TL;DR: A bunny hopping gait is typically a sign of hip or joint pain and requires a veterinary exam within 48 to 72 hours. While usually not an immediate emergency, providing your vet with a video of the movement can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.
What does it mean if my dog is moving with a bunny hopping gait?
A bunny hopping gait occurs when a dog moves both hind legs together in a synchronized, jumping motion rather than alternating them. This movement is often a sign that the dog is trying to reduce the weight or impact on one or both of their hips. It is most commonly associated with hip dysplasia, but it can also indicate luxating patellas, cruciate ligament tears, or neurological issues.
Is a bunny hopping gait considered a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for a bunny hopping gait is Medium.
- It is generally not a life-threatening emergency unless accompanied by an inability to stand, vocal distress, or loss of bowel control.
- Because the gait indicates joint pain or structural instability, you should schedule a veterinary appointment within 48 to 72 hours.
- Prompt attention helps prevent the condition from worsening or leading to secondary injuries.
How does recording a video of my dog help the veterinarian with triage?
- A clear video of your dog walking and running provides a crucial diagnostic tool for your veterinarian.
- Dogs often experience adrenaline surges at the clinic that can temporarily mask a limp or gait abnormality.
- Videos captured in a natural environment allow the vet to analyze specific movement mechanics.
- Visual evidence helps the vet more accurately determine the severity of your dog's discomfort.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs, a "bunny-hopping" gait, characterized by the simultaneous movement of both hindlimbs, can be caused by Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii infection, particularly in puppies between 3-8 weeks old, often presenting with paraparesis and weak spinal reflexes. Hip dysplasia can also manifest with a bunny-hopping gait, alongside lameness that worsens after exercise, joint laxity, reduced range of motion, crepitation, and pain during joint extension/flexion. Radiography is useful in evaluating hip dysplasia. In cases of suspected Neospora or Toxoplasma infection, early treatment with clindamycin or trimethoprim/sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine is indicated.
Chapter: Neurology, Infectious Disease
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1241)