Weak legs can be a source of concern for both you and your furry companion. Witnessing your pet struggle to walk can be heart-wrenching. In this blog, our vets in Walnut Creek will discuss the causes of hind leg weakness and offer tips on improving or maintaining your pet's leg strength.
What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?
Several factors can cause the weakening of your pet's hind legs to the point where their back legs could start sliping out on them. Now, let's take a look at some of these reasons.
Arthritis
Dogs, like humans, can develop arthritis. One type, known as osteoarthritis, commonly affects the hind legs. This happens when their joints do not have enough fluid, resulting in pain during movement. If your dog displays these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
- Difficulty climbing stairs or walking
- Bunny hopping while moving
- Development of large front-leg muscles and weakening of rear-leg muscles
Hip Dysplasia
If your pet's hip joints feel more flexible than usual, it might indicate hip dysplasia. This can affect their balance and, in severe cases, lead to osteoarthritis. It's more often seen in bigger dog breeds, such as:
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Saint Bernard
- Great Dane
Hip dysplasia is primarily caused by genetics, but other factors such as size, weight, and overuse may also play a role in developing this condition.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Your pet might have degenerative myelopathy, a condition where their nerve coverings wear down, leading to problems with nerve function. Look for these symptoms:
- Quivering hind legs
- Hind legs coming together while standing
- Feet positioned at unusual angles
Many breeds of dogs are susceptible to developing a spinal condition, but certain breeds, such as:
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Diabetes
Did you know that diabetes can weaken your pet's back leg joints? When the body doesn't produce enough insulin, abnormal blood sugar levels can be caused, which might lead to this issue. Watch for signs such as increased thirst and hunger, loss of bladder control, and weight loss. If you notice these signs in your dog, it's a good idea to consult a vet and have a blood test done to confirm.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a condition that can affect dogs. It occurs when a small cartilage blocks a blood vessel, leading to swelling in the spinal cord. This swelling can temporarily restrict hind leg movement and cause pain. The condition is especially common in larger dog breeds, with German Shepherds and Irish Wolfhounds often diagnosed with FCE.
Limited Mobility
If your pet undergoes a surgical procedure like tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) to improve its leg movement, it might have to reduce its physical activities as the surgeon recommends during the healing process. This temporary limitation is essential to ensure a complete and successful recovery.
What are the main signs and symptoms of a dog's back legs not working?
Solving the main issue alone might be tough since the symptoms of these conditions are alike. To handle this, it's vital to consult a vet without delay. If you observe any of these behaviors in your dog, acting quickly is key:
- Hind leg tremors
- Swaying of the hind end
- Trouble transitioning from lying or sitting to a standing position
- Difficulty walking or complete inability to walk
- Inability to climb stairs
- Sudden reluctance to go for walks or play
- Stumbling and lack of coordination
- Muscle mass loss
- Decreased walking speed in general
- Collapsing
How to Strengthen Old Dogs Hing Legs
After identifying why your pet is upset and getting treatment advice, you can also support their healing and energy recovery through non-medical steps.
- You should take your furry companion for brief yet consistent walks daily. This will help gradually restore their hind-leg muscles.
- Let your dog swim in a safe place. Swimming provides a low-friction way to work their muscles and benefits their overall strength.
- As dogs age, their metabolism slows, and excess weight can strain, weakening their legs. To prevent this, ensure your pet enjoys a healthy diet with lean, protein-rich foods.
- One way to support your pet's joint health and mobility is to give them supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements can help reduce inflammation and provide extra nutritional support for aging joints.
- Inflammation-reducing treatments such as acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and alternative therapy can greatly address limited mobility and reduce pain.
Alternative ways to alleviate discomfort
If your dog no longer benefits from strengthening exercises, it may be time to consider other options to improve their comfort and overall well-being. You can explore using mobility aids such as a wheelchair, rear lifting harness, or hip brace to give your furry friend a certain level of freedom, enabling them to enjoy an active lifestyle during the longer and warmer summer months.
As pets age, they require regular preventive veterinary care and early detection of health issues to ensure a good quality of life. Our veterinarians at Ygnacio Animal Hospital specialize in assisting senior pets in maintaining optimal health. They identify and treat emerging health issues early while still manageable and practical.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.