My dog's hind legs are failing: causes and what to do

Limb paralysis is a serious sign of neurological problems in an animal. When a dog's hind legs become paralyzed, it is usually accompanied by severe weakness of the hind limbs, dragging when walking, and impaired coordination. The pet may experience pain both while moving and at rest. This naturally raises the question: what is the correct course of action for an owner in such a situation, and what measures should be taken first?

Causes of a dangerous symptom

The main factors that can cause a dog's legs to fail include the following:

• Injuries (eg broken paw, damage or pinched nerves, ligament ruptures or stretching).
• Arthritis.
• Presence of neoplasms.
• Spinal pathology.

Nervous system disorders are one of the most common causes of paralysis. In such cases, the dog may only experience discomfort or pain in the morning, but by evening the condition worsens: the pet begins dragging its hind legs, and then complete paralysis of the limbs develops.

Another cause of this condition is believed to be spondylosis of individual sections of the spine. This disease develops gradually and in its early stages may present virtually no noticeable symptoms. Over time, bony growths form on the vertebrae, compressing the tissue and impairing normal movement, ultimately leading to mobility issues.

Tumors in the spinal area compress the nerve roots and spinal cord. As a result, the animal experiences weakness in the limbs, arches its back, and loses its appetite. The dog whines when attempting to move normally.

Hip dysplasia is most often seen in heavy breeds. In this case, the dog may limp immediately after sleep, but normal activity returns during the day. The disease progresses, and if left untreated, the pet may stop walking altogether.

Spinal pathologies develop after bites and unfortunate falls, which disrupt the integrity of the spinal column and cause swelling. This results in compression of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis.

My dog's hind legs are paralyzed: what should I do?

At the first sign of paralysis, it's important to consult a veterinarian, who will diagnose and interview your pet to determine the underlying cause and prescribe treatment. Remember: delays can lead to permanent disability! Since most of these conditions are neurological in nature, you'll need to schedule an appointment with a specialist.

If your dog has been injured (for example, in a fall) and there's a suspicion that the spinal cord is damaged, you should take the animal to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. It's essential to immobilize the spine by securing the dog to a wide board with elastic bandages.

If the pain is severe, do not administer pain medication yourself. This may cause the animal to begin moving, which could further dislocate the vertebrae, so it's best to wait until a specialist sees you.

Please note: the symptoms of paralysis often resemble those of developing radiculitis. As a result, inexperienced owners resort to massage instead of immobilization. This further aggravates the situation and wastes time.

Diagnostic features

A comprehensive diagnostic assessment of your pet's condition is performed at a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian performs the following procedures:

• Visual inspection.
• Checking the sensitivity of the affected limb.
• Checking reflex activity.
• Definition of pain syndrome in the spine.
• Carrying out an X-ray.

In some cases, myelography is prescribed: with the help of a contrast agent, even the slightest changes in the spinal column can be seen.

To rule out concomitant kidney pathologies, blood and urine tests are prescribed: laboratory tests allow the veterinarian to determine the exact disease and prescribe a course of treatment.

Features of therapy

The exact treatment depends on the underlying cause. To relieve spasms, No-Spa and other antispasmodics are prescribed. If the animal is experiencing pain, a course of analgesic injections is prescribed. A neurologist may also recommend a course of B vitamins, which restore normal nerve function.

In the treatment of paralysis, blocking individual nerves with novocaine injections is quite effective. Affected muscles can be warmed up, and massage treatments are prescribed. Please note: novocaine blockade is a procedure that should only be performed in a clinical setting under the supervision of an experienced veterinary neurologist!

Preventive measures

There are certain animals that are at risk for these neurological disorders. These include hounds, dachshunds, and other long-bodied breeds. If your pet belongs to one of these breeds, it's important to carefully follow preventative measures.

• Provide your dog with a balanced diet and regular veterinary checkups. Keep a close eye on your dog during walks, and always check for minor injuries upon returning from outside and ensure prompt treatment.
• Inspect your dog's fur: tick venom is highly toxic. If the parasite is not detected promptly, its venom can cause paralysis of the legs and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.

• If your dog isn't getting enough vitamins from their food, ask a specialist to recommend high-quality multivitamin supplements that will strengthen the immune system and nerve fibers.
• Offer your pet only fresh food, otherwise it may develop a dangerous disease such as botulism, which also leads to paralysis of the legs.
• At the first signs of immobility, do not self-medicate: promptly transporting your dog to a veterinary clinic will preserve its mobility! If you are unable to transport your pet, try calling a clinic that offers house calls (some clinics offer 24-hour veterinary services).

Risk group

Large breed dogs are particularly at risk. During their active growth period, their joints can develop abnormally, often leading to paw problems even at a young age. These breeds include St. Bernards, Great Danes of all varieties, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Alabai.

Another risk group is represented by artificially bred breeds. Humankind's desire to emphasize certain external characteristics has led to significant changes in animal conformation: the elongated body of so-called "sausage dogs" and the shortened muzzle of brachycephalic dogs with a nearly absent nose. As a result of years of selective breeding, some pets are predisposed from birth to spinal disorders. These include dachshunds, corgis, basset hounds, pugs, Pekingese, French and English bulldogs, shar-peis, and boxers.

Geriatric patients over 11–13 years of age, regardless of breed, deserve special attention. At this age, the risk of developing irreversible degenerative processes in the joints, nervous system, and muscles increases, which can also lead to movement problems.

Therefore, if a dog's hind legs give out during a walk, physical activity, or after sleep, it is necessary to take measures as soon as possible to determine the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

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