When it comes to the spinal cord and nerves, early treatment can often prevent or minimise permanent damage. If your dog’s hind leg weakness came on very suddenly, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, don’t delay in booking a veterinary appointment. Today I’ll share the symptoms of hind leg weakness in dogs. I’ll help you to understand the possible causes of this condition, and how to potentially strengthen your dog’s back legs.
Contents
- Symptoms of hind leg weakness in dogs
- What causes it?
- Sudden symptoms
- Why your old dog’s legs are collapsing
- How to strengthen your dog’s back legs
What is Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs?
Hind leg weakness is an umbrella term for several conditions that cause your dog to lose some or all control of their back legs. So whether you’ve got a Golden Retriever who’s legs give out or Basset Hound that is dragging her back legs, this is what your veterinarian is going to be investigating.
There are many causes of hind leg weakness in dogs and the exact cause is often difficult to establish – even for vets. Senior dogs often show weakness in their back legs. This usually develops gradually over time. Dogs tend to get aches and pains as they age, or you might find an old dog losing muscle in their back legs. Some causes of hind leg weakness in dogs can however strike at any age.
Sudden weakness, or even paralysis, can be especially frightening. If this happens you should consult your vet without delay. Dog hind leg weakness shows up in many different ways. The signs depend partly on your dog’s build, strength, age or nature. At other times the specific signs will be related to the cause.
Signs of Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs
Dogs do lots of odd things like rolling unexpectedly, licking the air and lying down suddenly. It’s normal to wonder if they’re unwell when they behave in a different way. But not all symptoms are a sign of hind leg weakness. Depending on the severity and the root cause of the dog hind leg weakness, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dog can barely stand up
- Weakness/trouble standing on back legs
- Dog swaying or walking sideways on back legs
- Stiffness in joints and legs
- Signs of pain in the back legs
- Reluctance to be active
- Lack of balance and coordination
- Instability (wobbly back legs)
- Walking with their back legs very close to each other
- Staggering
- Paralysis
- Dogs legs slide out from under them
If you notice any of these signs of you should also look out for any other abnormal physical signs or changes in your dog’s behavior. This could include swelling of the back legs, muscle wasting, incontinence, licking their legs or joints, and seizures. Does your dog appear sick – loss of appetite, feverish or lethargic? When you take your dog to the vet because you’ve noticed back leg weakness you’ll need to give a complete history. This will help them to diagnose the cause of the dog hind leg weakness.
Why Has This Happened?
Most of the different causes are related to the dog’s spinal column, spinal cord or the nerves that supply the back legs. They can be divided into broad categories.
- Injury to the spinal cord or nerves supplying the hind legs. This is generally the most obvious cause of dog hind leg weakness.
- Degenerative and other diseases. These conditions mostly have a genetic link and develop over time. The most common is degenerative myelopathy, occurring mostly in older dogs. Dogs can also develop “slipped” disks and arthritis.
- Tumors and cancer. Dogs can develop cancerous tumors in their backs from as young as 6 months.
- Infectious diseases. A number of microorganisms and parasites can cause inflammation or paralysis in a dog’s spinal cord, disks or nerves.This includes roundworms and some species of ticks.
- Nutritional disorders. Vit B1 (thiamine) deficiency, caused by an incorrect diet, can cause hind leg weakness in dogs. There are usually other signs as well.
- Hormonal imbalances. Cushing’s disease, characterised by an excess of “fight-and-flight” hormones, has back legs weakness as one of the symptoms.
- Poisoning. Toxins from plants or pesticides, after skin contact or eating poisoned prey, can cause paralysis, usually starting with the hind legs.
- Reduced blood supply. When the blood supply to the dog’s spinal cord is blocked it can cause hind leg weakness or even paralysis.
Some Breeds Are Prone To It
Sporting dogs like the Golden Retriever, Labrador or Cocker Spaniel’s hind legs have more issues than some other dogs. Also due to breeding practices you are more likely to find a German Shepherd walking funny or a Chihuahua, Basset Hound or Dachshund with rear leg weakness.
