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Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. You should see a vet to check what is causing the problem. It can be connected with some neurological issue, spine problem, orthopaedic disease..
How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :
Weakness in back legs of dogs can be caused by a variety of things, including myasthenia gravis, heart problems, anemia, hypothyroidism, and Addison`s disease.
The main orthopedic cause of hind-limb weakness in dogs is chronic joint inflammation/pain (osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease). While the arthritis itself is obviously painful, it is frequently accompanied by muscle aches and pains, called compensatory pain.
Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. And because weakness and lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening illness, you should always talk to your vetwhen you notice either symptom.
Muscle weakness in dogs can be exceedingly debilitating and difficult to pinpoint. The causes can include infection, disease, illness, and overall malaise. In most cases, a quick veterinarian exam will determine the specific cause of your dog`s weakness.
With support from orthopedic braces, a healthy diet, regular exercise, as well as homeopathic support, your older dog may have many happy and healthy years ahead, free of back leg collapse. Talk to your vet and ask if a hip brace may alleviate your older dog`s hind leg weakness.
Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is 1-2 years from diagnosis.
In general, gradual onset limps in dogs are caused by an underlying, chronic or degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or dysplasia. Sudden onset limps, on the other hand, are usually caused by an injury or trauma. Just because your dog has a gradual limp does not mean you should put off making an appointment.
Paralysis in dogs is usually caused by a problem in the spine or brain. Spinal compression, herniated discs, and nerve problems can all disrupt the communication between a dog`s spine and brain. When the nerves are unable to function normally, dogs will lose the ability to walk, stand, and control their legs.
There are many reasons why a dog`s mobility may suddenly change. Neurological conditions, degenerative mobility conditions, and injury are just a few of the possibilities. Only your veterinarian can help determine the cause of your dog`s hind leg weakness and work with you to create a treatment plan for your dog.
The key is to overload the affected muscles to strengthen them, but it needs to be done gently, carefully, and gradually. Dog physical therapy is an ideal way to first help with the recovery process and then to continue to strengthen the muscles after healing.
Leg muscle weakness in elderly loved ones typically doesn`t indicate rare diseases; it`s often something as simple as a vitamin deficiency. With that said, you should seek emergency medical care if sudden weakness comes, including sharp pain, loss of bowel or bladder control, or signs of a stroke.
As a dog ages, it may slow down and begin to lose leg strength, but that doesn`t mean your dog can regain their strength. As an old dog`s legs weaken, the loss of mobility can have a detrimental effect on its entire life.
As kidney disease progresses in your dog, they can become very lethargic and prefer to sleep much of the day. When they are awake, their back legs may appear weak and cause them to shake while they walk or even stumble and fall.
The last few days before your dog passes you may notice: extreme weight loss, a distant look in their eyes, a lack of interest in anything, restlessness or unusual stillness, a change in the way that your dog smells, and a changed temperament.
The truth is dogs and cats can function extremely well after amputation. In fact, most are just as mobile after surgery as they ever were; especially in the case of prolonged pain and discomfort. Although there is an adjustment period, many can live a happy, active life.
Slowing down or difficulty getting around: An older dog may have trouble with stairs, jumping into the car, or just getting up after a nap. You might notice weakness in her back legs. While we all slow down as we age, your dog`s mobility issues could be caused by arthritis or another degenerative disease.
Affection. A sweeter answer to why do dogs sleep on their backs may just be to project their affection. A dog that sleeps on their back is exposing themselves entirely to those around them. Dogs that are very trusting of their owner will fall asleep in this position by their owner to demonstrate that trust.
Sometimes limping will go away on its own, especially if you provide some at-home support like a brace. Other times limping may be a sign of a more serious injury or condition that will require veterinary intervention.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
Cushing`s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in dogs that occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (cortisone) in the animal`s body. Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can be life-threatening.
Addisonians may be misdiagnosed with gastrointestinal disease, dehydration, kidney disease, pancreatitis, a ruptured bladder, or certain types of poisonings.
What Is Spasm of the Rear Legs in Dogs? Spasm of the rear legs in dogs—also called dancing Doberman syndrome because it mostly affects Doberman Pinschers—is a neuromuscular condition that causes uncontrolled flexing of the hip and of the stifle joint (similar to a human`s knee) while the dog is standing.
Sudden onset of collapse can be secondary to a variety of disorders including spinal cord injury, orthopedic disease, or systemic illness. This sudden hind-leg weakness may be a sign of a disease that requires prompt attention from your regular veterinarian. Or even a trip to the emergency room.
Muscle atrophy, or muscle loss, is the wasting away of your dog`s muscles and can be the result of aging, illness, or reduced activity. Muscle atrophy can happen to any breed of dog and is often seen in the legs, particularly the rear legs, but can also occur in other parts of the body.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Q. My older do began having difficulty with weakness in one rear leg about a year ago . It has been progressively worse, but she could still walk slowly
ANSWER : A. You should see a vet to check what is causing the problem. It can be connected with some neurological issue, spine problem, orthopaedic disease..
