Why does a dog dance on its hind legs? Why does a dog lose its hind legs and how to help it?

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Dogs are one of the best pets, but just like people, they have certain health problems, one of which is limb failure. If a dog loses its hind legs, treatment can be lengthy and directly depends on the causes of the pathology, age and breed of the animal.

Description

The hind legs of dogs most often fail due to neurological disorders, and the limbs can stop functioning either suddenly or gradually.

Precedes the development of pathology:

abnormal movement;
unruly paws;
severe weakening of the limbs.

If such symptoms are present, the animal gradually develops paresis, and often complete paralysis. In this case, the muscular system stops receiving commands from the brain, and the dog ceases to control the movement of its paws. Such problems arise against the background of acquired pathologies of the central nervous system, damage to the brain or spinal cord.

There are the following types of limb paralysis in dogs:

Monoplegia is paralysis of one leg.
Paraplegia is a paired paralysis of the forelimbs, but more often the hind limbs.
Tetraplegia is paralysis of all paws.
Hemiplegia - lateral paralysis (two right or left paws suffer).

Depending on the reasons for paw failure, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

Functional. It occurs against the background of the negative impact of external factors and severe stress; it can be temporary and go away on its own without outside intervention.
Organic. Occurs when there is a disruption in the functioning of neurons resulting from physical impact on the animal’s brain (head or spinal). The cause of this disease can be injuries, tumor processes, tick bites, infection with enteritis or plague.
Central. A disease that develops gradually and causes irreversible changes in smooth muscles as a result of which they lose their natural functionality. In such conditions, muscle tone and reflexes may be preserved.
Peripheral. Pathology, which is most often called paw failure. It occurs against the background of the death of neurons responsible for muscle tone. With this disease, loss of sensation and paralysis of the limbs occurs within a couple of days.

Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to spinal disc disease and are more likely to suffer limb failure. The most common problem is in the following breeds:

dachshund;
Pekingese;
French bulldogs;
pugs;
Brabançons.

In the presence of a genetic predisposition and hereditary factor, limb dysfunction in animals begins to be observed at the age of 3-8 years.

Worth knowing! A common diagnosis in veterinary medicine is nervous distemper—failure of limbs in a dog abandoned by its owner. Or left for a while with another person.

Causes

Signs of the development of pathologies that cause limb failure in dogs are not always immediately noticeable and often owners even aggravate the animal’s condition with excessive stress.

In some cases, problems with limbs arise due to improper care of the animal due to:

microtraumas;
poor nutrition;
lack of vitamins in the diet;
obesity;
in old age;
after prolonged and intense exercise.

In the article "?" describes the negative impact of improper nutrition of a pet.

However, most often the paws of a domestic dog fail due to injuries and the development of certain diseases:

Discopathies.
Dysplasia.
Osteochondrosis.
Arthritis and arthrosis
Degenerative diseases of the spine.
Spondylosis and spondioarthrosis.
Tumors.
Autoimmune processes.

Injuries

Limb injuries are one of the most common causes of paw failure in dogs.

A dog can injure its limbs when:

jumping from great heights;
falls;
fights with other dogs;
awkward movements;
blows.

Injuries may manifest themselves:

fractures;
sprains;
tendon rupture;
displacement of bones and spinal discs;
pinched nerve.

When the bones are displaced, the nerves are pinched and the animal’s limbs lose sensitivity. When the spine is damaged, swelling occurs, compressing the spinal cord and disrupting the blood flow in it, as a result of which nerve cells die and the limbs completely fail.

Worth knowing! Often, after long-term treatment and improvement of the dog’s condition, a relapse of the disease may occur due to insufficient treatment of the initial causes of paw failure.

Discopathy

In veterinary medicine, discopathy is the name given to intervertebral hernias in animals, a common disease of the vertebral discs. With this pathology, the disc substance penetrates the spinal canal to the spinal cord and leads to compression of the spinal nerves.

Most often, dachshunds, basset dogs, and French bulldogs (breeds with a long spine), as well as older animals, suffer from this pathology.

Treatment of discopathy is complex and lengthy and does not always lead to a complete cure, so it is important to protect dogs predisposed to the disease from sudden movements and intense exercise.

Dysplasia

Difficult to treat joint pathology. Most often found in dogs of large breeds with large body weight:

Labradors;
shepherd dogs;
Great Danes;
St. Bernards;
Bernese Sinnenhunds.

One of the reasons for the development of dysplasia is the rapid growth of puppies at the age of 4-8 months, so preventive measures are carried out for predisposed breeds.