Sudden Symptoms
Dog hind leg weakness from some of the above mentioned causes can be treated effectively. However, the success of treatment often depends on how soon it’s started – especially in the case of sudden hind leg weakness. A spinal injury usually causes sudden dog hind leg weakness, which is also severe and painful. Take your dog to the vet if you notice these signs – you might not be aware that your dog has hurt himself while playing or from a fall. With cage rest, and medication for swelling and pain, full recovery from a spinal injury is often possible. Sometimes surgery is necessary.
A condition that vets often see in spring – following on a burst of activity after the quiet winter months – is a “spinal stroke” or fibrocartilaginous embolism. One minute your dog is happily jumping up in the air to catch a stick and the next minute they yelp and are unable to walk. This condition is caused by small pieces of cartilage from the spine breaking off and blocking blood flow to the spinal cord. Any pain usually goes away quickly and with early treatment there is often a full recovery.
Sometimes your dog could be quite fine when he beds down for the night but the next morning he’s unable to use his back legs and seems to be in pain. The reason could be a “slipped” or herniated disc. Dogs from as young as a year old can experience this condition. Tick paralysis from neurotoxins injected into the bloodstream is another condition which could cause sudden dog hind leg weakness. When dogs become weak in their back legs gradually over time it’s mostly linked to genetics and this usually happens in older dogs.
Senior Dogs
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, also referred to as DM, is the most common reason why older dogs develop progressive weakness in their back legs. It eventually leads for loss of bladder control and paralysis and at this stage euthanasia is the kindest option. The condition is caused by a gene mutation. It leads to a gradual degeneration of the spinal cord. Communication between the brain and the nerves supplying the lower body is lost. DM is similar to ALS and Lou Gehring disease in humans.
The problem usually starts when the dog is around 9 years old and there aren’t any treatments that can reverse the condition. DM was originally thought to be a condition mainly in German Shepherds, but it’s actually seen in many different dog breeds. A DNA saliva test to screen for the gene that causes DM is now available. Through screening breeders can avoid breeding with dogs that carry the gene and hopefully the incidence of DM will be reduced in years to come.
Other conditions in older dogs that can lead to progressive hind leg weakness include arthritis, tumors and degenerative disk disease. There are treatment options for these conditions so they need to be ruled out before deciding that a dog has DM.
Diagnosing The Problem
When you visit your vet, be sure to convey all the symptoms you’ve noticed, even if you don’t think they relate to the hind leg weakness. With the history of the condition in mind, your vet will carefully examine your dog. They will assess the dog’s movements, reflexes and pain sensation. They might do urine and blood tests to check for infections.
Depending on the findings, the vet could recommend X-rays or even a CT or MRI scan. Only bones show up on X-ray’s and they don’t provide a picture of soft tissue problems like tumors or nerve damage. Keep in mind also that with all the different possible causes of hind leg weakness in dogs many of the tests and examinations are done to rule out certain conditions. Once your vet has the results of all the tests they can make a diagnosis and decide on a treatment plan.
(paid link) Dog Hind Leg Weakness Treatment Options
The treatment prescribed for your dog will obviously depend on the cause of the hind leg weakness. And on their age as well. The symptoms of a senior dog with hind leg weakness might be managed with medications to keep them comfortable. More aggressive treatment options (like surgery) might be available but not recommended. Your vet could prescribe medication for infections, pain and inflammation. They might even advise canine ankle weights. These dog ankle weights are designed to build up the strength in their legs to allow better control and movement.
For trauma and some degenerative diseases cage rest might be enough for recovery. Some conditions, such as a herniated disk, fractures of the vertebra or tumors might require surgery. A physical therapist could be involved to provide massages, cold and heat therapy, magnetic therapy and electrical stimulation of the muscles and nerves. Later your dog might have an exercise routine during rehabilitation or to keep them mobile for as long as possible.