Read Full Q/A … : Leg Weakness – Causes and Treatment
Q. My dog has a hard time walking on his front legs. I was told he has nerve damage and he was walking on three legs now it seems to be both front legs
ANSWER : A. Problems with walking in the front legs can be caused by a large number of things. Arthritis in older dogs can cause joint pain and stiffness which may make walking hard. Nerve or muscular damage may also cause problems.
With nerve or muscle damage there is often a loss of muscle tone in the affected limbs. Limbs may look skinnier than unaffected ones, and may lose overall muscle mass. In some cases, treatment for pain or soreness may help improve symptoms some. Depending on the severity of the damage, some dogs may recover while others have permanent damage.
It may also be that if your dog was putting all his weight on one front leg to help the other, that the good front leg is now stiff and sore. Restricting exercise, giving a supplement to help joints and bones and following your veterinarian’s recommendations for care can all help your dog to feel a little better.
Read Full Q/A … : Front Leg Injury in Dogs – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis …
Q. My 15 year old female red aussi Shepherdhas little strength in her back legs. Sometimes she just wont move. Although she still wags her tail and eats
ANSWER : A. The weakness in your dog’s back legs could be related to arthritis, which is often the case in older animals. I would have your veterinarian evaluate to determine it is truly arthritis and not an underlying soft tissue injury or skeletal issue, such as a fracture. In many older animals with arthritis glucosamine chondroitin is recommended. You veterinarian may also prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as Rimadyl or pain medication such as Tramadol.
Read Full Q/A … : Dog lethargy? He doesn't want to eat and is just laying …
Q. My dog ran away 3 days ago , he came back later and immediately threw up all his food. He hasn’t eaten and is still throwing up since then.
ANSWER : A. I’m really glad to hear your dog came back! If you dog is vomiting I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian because his vomiting could be caused by a gastrointestinal disturbance. He could have eaten something that upset his stomach, including an intestinal parasite or he could have even consumed something toxic. It would helpful for a veterinarian to evaluate for any injuries he could have sustained while being out of the home and for any abnormalities that could be causing his sickness. Stress could also be playing a role in his stomach upset since he was out of the home for several days.
Read Full Q/A … : What to Do if Your Dog is Throwing Up or Vomiting
Q. What can I do to help our Lab stop pulling on the leash when we go for a walk? I have tried different techniques but after 2 1/2 years she still pulls
ANSWER : A. POST TWO:
In the mean-time, while you’re working on building up that attention indoors, you should be using a front hooking harness outdoors on your walks. This will eliminate your girls pulling power. The Sensible http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ible-harness and the Sensation http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ation-harness harness are the best front hooking harnesses on the market because they do not have the martingale loop on the front of the harness (which can cause the dog to yo-yo during walks).
In the mean-time, while you’re working on building up that attention indoors, you should be using a front hooking harness outdoors on your walks. This will eliminate your girls pulling power. The Sensible http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ible-harness and the Sensation http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ation-harness harness are the best front hooking harnesses on the market because they do not have the martingale loop on the front of the harness (which can cause the dog to yo-yo during walks).
Lastly, I’d just like to add that dogs sniff the ground during walks for added mental stimulation. If your dog isn’t allowed to sniff the ground, the walk isn’t nearly as fun or tiring. When you are practicing attention on your walks, make sure it’s in short, small bursts. Attention for a few steps, back to sniffing for several steps, attention for a few steps, sniffing for a few minutes.. etc.
Read Full Q/A … : How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling – Shiba Shake
Q. My dog had surgey yesterday to remove a fatty tumor on her back end. Today she still isn’t able to walk on her back legs. Is that normal?
ANSWER : A. If she is totally off her back legs (has no strength in them at all) she needs to be seen by a vet ASAP – this is a clinical emergency. If she is quite weak but able to stand, it could be a result of the anaesthetic drugs (especially if she is older or has other illnesses). Depending on the wound site as well she may be feeling a little “tight” or sensitive around that area, which is making her reluctant to walk. Give her another 24 hours, keep her warm and quiet and see your vet if there’s no improvement.
Read Full Q/A … : Cancer and Tumors in Dogs – Vetinfo.com
Q. My dog was playing fech and started limping and walking on 3 legs some times he walks on all 4 legs. Do I need to go to a vet?
ANSWER : A. Yes I would recommend a vet visit because he is having intermittent (off and on) limping it could mean he has a muscle sprain or a torn ligament in the knee. They can look the same so it is important to have your vet examine and perform a lameness exam to tell which is more likely so that proper treatment is implemented to help avoid further injury to that leg and also the other leg he most definitely is bearing more weight on to take the pressure off the injured one.
Read Full Q/A … : Why is My Dog Limping? 15 Causes of Lameness in Dogs
Q. Does an indoor cat need to be vaccinated every year?
ANSWER : A. In practice, I recommend a feline combo vaccine every year, but will generally start administering every 3 years once they have had their kitten vaccines and 2 additional yearly vaccines. Rabies, is required yearly by law, and if kept up to date can be good for up to three years also. Based on the age of your cat I would give a yearly feline combo and rabies, and then boost the combo again next year.
Read Full Q/A … : Ask a Vet: How Often Do Cats Need Shots?
