A sudden back leg limp in a spaniel is alarming, especially when it appears out of nowhere. One minute your dog is running normally, the next they are favouring a hind leg, shortening their stride, or refusing to put full weight down. Even more confusing, many spaniels continue to act cheerful and eager despite the limp.
Spaniels are athletic, driven dogs that often push through discomfort, so a sudden hind leg limp should always be taken seriously. This article explains the most likely causes of a sudden back leg limp in spaniels, how to recognise what might be going on, and what you should do next.
Related guides: This guide supports our Joints, Mobility and Pain hub. Next, read:
Why Sudden Limping Matters
A sudden limp usually indicates:
- An acute injury
- A sudden flare-up of an existing issue
- Pain significant enough to alter movement
Even if your spaniel still wants to play or walk, limping means the body is compensating—and compensation often leads to secondary problems if ignored.
Most Common Causes of Sudden Back Leg Limping in Spaniels
1. Muscle or Soft Tissue Strain
This is the most common cause of sudden hind leg limping.
It often happens due to:
- Sudden acceleration or sharp turns
- Slipping on wet or smooth surfaces
- Jumping in or out of vehicles
- Overexertion during play
Signs include:
- Limping that appears suddenly
- No obvious swelling
- Dog still keen to move but favouring one leg
Soft tissue injuries often cause discomfort rather than extreme pain, which is why the dog may still seem “normal”.
2. Knee Injuries (Including Ligament Strain)
The knee (stifle) is a common problem area in spaniels.
Possible issues include:
- Ligament strain or partial tear
- Joint inflammation
- Sudden instability
Typical signs:
- Sudden limp, often worse when turning
- Occasional skipping or holding the leg up
- Difficulty sitting squarely
Some knee injuries worsen gradually, even if the initial limp seems mild.
3. Hip or Pelvic Discomfort
Hip-related pain can cause sudden limping, especially after activity.
You may notice:
- Shortened stride in one hind leg
- Reluctance to jump or climb
- Stiffness after rest
Hip discomfort does not always cause obvious pain responses, particularly in stoic dogs.
4. Paw or Nail Injuries
Always check the foot first. Paw issues are easily missed.
Common problems include:
- Torn or cracked nails
- Foreign objects between toes
- Small cuts or abrasions
- Bruised pads
These injuries can cause immediate limping but may not affect your dog’s general behaviour.
5. Back or Spinal Issues
A problem in the lower back can present as a back leg limp.
Signs to watch for:
- Limping without obvious leg pain
- Stiff posture
- Reluctance to jump
- Sensitivity when the back is touched
Spinal discomfort can refer pain to one or both hind legs.
6. Sudden Flare-Up of an Existing Joint Issue
Some spaniels have underlying joint wear that becomes noticeable suddenly.
Triggers include:
- Cold or damp weather
- Increased exercise
- Slips or minor trauma
The limp may appear sudden even though the condition has been developing slowly.
7. Growing-Related Issues (Young Spaniels)
In young spaniels, sudden limping can sometimes be linked to growth phases.
This may:
- Come on quickly
- Affect different legs at different times
- Improve with rest
Even so, sudden limping in young dogs should still be monitored carefully.
Why Your Spaniel May Limp but Act Normally
Spaniels are well known for hiding discomfort.
They may:
- Continue eating and playing
- Still want to go for walks
- Wag their tail and seek interaction
This does not mean the injury is minor. Limping means pain is present—even if your dog is coping well.
What You Should Do Immediately
Step 1: Rest Is Essential
Rest is the most important first step.
This means:
- No running or ball throwing
- No jumping on or off furniture
- Short, controlled lead walks only
Ignoring rest is one of the main reasons minor injuries become chronic problems.
Step 2: Examine the Leg and Paw
Gently check:
- Paw pads and nails
- Between the toes
- Joints for swelling or heat
- Muscles for sensitivity
Do not force movement or stretch the leg.
Step 3: Observe the Limp Closely
Note:
- Which leg is affected
- Whether weight is avoided completely
- When the limp is worse (after rest or exercise)
- Any change over 24–72 hours
Patterns help identify the cause.
When a Sudden Limp Is More Concerning
You should seek further assessment if:
- The limp worsens
- Your spaniel will not put weight on the leg
- There is swelling, heat, or pain on touch
- The limp lasts more than 2–3 days
- Your dog yelps or becomes withdrawn
Sudden severe limping should never be ignored.
What Not to Do
- Do not encourage your dog to “walk it off”
- Do not allow free running
- Do not give human pain medication
- Do not assume improvement means the issue has resolved
Temporary improvement often masks incomplete healing.
Supporting Recovery and Preventing Recurrence
Control High-Impact Activity
Limit:
- Repetitive jumping
- Sudden sprints
- Slippery surfaces
Spaniels are enthusiastic and often overdo it without realising.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight places additional strain on:
- Knees
- Hips
- Soft tissues
Keeping your spaniel lean significantly reduces injury risk.
Build Strength Gradually
Consistent, moderate exercise is safer than:
- Infrequent intense activity
- Long periods of rest followed by overexertion
Muscle strength protects joints.
Final Thoughts
A sudden back leg limp in a spaniel is a clear sign that something has gone wrong, even if your dog seems otherwise happy and energetic. The most common causes are soft tissue strains, knee issues, paw injuries, or flare-ups of existing joint problems—but all require attention.
Rest, observation, and sensible management in the early stages make a huge difference to recovery. Spaniels are resilient dogs, but resilience does not mean invulnerability. Acting early helps prevent short-term injuries from becoming long-term mobility problems and keeps your spaniel active and comfortable for years to come.