Your Maltese is likely limping because of a soft tissue injury, a foreign object stuck in the paw, or a joint condition common in small breeds like luxating patella. While some minor limping resolves with rest, persistent or severe lameness indicates a need for professional veterinary care to ensure your dog is not in significant pain.
Common Minor Injuries and Paw Issues
Maltese dogs are small and close to the ground, which makes their paws vulnerable to sharp objects during walks or play in the yard. One of the most frequent reasons for a sudden limp is a foreign object lodged between the toes or in the paw pad. Check your dog carefully for thorns, glass, burrs, or small rocks. You may also notice a small cut or abrasion on the pad. Interdigital cysts, which are painful bumps between the toes, can also cause limping. These are often caused by ingrown hairs or debris.
Another common issue involves the toenails. A toenail that is too long can snag on carpet and crack, or it can grow so long that it curls into the paw pad. Overgrown nails can alter the way your dog walks and put pressure on the toe joints, leading to discomfort. Additionally, grass seeds, specifically foxtails, can migrate deep into the skin between the toes. These are dangerous because they do not come out on their own and often lead to infection. If you find a superficial wound, you can clean it with warm water and antiseptic, but deep objects require veterinary removal.
Orthopedic Conditions in Small Breeds
Maltese and other toy breeds are genetically predisposed to certain orthopedic issues that can cause back leg limping. The most prevalent condition is patellar luxation, often referred to as a floating kneecap. This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the thigh bone. Depending on the severity, this can cause your dog to hold the leg up for a few steps and then suddenly walk normally again, or skip while walking. While low-grade luxation may be managed with pain medication and joint supplements, severe cases often require surgical correction.
Another potential cause is a cranial cruciate ligament tear. While commonly associated with large dogs, small breeds like the Maltese can suffer from this injury as well. It often happens when a dog jumps off furniture or twists the leg awkwardly. Signs include sudden hind leg lameness, swelling at the knee joint, and reluctance to put weight on the leg. This is a painful injury that typically requires surgery or strict rest and management.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is another condition to watch for, especially in younger Maltese. This condition involves the spontaneous degeneration of the femoral head, which leads to arthritis and pain. It usually manifests in puppies around 4 to 12 months old. If your young Maltese is limping and showing signs of hip pain, your veterinarian will need to take X-rays to diagnose this condition.
Medical and Age Related Causes
As dogs age, their joints naturally wear down. Arthritis is a significant cause of limping in senior Maltese. The cartilage that cushions the joints thins over time, causing bones to rub against each other. This results in stiffness and pain, which is often worse in the morning or after long naps. You might notice your dog is hesitant to jump on the couch or climb stairs.
Infectious diseases can also be a culprit. Tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis, often cause joint pain and shifting lameness. Even if your dog is on preventative medication, no method is entirely effective without fail. If your dog has been exposed to ticks and shows signs of lethargy along with limping, a simple blood test at the vet can rule this out.
How to Examine Your Maltese at Home
Before you panic, you can perform a gentle at-home examination. Start by having your dog lie down. If your dog is too painful or snaps at you, stop immediately and call a veterinarian. Gently run your hands down the leg from the hip to the toes, feeling for heat, swelling, or cuts. Pay special attention to the paw pads and between the toes for foreign objects. Compare the injured leg to the healthy one to see if there is a physical difference.
Next, check the range of motion. Very gently flex and extend the leg to see if there is resistance or pain at a specific point. Check the nails for cracks or bleeding. If you find a splinter or small thorn, you can remove it with tweezers and clean the area. However, if you cannot find the cause, if there is significant swelling, or if the leg hangs at an odd angle, do not force the examination.
When to See a Veterinarian
You should consult a licensed veterinarian if the limp persists for more than 24 hours despite rest. Immediate veterinary attention is required if the limping is accompanied by other symptoms, such as extreme lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, or if the dog is completely unable to bear weight on the leg. Other emergency signs include visible broken bones, excessive bleeding, or intense vocalization when the leg is touched.
Even if the limp seems intermittent, it is important to investigate the root cause. Chronic conditions like patellar luxation or hip dysplasia can worsen over time and lead to arthritis if left untreated. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and take X-rays to determine the exact cause and recommend a treatment plan. This may include pain management, weight management, physical therapy, or surgery.
Key Takeaway
Always investigate a limp promptly in small breeds, as their low stature makes them prone to both minor paw injuries and serious orthopedic conditions like luxating patella.