Signs of dysplasia are:

limping after sleep and prolonged lying;
wagging butt after exercise;
inability to run and walk for a long time.

Worth knowing! A predisposition to dysplasia is inherited, so when purchasing a puppy you should ask for test results for the presence of the disease in both of its parents.

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a severe degree of damage to the vertebrae associated with impaired mineralization of cartilage tissue. The cartilage gradually hardens and destroys joints and ligaments.

The causes of the development of osteochondrosis are:

genetic predisposition (heredity);
injuries;
violation of blood microcirculation;
autoimmune diseases;
obesity.

Osteochondrosis occurs in representatives of both small and large breeds and can develop asymptomatically for a long time. With extensive damage, the dog begins to pull its hind limbs, which subsequently fail completely.

Other pathologies

Among other pathologies. Those that can lead to limb failure in a dog are:

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint capsule, a common disease among older dogs.
Arthrosis is a chronic disease in which cartilage tissue changes and is destroyed.
Degenerative diseases. They occur when metabolic processes in the tissues of the spine cause pathologies.
Spondylosis is a local aging of spinal segments characterized by a long course and the impossibility of early diagnosis. The disease affects the fibrous rings and leads to the development of osteophytes (calcareous growths on bone tissue) that impair motor function.
Spondyloarthrosis (deforming arthrosis of the joints). The disease develops under static loads in dogs with osteochondrosis. And also with uneven loads on the spine. The disease leads to the development of spinal hernias and compression of the radicular nerves or the spinal cord itself.
Neoplasms. Tumors developing on the spine or in close proximity to it gradually lead to pathological changes and fractures of the spinal column. With an exacerbation of the tumor process, swelling and compression of the spinal cord is possible, manifested by weakening of the limbs, arching of the animal’s back, and gait disturbances.

Only a professional veterinarian can determine the cause of paw failure in an animal after a detailed diagnosis.

Symptoms

The presence of neurological disorders in which a dog’s limbs gradually fail can be determined by the following signs:

Pain syndrome.
Weakness.
Squealing when moving, standing up and other changes in body position;
Backside wagging.
Sudden falls and unsuccessful attempts to stand on their paws.
Defecation disorder.
Loss of appetite.
Atypical change in gait.
Lameness.
Decreased activity.
Aggression.
Severe anxiety.
Refusal to play with other animals.
Trembling in limbs.
Impaired mobility of the limbs.
Loss of sensation.

The effectiveness of treatment depends on the timeliness of visiting a doctor and the correct diagnosis.

Diagnostics

If a dog's limbs fail, the owners cannot help the pet on their own, so an immediate visit to the clinic is required.

Worth knowing! In case of vertebral injuries, transportation of the animal is carried out only in a state secured to a hard surface (using a bandage or belts).

Before contacting a veterinarian, you should not give your dog painkillers, as the symptoms of the disease may become blurred and make diagnosis difficult.

An experienced doctor uses the following diagnostic methods when a dog has limb failure:

Examination of the animal and assessment of its current condition.
Checking reflexes.
Assessment of tactile and pain sensitivity of the limbs and spine.
X-ray.
Myelography (x-ray examination with the introduction of a contrast agent into the spinal canal of an animal) can detect even minor disorders.
Urine and blood analysis. Laboratory tests are carried out to identify disorders of the kidneys, liver and heart that accompany neurological pathology.
MRI or CT (magnetic resonance or computed tomography) – studies that help identify tumors in an animal.

Important! Incorrect actions by the owner when a dog’s paws fail can lead to a deterioration in its condition and even death.

After conducting the necessary studies, the extent of the lesion is assessed and a prognosis is given about the possibility of treatment, which can be either conservative or surgical.

Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis established during the diagnosis and the causes of limb failure, the animal is prescribed drug injection therapy. Steroid hormonal drugs are used to treat inflammatory processes in acute diseases in dogs:

"Solumedrol";
"Metypred";
"Dexamethasone";
"Prednisone."

After completing the course of treatment with hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are additionally indicated:

"Rimadyl";
"Quadrisol".

Important! Treating animals with anti-inflammatory drugs intended for humans is strictly contraindicated, since such therapy can lead to gastric bleeding and death of the animal.

The following drugs may also be prescribed for treatment:

B vitamins to improve nutrition of nerve tissue.
"Actovegin" to restore oxygen-glucose metabolism in damaged tissues.
"Proserin" to restore neuromuscular conduction (not prescribed for acute diseases).
Antizolinesterase drugs.

