mentioned, ligaments may also be the source of the noise. A dog's ligament, in particular the anterior cruciate ligament, may be simple moving. This could just indicate that the fluid in the joint is being snapped and therefore is producing the sound, just like the sound produced when popping knuckles, but a clicking sound can also be indicative of a ligament rupture, explains veterinarian Dr.
Usually, if there is problem with a ligament there will be associated lameness though. When the anterior cruciate ligament is injured, sometimes the meniscus is injured as well. Your dog's meniscus is a C-shaped disc meant to provide cushioning to the knee and therefore acting as a shock absorber. When the meniscus is injured as well, its pieces can make a clicking sound upon walking meniscal click , further explains Vet Help.
As dogs' age, their joints may start making clicking noises as a result of arthritis. The wear and tear of many years can lead to decreased smoothness in cartilage, and the clicking noise may be due to the roughness of the joint surface as bones make contact with one another.
The clicking noise may be therefore due to arthritis affecting the dog's hip, knee, ankle or all of these structures or it can be attributed to the dog's tendons or ligaments stiffening with age, just as the joints in elderly people which produce a cracking sound as they get up, sit down or do the stairs, adds Vet Help. Dogs affected by arthritis often benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and non-inflammatory drugs to control the pain and inflammation.
Upon seeing your vet for the clicking noise, your vet will likely ask you to walk your dog around so to observe his gait and any pinpoint any orthopedic problems. You may be questioned about when you hear the sound and whether your dog has a history of lameness.
When examining your dog, your vet will palpate her hips and check for any signs of problems with the knee drawer's test. X-rays may be needed, but often these need to be done under sedation. Treatment varies on the vet's findings and may vary from rest, to medical therapy to surgical intervention. If your vet diagnosed your dog with bad hips or knees, you should inform your breeder if you got your puppy from one, as this can be due to hereditary problems.
Home Health. By Dr. Jennifer Masucci veterinarian. Ivana Crnec veterinarian. Related Articles. By Carol.
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