It is a problem that is most common in older large dogs and if your dog is suffering with weak back legs it is likely that his legs may suddenly give way and cause him to collapse and he may have trouble standing up or climbing stairs. Here are some possible causes of hind leg problems in canines. It is a sad sight to see a dog like this – struggling just to walk straight. This morning he got up and went outside to potty, and I went back to bed. It should be pointed out that sometimes the other hind leg will suffer the same fate after a few months. The weakness is not always a result of old age and in many cases receiving early, adequate treatment can improve the problem. This is where a small piece of cartilage enters the bloodstream and blocks the blood supply to the spine, causing swelling. You will observe your dog, and seemingly out of nowhere, the shakes start. Either way, my suggestions of what to do immediately are the same. About 2 days later, I got a preliminary report back from the specialist. Luckily, several medications -- such as the anti-inflammatory nonsteroidals Rimadyl and Metacam -- are available to help manage canine arthritis, … Indeed, this condition is a “Labrador thing,” with the breed being especially at risk. What test would most likely to give us the answer when presented with a dog whose back legs are weak? The dog is usually unwell and possibly feverish, none of which applied to Murphy, who was happily begging for treats. Later when I got up to let him in he was laying in the yard where he normally lays, but he couldn't get up. It’s similar to a person fainting or passing out and may begin with weakness, staggering, disorientation or vomiting or diarrhoea. He also pants excessively when he has these episodes and basically walks crooked and then falls on his face. So before we talk about what it is you can and should do if your dog is losing control of their back legs, let’s try to understand what could happen. This "wobbly unsteadiness" often spreads to the front legs. Symptoms of back leg weakness can include: Lameness But dont throw in the towel - you can give your buddy some help. The first time, he had a myoclonic jerk first, but this time his … When your dog’s back legs suddenly give out or show paralysis, there are numerous potential causes. An X-ray can generally confirm the presence of arthritis. This is called the “placing reflex” and tests the nerves going from his paw up into the spinal cord and brain stem. Paralysis and leg weakness can effect both your dog’s … Weak, shaking back legs that suddenly give out on a dog can be a symptom of a number of problems. Murphy is your typical, eager 6-year-old Lab. It has happened twice in the last week. However, there was still a faint possibility of disc disease that couldn’t be ruled out without an MRI scan. This meant referring Murphy to a specialist center for a state-of-the-art scan. It is impossible to determine the exact cause of this problem without being able to look for all the possible symptoms, examine the animal and take a detailed X-ray of the problem areas. He has been eating less for the last two weeks and seems sleepier than normal, but is still eating, using the bathroom, and even … Again, slightly puzzling was that both Murphy’s back legs were affected — usually, this is a one-sided problem, with one good leg and one bad leg. The area of dogs’ bodies most often affected are the hind legs. I discussed this with Murphy’s people, and quite rightly, they preferred to get Murphy seen by the specialist, just in case something else was going on. Indentify symptoms of canine paralysis.Hhow to care and treat your dog's sudden paralysis, and how to improve your dog's overall mobility. The puzzling thing was Murphy didn’t seem in pain, since normally this is a bloodcurdling, painful condition. Even so, it’s important to check for fractures and dislocations, but there were none, and neither did Murphy have painful joints. Find out the causes, symptoms and treatment of dog fainting or collapse in this advice article. What can make a dog’s back legs weak, or cause a dog’s back legs to give out? ... My Older Dog’s Back Legs are Giving … A dog may sustain many of the same kinds of hip, knee, or neurological ailments and injuries as humans. greater ease of movement; increased mobility & comfort; stronger dog-human bond; ... 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