Is your pet experiencing weakness in their hind legs? If so, there may be a variety of potential reasons for this. In this blog post, our veterinarians in Denver offer guidance on improving or maintaining your dog's leg strength.
What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?
Many factors can cause your dog's back legs to slip or give out. Below we discuss some of these potential causes:
Arthritis
Similar to humans, dogs can suffer from arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the hind legs.
Normally, a dog's joints are lubricated with a small amount of fluid and covered with a cartilage layer, allowing for free and smooth movement. As dogs age, this layer of cartilage often thins, causing the surfaces of the bone to rub together. This can cause discomfort.
Sometimes, the joints aren't well lubricated, making movement painful. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet right away:
- Bunny hopping while moving
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Development of large front-leg muscles and weakening of rear-leg muscles
Hip Dysplasia
If you notice that your pet's hip joints are looser than usual, this could be a sign of hip dysplasia. This condition can cause balance problems as well as osteoarthritis in severe cases. It is more common in larger dog breeds, such as:
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Saint Bernard
- Great Dane
Hip dysplasia is mainly caused by genetics, but other factors, such as size, weight, and overuse, may also contribute to its development.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Your pet may have degenerative myelopathy, a condition in which the protective covering of the nerves deteriorates, resulting in abnormal nerve function. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Quivering hind legs
- Hind legs coming together while standing
- Feet positioned at unusual angles
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Diabetes
Did you know that diabetes can weaken your pet's hind leg joints? Inadequate insulin production causes abnormal blood sugar levels, which can lead to this outcome. Look for signs such as increased thirst and appetite, incontinence, and weight loss. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, consult a veterinarian and get a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
FCE is a condition that can affect dogs. In it, a small piece of cartilage obstructs the bloodstream, causing spinal enlargement. This results in temporary hind leg movement restriction and pain, which is more common in larger dog breeds. FCE is common in breeds such as German Shepherds and Irish Wolfhounds.
Limited Mobility
It can help restore leg mobility if your pet requires surgery, such as a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). However, if the surgeon orders, your pet may be required to limit physical activity during recovery. This restriction may cause temporary impairment, but it is required for a full and successful recovery.
What are the symptoms of my dog's back legs not working?
Because the symptoms of the conditions listed below are so similar, determining the underlying cause without medical assistance can be difficult. As a result, it is critical to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following behaviors in your dog, you must act quickly:
- Hind leg tremors
- Swaying of the hind end
- Trouble transitioning from lying or sitting to a standing position
- Difficulty walking or a 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
Tips on How to Strengthen An Old Dog's Hind Legs
After identifying the cause of your pet's distress and receiving treatment recommendations, you can take non-medical steps to help your pet recover and restore its vitality.
- It is recommended that you take your furry companion for brief yet consistent walks on a daily basis. 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 down, and excess weight can strain, weakening 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 and regenerative therapy can greatly address limited mobility and reduce pain.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