In the case of permanent disability your vet might recommend devices that support the dog’s weak hind legs – such as a hand-held harness or even a 2-wheel cart for their hindquarters. This will provide your pet with some mobility and help them to stay active.
Preventing Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs
There’s a link between degenerative conditions and general health status. As a pet parent you can help to prevent, minimize or delay back leg weakness by:
- Making sure that your dog gets regular exercise, customized to their age.
- Feeding your dog a healthy balanced diet.
- Making sure that your pet doesn’t put on excess weight.
- Keeping up with the recommended vaccination and parasite control schedules.
- Taking him to the vet for regular check-ups.
Kristy says
hi, my 5 months old golden retriver puppy got parvo virus, his treatment continued 10 days, during those days most of the time he was sleeping after 8 days of treatment when he weak up his left hind leg was mot good. he start dragging his left hind leg, after treatment of parvo virus for 10 days, he started to walk but drag his left hind leg and again after 3 days he hot fever of 106 degreefor another 3 days, then again he recovered but after 4 days he started vomit again but not like during parvo. and also fever back. then he was hospitalozed for 8 days, he has developed infection and jis red blood cell, iron was less in his blood. after 8 days of hospitalization his infection being controlled and blood level is increasing slowly but hos hind leg os still same, we did leg xray his leg bone is normal. i wanted to do CT scan of his leg but in our country (Nepal) has no such facility for animal. So It woul be highly appreciate if i would get any suggestion.
thank you
c w says
I’m worried about the legs of my puppy. I’m reminded that pet food is sometimes low on b vitamins. It’s listed in the article. B vitamins are water soluble so excess will come out in urine.I’m going to open a capsule and a little to the food.
Joan Russo says
I have a french Bulldog that is 9 months old. He’s happy all of the time, never seems like he is in pain. In the mornings he is pumped up and ready to run outside with the pack. When he comes in and after hes been laying down for some time, he has difficulty with his hind legs. Almost as if they fell asleep. He will walk with them dragging. Then the next minute hes up and about like nothing happened. His back is long for a Frenchie and conformationally it is a bit roached in my opinion. When this happens I can stand him up and sometimes he can hold it, other times he slithers down. He does not appear to be in pain or gives any pain reactin that I see. Any ideas?
Amber Brown says
I have a frenchie that’s just started this as well. He is to see our vet soon. Just figured I’d reach out to see if you figured anything out?
Kim says
My 13-years-old mini pin falls over on side when using back right leg to scratch near the right side of head.
When fallen over, it’s on her side and she then paddles all legs. I pick her up and hold firmly close to me. She then comes out of it and after held briefly, wants down and is fine.
Happens every couple weeks or so.
What the heck??
Krystal Ossmann says
It could be IVDD. Which is common in Frenchies.
Carmen says
I’m wondering what was wrong with this bulldog. I have an almost 8 year old French bulldog (he is my 4th Frenchie in over 25 years)…. About 8 months ago, I noticed his hind legs became weaker…..always worse after he’s been laying down. He is now beginning to struggle or fears going up and down the stairs (we live in a Colonial). I know I need to bring him to the vets but I’m fearing what’s happening. I will say, he is the only Frenchie that I’ve had who shed and at times has had bare spots (or faint spots where I can clearly see skin) but it comes and goes. He also has had temperament issues and anxiety and he fights over food with our other Frenchie because he’s always starving. He does love to play fetch but I have observed him (in the past year) sliding on his side and rolling over on his back – just walking or trying to get up quickly….. I think all of these behaviors are related, but I don’t feel comfortable with my vet…. I lost a long time vet during Covid and can’t find one I feel comfortable with.
Valued Subscriber says
I’ve been using a pharmaceutical grade DMSO gel that also has aloe in it for my 12 year old Min-Pin. I easily found it online and no prescription was needed. It seems to be helping quite a bit. He’s not in pain and is even starting to slowly use his hind legs again.
