The dog walks on its hind legs. Military career of an amazing dog

One of the most common complaints among owners of dogs with neurological problems is that both hind legs fail. In this case, the dog:

• Starts to move abnormally.
• The hind legs, as it were, cease to obey, become weak.
• Paresis develops, or complete paralysis of the pelvic limbs.

Most often, this problem occurs in dogs of small and medium breeds that have a genetic predisposition to lesions of the intervertebral discs. These dogs include mainly dachshunds, in addition, all brachycephalic breeds - Pekingese, French Bulldog, Brabancon and others. As a rule, the hind legs of such dogs begin to work abnormally at the age of 3-8 years.

The first symptom of neurological disorders in the thoracolumbar spine, which lead to the fact that the dog begins to wean its hind legs, is pain. Later, weakness appears, the inability to move the limbs, and last of all, pain sensitivity disappears.

These symptoms usually come on abruptly while walking or playing with other dogs, or for no apparent external cause in a state of relative rest. Sudden movements can provoke the appearance of such symptoms, but are not their main cause. Many owners of dachshunds believe that a significant length of the spinal column plays a role in the development of the disease, but this is not true. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease occur all at once, but it also happens that in the morning the dog feels only pain, and by the evening paralysis of the limbs develops with loss of pain sensitivity.

There are many reasons why a dog's hind legs fail. And, of course, those owners who suddenly encountered this problem are lost and do not know what to do. Just yesterday, their pet briskly jumped on the sofas and played catch-up with the neighbor's dogs, but today it lies listlessly, unable to get up.

The cases of damage to the limbs themselves include injuries (fractures, sprains and ruptures of the tendons, damage to peripheral nerves), as well as arthritis and arthrosis of the joints of the limbs, tumors.

If the above diagnoses are excluded, then it is most likely a spinal pathology, that is, a violation of the innervation of the limbs due to any pathological effects on the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis of the hind limbs develop in case of damage to the spinal cord at the level of the thoracic and (or) lumbar spine.

• Injuries

Failure of the hind legs in a dog can occur due to trauma - with fractures, sprains and ruptures of ligaments and tendons, with damage to peripheral nerves, as well as due to diseases such as arthrosis, arthritis of the joints of the extremities, tumors, discopathy and herniated disc. In addition to these diseases, spinal pathology is possible, in which the innervation of the limbs is disturbed due to the impact on the spinal cord of adverse factors. Paresis and paralysis are frequent companions of spinal cord lesions in the lumbar and thoracic regions.

The most common reason why the hind legs fail in dogs is traumatic: car injuries, falls, blows, strong bites during fights. In some cases, an unfortunate sharp turn, jump and slip on the ice crust can lead to such consequences.

In the place of direct trauma to the spine, the integrity of the spinal column (its structure) is violated, edema occurs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and radicular nerves. Accordingly, the flow of blood with oxygen stops, and with prolonged compression, the nerve cells die, which makes it impossible for nerve impulses to pass through the peripheral nerves. Severe traumatic injury leads to a violation of the integrity of the spinal tissue, and a rupture of the spinal cord occurs.

• Degenerative diseases of the spine

Refusal of the normal functioning of the hind limbs in dogs can provoke degenerative diseases of the spine, which are characterized by a violation of important metabolic processes in its tissues. Thus, this leads to pathological changes in the structure of the links of the spinal column.

• Spondylosis

The hind legs of a dog can fail with spondylosis - "local aging" of some vertebral segments. This disease proceeds very slowly, and at the earliest stage it is practically not detected. First of all, the outer fibers of the fibrous ring are affected (the consistency of the nucleus pulposus is preserved), and then calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament begins. Osteophytes develop, which visually resemble beak-shaped growths.

• Tumors in the spine

Tumor-like processes gradually developing in the immediate vicinity (or itself) of the spinal cord lead to pathological changes and fractures of the spinal column. With a sharp exacerbation of the process, edema and compression of the roots and spinal cord occur, and the following symptoms can be observed in the dog: weakening or failure of the hind limbs, arched back, impaired gait, when the position of the body changes, the dog squeals, concomitant disorders occur (violation of urination and defecation) , in some cases refusal to feed.