Hugomummy says
Hi everyone i have a 4 year old pit that was playing in the garden then suddenly cryed in pain for a few mins and both back legs were paralyzed….I rushed him straight to the vets as I was so worried they cunt tell me what happened they done an x-ray were there are no broken bones right now i can’t afford an mri as there 2500 and unfortunately I moved location and had cancelled his pet insurance … so the vets sent him home with very strong medication and strikes cage rest after day 5 I can see my dog trying to use 1 back leg sometimes so I have hope that he is improving day by day dose anyone no if this is common in the pit breed and weather it would heal by it’s self with love and care
Andre Easterling says
I have a 5 month old puppy, hes a bull terrier (Pitt). He’s able to climb the stairs but is scared to go down. On sunday , 4/4/21 he decided to try and go down the steps and got scared and his momentum caused him to slide down all 14 of my wooden steps from the upstairs where he was afetr his bath. He seemed ok at first, but later on when it was time for him to eat, he was limping on his right hind leg. I calle dthe vet and they said give him a few days to rest and see what happens. Well yesterday, 4/7/21 he’s able to stand on it but gingerly tho. he will hold it up to not put weight on it. and when he’s laying down ive seen him stretch it straight out completely with no signs of yelping in pain. im so worried about my lil guy. Do you think he will fully recover? should i give him pain meds? if anyone had gone through this please , any feed back is encouraged. he looks so pitiful and misses playing with my sons, but id rather him rest in his kennel that do anymore possible damage or inflict more pain on himself.
Thanks
Sam says
Hey, how is ur puppy right now? What did u do to help him recover? My 5 months gsd suddenly started limping overnight and i dont know what to do.
Cathy says
have a 7 yo Maltese who has suddenly has loss of control, weakness in his back legs and walks wobbly. It started mostly in the left back leg slipping. Yesterday he had a episode where his back legs went board stiff for 5 min. He couldn’t move them, he seemed coherent but was lacking incessantly. Now the weakness seems to affect both back legs, mostly left, and left front leg. Took him to emergency vet and they can’t find anything in general assessment. His only medical issue was a dental 6 weeks ago to remove all teeth. Asked about toxins but I don’t believe that’s the issue. I actually don’t know what to look for. Any thought would be greatly appreciated
Dj says
Interesting…my dog had dental,problems last week where his gums had become infected…
He now haas some problem with his left hand side hind leg where he suddenly becomes aware of it and looks at it…yesterday had a similar episode to you where his legs went stiff for a minute ..did you find out what was wrong…
Ed Root says
Does anyone have any knowledge of a device that will support a dogs hips/legs and keep them from splaying out? I have a 14 y/o Malamute that was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and she is losing strength in her hind legs. She has become incontinent and she must be taken outside every other hour at the latest. I know she doesn’t have a lot of time left and we want to keep her comfortable as possible until the time comes. She doesn’t seem to be in too much pain so we want her to stick around for as long as she has a decent quality of life. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tina kramer says
I have a 7 or 8 week old pitbull/boxer puppy and he was wobbly in his hind legs and kind of staggering. Now his right leg is really weak and he falls over when he tries to walk or go to the bathroom he doesn’t seem to be in pain. We took him to the vet and they did exrays and examined him but said everything looked normal. I’m so worried I’ve been literally over protective of his since we got him.i lost my 12 1/2 year old dog last september due to cancer I love as much as my kids, it was the worst day of my life. So I’m so worried about my little one . I was having a problem bonding with any new dog until I found this one. As soon as I held him I knew I was going to love him. I will do whatever it takes to get him better I’m just trying figure what is wrong and what he needs
Sian says
Did you get any answers… We have a. Litter of 8 pups… One is dragging his legs sometimes.. He is 5 wks and started at 3 and a half Wks. At first we thought he had ate too much weaning. Food.. So we have had him at the. Vets to take bloods. Results were All good and the vet hasn’t seen this before.. Its as if she is drunk…. And staggering and then the hind legs go floppy like a walrus dragging them.. he has a Great appetite and no diarrhoea. Just wanting answers to help him. X
Anita says
my 3 months old rottweiler puppy back legs are weak suddenly, and he doesn’t show any signs of pain.