• Spondylarthrosis

A consequence of static loads in osteochondrosis of the spine may be spondylarthrosis (deforming arthrosis of the joints of the spine). Uneven loads on the spinal column can also lead to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the pathologically altered annulus fibrosus. This phenomenon is called vertebral hernia. Protruding towards the spinal cord, the hernia causes compression of the radicular nerves and (or) the spinal cord.

• Discopathy

Neurological lesions of the pelvic limbs are most often based on diseases of the intervertebral discs (discopathies). In this case, the altered substance of the disk penetrates the spinal canal and clamps the spinal cord or the roots of the spinal nerves, which manifests itself in the form of a neurological deficit. Often, a large dog's hind legs fail, and this problem has its own characteristics. Similar lesions are observed in older animals of large and giant breeds: German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Great Danes and others. Typically, in this group of dogs, the development of clinical symptoms progresses slowly over several months or even years. In this case, it is possible to assume damage to the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine or at the level of the lumbosacral junction, as well as lumbosacral stenosis.

Discopathy is very common in French Bulldogs. This is due to the anatomical structure of the animal, when, in the course of artificial selection, the spine became elongated, and now it undergoes stronger loads than the spine in “normal” dogs. The distance between the vertebrae became much larger than normal. This is due to genetics and is inherited. A disc prolapse can occur not only during active movements and jumps, but even at rest, when the dog is sleeping or lying quietly.

• Dysplasia

Very often, owners of dogs of heavy breeds (St. Bernard, Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retriever, Great Danes, etc.) are faced with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common disease in puppies is hip dysplasia. This disease is hereditary and manifests itself most often between the ages of 4 and 10 months during intensive growth. At first there is a problem getting up, especially after sleep. The dog limps, then disperses and walks normally. Further, without treatment, the symptoms can intensify, up to the complete refusal of the dog to walk. If you notice such signs, you need to take the dog to the veterinarian and take an x-ray.

• Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis of the spine is considered the most severe form of damage, this disease is based on degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs (discopathy), often involving the surrounding vertebral bodies, as well as changes in the ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral joints.

The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis can be:

• Genetically determined developmental defects that cause instability of the vertebrae.
• Rheumatoid lesions.
• Spinal injury.
• Violation of microcirculation, leading to malnutrition of the disk.
• autoimmune processes.

It is also possible spinal pathology, which arises from the impact of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Frequent companions of lesions of the spinal cord in the thoracic and lumbar region are paresis and paralysis. Most often, dog paws suffer from falls (especially in small breeds), car accidents, blows and strong bites during fights.

Even an unsuccessful jump, a sharp turn, or a dog slipping on an ice crust can lead to paw failure. At this moment, the integrity of the structure of the spinal column is violated at the site of injury to the spine, edema occurs, which compresses the radicular nerves and the spinal cord.

Of course, the answer will be to contact a veterinarian, preferably one specializing in neurology. If you notice a pain reaction in your dog when changing the position of the body, a tense gait, an unwillingness to walk, especially on stairs, do not wait until her hind legs fail - immediately show the animal to a doctor, then the treatment will be more effective. If the trouble with the hind legs has already happened, all the more you should not wait any longer.

If the animal has a spinal injury, try to get it to the doctor as soon as possible and in an immobilized state (secure the animal on the board with bandages or straps). Do not use painkillers until you see your doctor. Pain limits the activity of the animal, which avoids further displacement of the vertebrae in the event of a fracture.

It is possible to notice the onset of the disease and urgently consult a specialist, but most inexperienced owners do not attach importance to such important symptoms as:

• Anxiety.
• The dog hides and squeals when they begin to touch it on the back.
• The dog is passive when other dogs are frolicking.

However, in most cases, the alarm begins to sound when the dog's hind legs partially begin to fail, or paralysis develops. And here it is necessary to differentiate such a disease as sciatica. Wrongly prescribed treatment (for example, instead of maximum immobilization of the animal - massage), will miss precious time and aggravate the situation.

The sooner help is provided to the dog, the better the prognosis for its recovery. In any case, you should not despair, because there are cases when completely immobilized dogs were put on their paws and returned to active life. Depending on the diagnosis, drug treatment is prescribed in the form of injections. A more radical case in the case of diseases of the spine is an operation, after which the treatment also continues.

In parallel, the dog is prescribed a massage, during the recovery period, swimming is recommended, classes with the dog after the return of physical activity to it. All dog owners should remember that a paralyzed dog cannot be helped at home. It is necessary to consult a doctor, go through all the prescribed examinations for an accurate diagnosis and start timely treatment.

First, the doctor will conduct an examination, assess the general condition, provide emergency assistance and make a primary diagnosis. When it comes to spinal pathology, the doctor:

• Check the safety of sensitivity (tactile and pain) of the limbs.
• Check the safety of the reflexes.
• Check for pain in the spine.
• Order an x-ray.
• It is possible that a myelography will be performed, that is, an X-ray image will be taken after the introduction of a special radiopaque substance into the spinal canal. This is done to identify the slightest violations that are not noticeable in a regular picture, as well as to determine the exact localization of the process. If necessary, he will prescribe blood and urine tests to identify concomitant pathologies (pyelonephritis, renal, hepatic, heart failure, etc.).

The conducted studies will help the doctor assess the degree of damage, give a prognosis of the disease and make a decision on treatment. Perhaps the doctor will put you in front of a choice between a surgical and therapeutic method of treatment, perhaps he will insist on one of them.

There are stories that touch the soul so much that, having settled in the heart, they wake up the conscience for a long time, reminding a person of his destiny. Very often the heroes of such stories are dogs. And when you hear these stories, you involuntarily think: so at what hierarchical level are we, and at what are they?

In this article, I want to tell the story of an amazing bipedal Labrador Chow who learned to walk upright. This dog, named Faith, lives in America with his owner, Jude Stringfellow.

Vera was born in December 2002, she actually had 3 paws, but her left front paw was badly deformed and ugly. 3 weeks later, she showed up at Jude's house. Jude's son, Ruben, took his friend away from the dog when she tried to strangle him, apparently the dog realized that her puppy was not viable.

When the puppy was shown to the veterinarian, he advised to kill him so that he would not suffer. But Ruben did not agree with this and took the puppy home. So Vera appeared in Jude's house. There was only compassion and a desire to help the baby with something.

The little defenseless creature, from the first minutes of its appearance in the house, showed such touching devotion, it had so much lively energy that the young student and his mother Jude immediately had a little faith that the puppy would be able to somehow adapt to the surrounding reality. Therefore, there was no question of choosing a nickname. The puppy was named Faith (Faith), which subsequently acquired a nominal meaning.

For a dog, the front pair of paws is the supporting one. It is so arranged anatomically that it is she who “carries” 60% of the weight. Any extra load on the back pair of legs can cause severe pain in the hip and knee joints. And Vera had one, not quite developed forepaw, and even that had to be amputated at the age of seven months, when she began to atrophy.

Under these conditions, incredible efforts on the part of the owners and a great desire of the animal to live a full life are needed. These are by no means pretty words. It has long been proven that dogs have elementary intelligence and a highly developed psyche.

Reuben and Jude began to teach the puppy to walk on its hind legs, using a spoonful of peanut butter as a reward for any, even minor achievement. And on March 22, 2003, Vera took her first independent steps. Every day she walked faster and more confidently. And even in the most seemingly incredible situations, she kept her balance. Now it was already possible to proudly say that Vera is a dog that walks on two legs.

In order to devote more time to her pet, Jude decided to quit her job. Together with Vera, they began to visit hospitals and boarding schools where people with disabilities are treated or live, people to whom at least once, but the thought of dying always comes.

One day a woman in a wheelchair drove up to Vera on the street. She was in despair. She was overwhelmed with thoughts of leaving this life. But when she accidentally saw Vera, she realized that life goes on and the world around is still bright.

Nature has endowed, and the owners have developed in Vera such a cheerful disposition that, visiting, for example, hospitals for military personnel, she runs around the wards, barks joyfully and tries in every possible way to cheer up those who are left without arms or legs. And this helps people to overcome the terrible barrier behind which life goes on.

Joyfully wagging her tail, jumping on curbs and benches, she caresses passers-by, causing a surge of the kindest heartfelt feelings in those. She so funny sticks her nose into everything she considers that it is simply impossible to remain indifferent. And I think: how wrong people are when they call a callous and soulless person a dog. How often do these animals teach us to be human!