Christine says
This is interesting, but I don’t know what to do, my 3 months old puppy suddenly couldn’t walk with her find legs, and sometimes drags herself to eat, and she doesn’t show any signs of pain. it hurts me to see her less lively than usual, and I can’t afford to take her to a vet, cuz I don’t have the means or finance. her mum and 3 sisters and and brother just died, and all I have left are her, a sister and a brother. it’s sad to see them go one by one. Is there anything I can do at home to at least help her. I just need a little answer.
sally marcella says
It sounds very much like something is seriously wrong with you Pup. If you have lost that many dogs in the same family within close periods of time something is wrong! and unless you get her to a Vet you won’t know. Please ask for help, it’s simply not fair to the dog to go without treatment. They rely on us to care for them. They are innocent animals and deserve proper care. God bless them all. I hope you get her to a Vet ASAP.
Mae says
I feel for you and understand not being able to financially care for what we love the most (our pets) BUT if you truly love your pets and animals, you would not put them in this situation. Plain in simple is do not get an animal if you cannot properly take care of him or her. It’s not fair for them to suffer because you can’t afford to take them to the vets. It’s sad. And trust me, I totally understand where u are coming from but you should not get any more animals until you can afford to take care of them. For now, I would drop her off at the vets. Be honest and tell them you cannot afford to get her help and take care of her. At least she will be in good hands and hopefully get better and get a home. Good luck
Lynnie says
I love all the people who tell you that if you can’t take care of them don’t get them I didn’t hear one person offer to help you are they in the club that tell women don’t have kids you can’t afford
Pelaur says
Our dog is 100% cared for. He is the light of our life. We have looked up every alternative way of giving him supplements and making sure he is still 100% using his own strengths to get through the day. We pay vet bills no matter the cost and he is still struggling to get to and from. Although his front legs work just fine and he is still 100% a puppy when it comes to playing and having fun, his back legs fail him daily. You should have a more open mind when commenting to people bc you have no idea the time and money they have put into offering them the best life possible. Next time you feel you should comment on how other dog parents should take care of their fur babies, how about not.
MISSY R says
I’m sorry your going through that, I can some what understand how you feel we lost multiable family members then we get a puppy and his hinds legs give out on him and seem to happen all of a sudden we just got it but we are nervous bc we cant afford it either vet care is extremely high.. YOUR GET THRU THIS LUV AND PRAYING FOR YOU N YOUR DOG REMEMBER AFTER THE STORM ALWAYS COMES A RAINBOW WISHING THE BEST FOR YOU………. GOD BLESS N IF YOU BELIEVE THEN HOLD ONTO YOUR FAITH KEEP THE HOPE AND STAY STRONG
Chris says
Why the hell would you even take on the care of an innocent sentient being if you can’t even look properly after him/her??? And mother/siblings died??Just like that?? Do you realize what you’re saying?? Do you think animals are objects/commodities??? I suggest you find a proper caring home for this poor soul and take on knitting instead!
Robert Steele says
Great article.. thank you!
Today we are having our 14+ year old Bull Terrier put down, she is a real tough dog!
She started showing symptoms of back leg issues a few months ago. When watching someone eat, she would slowly lower her bum to the floor. You could distract her from her interest and she would stand back up, but in a few seconds, start lowering her back end again. We would call this “saggy bum” and had no idea as to what it would ultimately amount to.
She has a background of hormonal issues and every spring she would develop skin allergies and get sores on different arts of her body, mostly her tummy. The last two years, they have been on her face and limbs. The last time, the sores were everywhere. So the Vet changed her meds from Prednisone 5mg once a day to Apoquel 16mg. During this transition, the dog broke out in huge sores, basically everywhere! It was extremely sad to see. After home treatment of the open sores for a couple months, they began to clear up and Annie began to show a turnaround.