Vera's life is full of events. Together with Ozzy Osbourne, she went on a charity tour. She is a frequent guest on television, receives more than 200 emails every day, she has her own website (faiththedog.info), which is designed to serve the same purpose that Vera's life is dedicated to. And she was also awarded the title of honorary sergeant of the US Army, because she inspires war invalids.

Jude Stringfellow has written three books about her pet and what has become the meaning of life for her. Thanks to Vera, Jude organized a charitable foundation that helps people with disabilities.

You can say beautiful and correct words every day, or you can just live by inspiring others. The life of this amazing dog teaches people to overcome themselves. No matter what, she enjoys life. Faith gives people faith!

Lameness in a dog is a functional change in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. First of all, the step function is violated. The movements of a healthy animal, regardless of its physique, are free and springy. It relies on all limbs. An unhealthy animal moves stiffly and is careful. This means that no limb or even several limbs are involved in walking. An attentive owner cannot fail to notice that his gait has changed in any dog, it limps or drags its paw. A veterinarian is most often asked why a dog is lame on its front paw. The front paw is the supporting one, it is most quickly injured by the animal when jumping - it twists, dislocates, cuts against glass, stretches the ligaments when landing on a slippery surface.

The question of why a dog limps on its hind leg is a little less frequent. But the hind limbs also suffer - they are infringed, damaged in fights, affected in the hock joint. It is important for the owner to understand that lameness is not a disease. This is a symptom of many diseases, so they are eliminated in accordance with the diagnosis.

Possible Causes of Lameness in Dogs

Mechanical

Mechanical causes include injuries of various etiologies. The dog could fight and get bitten by another animal in a fight (if the fight was with a cat, then the cat could scratch the dog’s paw with its claws and infect the wound). A fight between a small dog and a larger dog leads to obvious injuries, but a fight between a large dog and a small dog is usually ignored by the owners. Therefore, they do not always associate the pet’s health problems, in particular lameness, with past “showdowns”. Meanwhile, even a Yorkshire terrier or miniature pinscher is able to bite through a muscle or tendon of a large opponent, which will subsequently lead to lameness.

An unsuccessful jump leads to fractures, sprains, dislocations, and bone fractures. An animal falling from a height has similar consequences. There are breeds that are contraindicated in jumping, and falls are often fatal for them. These are dogs of a heavy type on short legs - pugs, French bulldogs, bulls, as well as dogs with thin fragile bones - Russian toys, chihuahuas, Chinese crested. Dogs with an elongated body - dachshunds, basset hounds, skye terriers, welsh corgis - are also prone to diseases of the back and paws, with improper maintenance and excessive loads, they meet their mature years with lameness, numbness of the paws, sagging of the back.

The dog could still be kicked or hit with some object, it could also get under the wheel of a car, bicycle and get hurt. Bruises are not dangerous, but pain at the site of impact causes the animal to limp and save the diseased limb for some time.

In the summertime, the cause of lameness is often the bite of an insect, especially one with a sting: wasps, bees, bumblebees. These bites are dangerous because they can cause a severe allergic reaction and even lead to tissue death at the site of the bite. The same goes for snake bites. Tissue damage causes the bite of any snake, including non-venomous ones.

Another summer nuisance is the particles of the spikelet oat plant (popularly called wild oat, wild oats, ustyug, ustyuk, etc.). These particles go deep into the tissues and provoke an abscess.

Medical Causes of Lameness

Medical causes include genetic (congenital) and acquired diseases.

Genetic diseases of the musculoskeletal system include hip dysplasia (Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Sennenhunds and other large breeds), knee dysplasia with possible dislocation of the patella (Labradors, Spitz, Griffins), ataxia (Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels) . These diseases are not treated, only the symptoms are stopped and the suffering of the pet is alleviated. The only prevention of genetic diseases is the genetic testing of breeding animals and the exclusion from breeding of individuals with a tendency to genetic defects.

Inflammatory diseases of the muscles, ligaments, joints also cause the animal to limp. Lameness is often caused by neurological problems in animals - paresis, paralysis. These diseases affect the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord (about concussion).

Various kinds of vascular problems - thrombosis, for example - disrupt blood circulation in the limbs, impair tissue trophism and cause lameness due to weakening of the ligaments.

Lameness leads to poor-quality nutrition, poor in magnesium, potassium, calcium. Due to the deficiency of these microelements, convulsions develop in animals. Painful muscle contractions, even after relaxation and return to normal, remind of themselves for some time with a dull aching pain in the limbs, which can also lead to the fact that the dog is lame.

The same problem is caused by tumor diseases, especially osteosarcoma, muscle myoma and others. Firstly, the tumor disrupts the normal structure of the bone or muscle, impairs their nutrition, causes discomfort and pain at the site of formation. Secondly, the tumor changes the functionality of the limb, growing into different parts of it.

Veterinary

It happens that the dog limps on the hind leg after an injection. She may be in pain after an incorrect - too fast or too slow - administration of the drug, or the drug causes pain at the injection site, or an inexperienced specialist has hit the periosteum.

Also, the dog limps on the front paw if it goes on droppers. She is usually catheterized and secured to her paw with duct tape. The catheter causes discomfort to the animal and slightly interferes with movement. Even when it is removed, the animal limps either from discomfort at the place of attachment, or out of habit. In severe cases, a nerve may be affected, in which case specific neurological treatment is required. Muscle contracture is also likely under the local toxic effects of the drug.

Psychological

Dogs, of course, should not be humanized and attributed to them qualities and abilities that are unique to humans. But you should not underestimate them either, many of them are very smart and cunning creatures who are perfectly able to manipulate both people and other animals. It is cunning that causes psychological reasons for some cases of lameness in these pets.

The dog may be lame if

• Previously, he was sick, limped, was treated and was released from training at the training ground. In this way, he wants to avoid another training session and habitually demonstrates the behavior that he needs in order not to train.
• He somehow ran, limping, in the ring with a handler and was removed from training or removed from the exhibition. Since handling and performance in the ring are not interesting for the dog, he will remember how to avoid them.
• He is younger than other familiar dogs. Then, in case of the slightest manifestation of aggression on the part of adults, a young dog can limp, fall on his back, whine, in every possible way showing that he is smaller and weaker.

Owner actions for lameness in a dog

What to do if the dog is lame? Definitely lead to a veterinarian or call him at home. In the first case, a complete examination of the dog is possible immediately, in the second case, the dog does not bother the sore paw by walking and feels better in a familiar environment.

The veterinarian manually and visually examines the paw on which the dog is lame, takes a blood test, and if necessary, urine. You will also need to take x-rays in several projections. Ideally, an ultrasound examination of the joint and adjacent tissues is indicated. It is desirable that the results of analyzes and studies are studied by an orthopedist or traumatologist. But in principle, the surgeon will cope with the diagnosis and the appointment of treatment.

Equipment for magnetic resonance and computed tomography has been installed in veterinary clinics in large cities. If it is possible to conduct such an examination for your pet, you should not neglect it. This is currently the most accurate and safe method for diagnosing various health problems. the only drawback of this study is its high cost.

Before the dog gets to see the veterinarian, it is necessary to immobilize his paw, place the animal in a cage, carry or tie, limiting his mobility. A small dog is best carried in your arms.

Treatment of lameness in dogs

Treatment for lameness will depend on what diagnosis the veterinarian makes based on the examination. If the dog is in pain, pain medication may be prescribed. But if it is necessary for the purpose of treatment that the animal is at rest, then the painkiller is not administered to it. Indeed, with the disappearance of pain, the dog will again begin to run, jump, play, disturbing the sore paw and preventing healing.

If the x-ray revealed a crack or fracture, then a splint is put on the limb or otherwise immobilized. The inflammatory process is removed with nonsteroidal drugs. Steroids are prescribed if the first ones were ineffective.

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We take it for granted when our dog, playing, runs and jumps tirelessly, as if not feeling tired. And it pleases the owners. Such behavior, in addition to aesthetic pleasure, gives an understanding that the pet is completely healthy. Another thing is when weakness of the hind limbs develops in dogs. Sometimes it is so strong that the animal literally crawls, pulling itself up on its front legs, towards bowls of water or food. Why does this happen?

This is the name of the disease of an atrophic-degenerative nature, affecting, as a rule, older dogs.(but this does not exclude the possibility of the disease "youth"). It all starts between the ages of 8 and 14. At first, everything looks relatively harmless: the first signs of the disease appear in the form of mild ataxia (poor coordination of movements). At first, the owners may not even pay attention to how their pet stumbles during the game, or his legs begin to tangle. Note that in classic cases of myelopathy, clinical manifestations are visible on one limb, and later the disease affects both hind legs of the dog. Around the age of ten, the symptoms become apparent: the dog often lies down, often when trying to stand up, her legs fail, she falls or cannot stand up at all. After some time, the pathology progresses to such an extent that the dog, in principle, no longer gets up and cannot walk.