In early August of this year, we noticed her unable to back up. She would walk her way into the side of the bed and unable to turn around or back up. This was really unusual. After a few weeks, she seemed to be able again, not as normal, but able.
By mid September she began to drag one of her feet when walking, not upside down, just stiff and rigid back leg. So she was basically unable to move in a backward motion with her rear legs at this point.
I came home early from work last week of September, heard whining coming from our bedroom and saw poor Annie stuck staring at the wall beside the bed. I wrote it off to her age and possibly senility setting in. In a matter of days, she got worse! I was wondering what was going on with the dog at home while at work.
Within a week, she was having trouble standing using her back legs, but for some reason, still able to jump up from the floor to the couch without real issue. After another week, she was unable to do this. unable to walk properly, staggering and unable to get up without difficulty. One leg worse than the other, which now the paw is remaining curled under while she walks. Both legs rigid.. you need to put a fair amount of force to push her legs back folded. She lays on her side without incontinence issues and has a complete loss of appetite by this time.
We took her back to the vet, nothing was suggested without further testing. The Dr. noted the stiff back legs and because of her age and the medications she was already taking (Furosemide 20mg, Vetmedin 5mg twice a day, Fortekor 5mg once/day along with her allergy meds) suggested CBD oil. My wife started her on 1ml, twice daily with her meals and said she noticed Annie was more relaxed. I really did not see that she was or was not in pain. Over the last few days her situation has significantly changed for the worse. Absolutely no appetite, and for a Bull Terrier, something is definitely wrong for this to happen.
Over the last couple nights, my wife and I made the decision that our little girl has come to the crossroads. She slept with us in her favorite spot between us on our bed, whining when it was dark. We thought she was in pain so I gave her some of her pain meds from an earlier tooth extraction (Buprenorphine 0.25ml) and she was out in less than an hour. She is such a tough dog that you can’t tell her pain, but she was whining and occasionally panting which told me.
Her last day, which is today (Oct/23/2019 at 3:30PST) the vet will come by to help her get over the rainbow bridge to continue on with her journey. I wish my little “poop” all the best, we will meet again, playing with all my dogs… I love you baby!.. your dad.
Meg Austwick says
Hi Robert, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful companion, Megan.
Judi says
My annabelle pug is starting to show signs of the same. Its heartbreaking but we have had many good years…my heart goes out to you
mare says
sounds like she could have Cushings disease, with the panting. That requires a quick Urinary Cortisol Creatine test.
Diane FitzGerald says
Oh Robert, I’m so sorry to hear about your lovely girl x Our staffie cross has all the symptoms of DM ,they came on so suddenly & myself & my daughter are heartbroken, we are seeing a new vet tommorow as Butch is literally terrified of vet practice & he is meeting us at our car in civies to see if there is anything else he can do. Grief definitely is the price we pay for deep love .
sally marcella says
Dear Robert and wife
I was sorry to read about little “poop” She was blessed to have you for all those years, as I’m sure you were blessed to have her. They are a gift from God. I wish with all my heart they were all cared for like you little “Poop” She will always be with you! I’m sure as I write this she is snuggled up between you and your wife…..just because you can’t see her doesn’t mean she isn’t there. Till you meet again!
Tammy Kintner says
My 9 year old dog is experiencing weakness in hind legs, he doesn’t act like there in pain, still plays and runs, but his legs get wobbly sometimes
Patti Petty says
Have you found out what’s wrong I have a 10 year old peek a poo experiencing the same symptoms. Please reply back to me. I hope your dog is find. I’m praying for him.
Sinéad says
I have a four week old pup, however his hind legs are very week he drags them behind him. Was at vet and he gave us a few exercise to do with him. Does anyone has advice for me please that might help (heart broken )
Maria says
My nine week old puppy has weak back legs she’s not in pain and when she walks her legs form an arch. She is easily bolled ove r at play is she ok.