It is believed that from the moment of a clear manifestation of symptoms to complete paralysis of the limbs, about six months pass, but this period is very relative. Cases are different, the progress of pathology depends on many factors. Worst of all is not even the loss of coordination and ability to move: myelopathy is very often accompanied by the development of urinary and fecal incontinence that turns a beautiful dog into a ball of wool covered with sewage.

Read also: Hepatosis in dogs: an overview of the disease

Causes

To date, no definitive answer to such an important question has been received. Some researchers suggest that the matter is in autoimmune pathologies, while others adhere to the hereditary theory (that is, the disease, in their opinion, is inherited). It is likely that severe mechanical injuries of the back contribute to the development of the disease, due to which the spine is damaged and the spinal cord may be affected. However, the prevailing theory genetic predisposition and hereditary transmission of the disease.

It all starts in the thoracic region of the spinal cord. On sections of white matter obtained during the autopsy of the corpses of dead animals, large areas are clearly visible destruction and degradation of nervous tissue. What does it threaten? The whole problem is that it is thanks to the white matter that neuromuscular impulses are transmitted from the brain to the limbs of the dog. If something happened to this "overpass", the impulses cannot pass, and therefore the muscles of the limbs "do not understand" what is required of them. We emphasize that with degenerative myelopathy with muscles in your pet, everything is in perfect order! Only after some time (due to lack of physical activity) they begin to atrophy. But what causes white matter degradation in the dog's spinal cord?

The problem is demyelination (loss of membranes) of oxons (long processes of neurons). And why this happens, veterinarians do not yet know for sure (we have already talked about several theories). Over time, fibers that have lost their protective sheath simply “dissolve”. Recent studies by the French, by the way, have established for certain that Approximately 70% of affected dogs have a gene that causes the development of pathology. But why it appears in the remaining 30% of animals is a mystery.

Read also: Symptoms of rabies in a domestic dog

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

And more bad news for dog owners. With a 100% probability, making a diagnosis in a living pet is almost unrealistic. Such techniques simply do not exist (and they are unlikely to be - after all, it is required to examine the tissue of the spinal cord under a microscope). It is highly desirable to do an MRI to the dog. If this is not possible (usually), the diagnosis is made by exclusion. If all other causes are completely ruled out, only degenerative myelopathy remains.

We emphasize once again that A 100% accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of a microscopic examination of the tissues of the spinal cord. obtained from a dead dog. It is quite possible that because of this we do not know anything about the actual prevalence of the disease. It is very likely that many owners do not even know why their beloved old dog actually died.

What is it necessary to distinguish degenerative myelopathy from, what else can cause weakness in the hind legs? In principle, there can be many reasons for such a condition: any disease that affects the spinal cord in one way or another is fraught with development and weakness, and even paralysis. Considering that many of these pathologies are normally treatable, one of the main tasks of the veterinarian is to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic work. It is very important to exclude all possibilities. In particular, in an older dog, “malfunctions” with the hind legs may well arise due to an intervertebral disc herniation. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, which play a cushioning and protective role. Due to a hernia, the spinal cord or its processes can be pinched, which will lead to negative consequences. Owners of other dogs with an elongated body and short legs should also be very careful, since they are the ones who most often suffer from intervertebral hernias.

Almost every owner dreams of his puppy and adult four-legged pet being healthy and happy. And noticing that a dear barking family member begins to drag his hind legs, walk unsteadily or tremble, the owner begins to panic and does not know what to do. Do not try to diagnose your dog yourself, it is best to seek help from a veterinarian.

Of course, it is best to find out in advance what can lead to impaired motor function in a dog. Yes, this knowledge cannot protect the animal, but it can help the owner notice in time that something is wrong with the pet. And if this puppy got sick, then the timely treatment started will help make the baby's future life easier.

Causes of weakness in the hind legs in a dog

• Destruction or damage / displacement of the intervertebral discs. Most often, Pekingese, pugs, bulldogs (both French and English), dachshunds, and poodles suffer from these diseases. Damage/displacement/destruction of the intervertebral disc is dangerous for the life of the animal, as the spinal cord is compressed and injured.
• Diseases of the hip joints are most often recorded in dogs of large breeds (for example, in a Rottweiler, Alabai, Caucasian, German Shepherd and others). Moreover, a puppy often suffers (at the age of four months to a year), less often an adult animal. In addition, almost always we are talking about acquired diseases, extremely rarely the pathology is congenital.

What can contribute to damage to the hip joints in a dog? This is overweight (especially often unbalanced or excessive feeding is to blame, more precisely, obvious overfeeding, lack of physical activity), and slippery floors (when the animal's paws are constantly moving apart), and heredity, and infectious diseases, and injuries.

Yes, and too active dog training (especially if it is a puppy) will not lead to good if its musculoskeletal system has not yet fully developed. Jumping from heights, over barriers, running long distances on poor surfaces - all this will cause irreparable damage to the joints.

• Another reason for the weakness of the hind legs in a dog of any breed (be it a dachshund or a mastiff) can be myositis - inflammation of the muscle tissue. It develops after heavy physical exertion, but not immediately, but the next day. In addition, adult animals most often suffer from myositis.
• Brain damage can also affect the firmness of the animal's gait. These are tumors and vascular pathologies (which, by the way, are recorded much more often than neoplasms). Without additional examinations in a veterinary clinic, even the most experienced doctor will not make an accurate diagnosis.
• Injuries. Spinal bruises (and more serious injuries) can cause puppies and adult dogs to walk wobbly and lose their legs. Therefore, if the puppy has fallen, been hit, or hit by a car, contact the clinic immediately, without waiting for the appearance of clinical signs. Sometimes the symptoms do not show up right away because of the shock.

Symptoms of weak hind legs in a dog

• If the reason that the dog (whether an adult pet or a puppy) has weak hind legs is damage to the intervertebral discs (including compression of the spinal cord), then the animal shows “bright” signs of severe pain. Therefore, the dog spends almost all the time in one position (hunched over, but stretching out his neck), because any movement causes acute pain. Trembling, shortness of breath is noticeable (it is noticeable that the pet “uses” to the full only its front paws, cannot jump onto the sofa). With mild compression of the brain, the symptoms are not so pronounced, but it is still noticeable that the four-legged friend is not able to live a full life (even bending over to the bowl is hard).
• If a puppy or an adult dog has weakness of the hind legs in the morning (or immediately after rest), and after some time after walking it disappears, then most likely the pet has problems with the hip joints. And it is not always dysplasia, as the owners think. In addition, both joints are extremely rarely affected at the same time, so the puppy limps on only one leg. As soon as you notice something like this in your pet, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian.
• With myositis, the animal develops not just weakness of the hind legs, the dog moves as if on stilts. If you notice that your pet's gait has changed, be sure to contact a specialist!

Treating a Dog with Weak Hind Legs

The main rule - never start the treatment of a puppy and an adult dog on your own, without consulting a veterinarian! Such self-medication can kill the animal. Especially if you decide to use "human" medicines, and even "make a diagnosis" yourself.

Therefore, if you see that your German Shepherd puppy, for example, or an Alabai, or a terrier (yes, no matter what breed) suddenly begins to “own” its hind limbs worse, then the first thing you should do is contact a veterinary clinic.

Not on forums to ask for advice on what to give the dog, not to ask the neighbors what could happen to the pet, but to run to the doctor! He will already prescribe additional examinations (ultrasound, X-ray, blood tests, and others), based on the results of which a diagnosis will already be made. And only after that treatment should be prescribed.

Medication alone is not always effective. Agree, if a puppy has a congenital pathology of the joints, then the use of drugs will only make the animal feel better, “remove” the symptoms, but the problem will not disappear. The same can be said about the displacement of the intervertebral discs, hernia. Therefore, it is better for the veterinarian to decide what to do in a given situation, but the owner is required to comply with all the recommendations of a specialist.

Some owners decide that if they gave the animal a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, then the dog recovered, because it got better. But this should not be done, because this “relief” is temporary, and very quickly everything will return to normal in a puppy or adult dog. Trust the veterinarian, who will select an effective treatment regimen that will put both the shepherd puppy and the adult Pekingese on their paws.