Ena Gainey says
My dog just stopped being able to use his rear legs. I went to work and came home and he couldn’walk. My boyfriend said it was sudden. Now he’incontinent and in severe pain. He’s 2 and healthy until now, he’s up to date with all his vaccines. I took him to the er and all they did because all I could afford to do was get meds and take him Home. What can I do now? He’s on anti inflammatory and pain meds! He’s to be seen and evaluated in a few days by his primary vet. What can I do until then?
George says
Thank you everyone for all the information! My Saint Bernard has been inflicted with the back leg numbness and pain, causing extreme pain and lack of mobility. I hope he will naturally heal and recover!
Ayla says
My dog is going through a false pregnancy and she still eats and drinks water, super high energy but when she goes to get up, she has to try like 2 times and it seems kinda hard for her to get up, is this concerning? Does a false pregnancy do this to dogs?
Lucy says
Hi Ayla, If I were you I would take her to the vet to be checked over, just to be on the safe side. I hope she’s feeling better soon.
Gwen says
My dog weights 20 pounds and he’s 14 his hind legs are giving out on him and he can’t hold him self up to poop what should I do he’s taking cosequin once a day please let me know what else I can do to help my baby
Sandy says
My dog is almost 15 and has the same symptoms. We use a sling to help him do his business but what works even better is we hold his belly and put slight pressure, he then pees. Then we pick him up from his chest and belly and he hangs in our arms and relaxes, he then poops. He’ll wiggle his tail, lift it and drop a poopy. If we do not do this, he’ll fall backwards and sit on it and get cranky!! Hope this helps
Sandra says
Iv had a few dogs as they get older, they had pain in their joints, swelling-is he on pain & inflammation meds? You should ask your vet if not, it may help awhile. Unfortunately as mine grew worse to the point I had to lift them to pee, they couldn’t get up to any more, at all. I had no choice in letting my baby go, it’s extremely hard but if he lies there and keeps going to the bathroom on his self, he’s gonna suffer more! Iv seen dogs people wouldn’t let go, they lied in that condition, their bottom became badly inflamed and developed magnets it was aweful! I loved all mine that has gone through it, I couldn’t let them feel shame and in pain 😢😢 is had to put them down when the vet couldn’t do anything else! I stayed with them while they went to sleep, of course it caused me pain and I cried but it was the right thing to do😢our babies depend on us to take care of them and to stop all the pain that can no longer be helped! Praying for your heart and your baby
Pamela Watson says
I did the exact same thing for my 16 year old golden, now my 13 year old golden is starting to have leg weakness and I hate to think about what will come next.
Wayne says
I have had 2 vets and a surgeon investigating weakness in my dog’s hind legs. One and half thousand dollars closer to a diagnosis. Basically paying to find out what its not rather than what it is. Nothing that’s mentioned on the net is the answer, and still no treatment. My dog is less than 2 yr old and deteriorating.
Pam says
That’s the problem when we know our pets are sick and we’re not rich
Alison says
Did you ever find out what was wrong with your dog? My 2 yo dog is experiencing similar symptoms and the vet has not diagnosed anything yet.
Kimberly says
Hi Alison! Did your vet diagnose anything? I have 4 year old who has having severe back leg weakness. We have done blood work and X-rays and everything is coming up normal but he is stiff to get up, slow moving, limps when walking, and back legs shake
If he stands for too long.
Becoming desperate to learn what is wrong.
Elsi McCoy says
Thanks so much for your advice
Mike says
My dog is older and shows no signs of pain or discomfort but just looks sad.well he’s loosing mobility in his hind leg favoring the one but when lays on that side any length of time he struggles and on the couch will fall over……there’s a huge lump/knot round mid lower back area……does this a inductor of a spinal issue
Cassandra says
This was very helpful thank you so much!