If drug therapy is impossible and ineffective, surgical intervention followed by therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs is indicated.

Operations are carried out to eliminate the causes of compression of the spinal cord, edema and tumors and are indicated only after a detailed examination.

During the rehabilitation period (after surgery), measures are necessary to restore the animal’s motor activity:

swimming;
walks in the open air;
playing with other dogs.

Worth knowing! With extensive damage to nerve tissue and a high degree of compression of the spine, manifested by a lack of sensitivity in the limbs and impaired bowel movements, the treatment prognosis is most often unfavorable.

Prevention

It is possible to reduce the risk of developing pathologies that cause limb failure or delay their appearance by following the following preventive measures:

Use chondroprotective drugs for preventive purposes in large breed puppies during the period of active growth.
Prevent puppies of large dogs and breeds with long vertebrae from jumping and playing with large dogs.
Until the age of six months, carry puppies down stairs exclusively in your arms (regardless of breed).
If there is a predisposition to dysplasia (based on breed characteristics or a hereditary factor), periodically conduct X-ray diagnostics.
Provide the animal with moderate physical activity (both lack and excess of activity are harmful.
Protect the dog from being in drafts so that he does not catch a cold in his spine.
Minimize the risk of injury.
Provide your pet with a balanced diet. During puppyhood, give special food for young dogs.
Give your dog the necessary vitamins and minerals (with food or separately).

The French Bulldog is one of the breeds susceptible to pathologies associated with paw failure. In the article “” you can get complete information about food suitable for such dogs.

Failure of a dog's paws is a tragedy for both the animal and its owner. With timely diagnosis, you can get rid of the pathology completely or significantly slow down its development.

Weakness of the dog's hind legs. Why? What to do?

Dog owners quite often come to us at the Vitus veterinary clinic with complaints of weakness in the hind limbs of their pets. Different people describe the signs of the disease in different ways: a wobbling gait, the dog drags its paws, paralysis of the hind legs, lameness, hunched back, etc.

There is no single cause for the problems described. Therefore, qualified diagnosis is very important for effective treatment. In this case, you cannot do without a visit to the doctor.

In this article we will try to provide general information on the possible causes of hind limb weakness in dogs, and also briefly outline the general principles of diagnosis and treatment of the corresponding diseases.

There is a breed and age predisposition to certain pathologies. Thus, Pekingese, Dachshunds, French and English bulldogs, poodles and pugs are predisposed to displacement and destruction of intervertebral discs (discopathy, disc herniation). This pathology poses a serious threat to life and can even lead to the death of the dog. When a disc slips, it compresses the spinal cord. Outwardly, this is manifested by repeated attacks of severe pain: the dog freezes in one position (usually with an elongated neck and hunched back), severe trembling occurs, shortness of breath, the hind legs give way and weaken. With less pronounced compression of the spinal cord, only weakness of the hind limbs is clinically observed - the dog seems to be dragging them, tries to shift the body weight mainly on the front legs, cannot jump onto the sofa (chair, armchair), cannot bend over to the bowl or the floor. If discopathy is suspected, it is necessary to immediately carry out a qualified diagnosis and take effective measures, including surgical intervention, since compression of the spinal cord can quickly lead to irreversible changes when any treatment is ineffective.

Dogs of large and giant breeds (St. Bernard, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Labrador, etc.), as well as German shepherds aged 4-12 months, are predisposed to diseases of the hip joints. The occurrence of these diseases is influenced by many factors, in particular, an unbalanced diet, overweight of the puppy, slipping of the paws on the floor, heredity, etc. When the hip joints are affected, most often signs of limb weakness appear after rest (in the morning, when getting up) and decrease during physical activity. In addition, damage to the hip joints is rarely symmetrical, and the dog initially “falls” on only one leg. You can read more about the pathology of the hip joints in our article “Dysplasia...”.

Middle-aged dogs may suffer from muscle inflammation, myositis, the day after unusually heavy physical activity. One of the manifestations of myositis is weakness of the hind limbs, “stilted gait.” Treatment of myositis is not a serious problem. However, only a veterinarian can distinguish myositis from spinal cord damage.

In older dogs, hind limb weakness may be central in origin, i.e. associated with brain dysfunction. According to our observations, various vascular problems most often occur, and less often - volumetric processes (brain tumors). In this case, competent treatment can significantly improve the dog’s condition and significantly prolong its life.

Kidney disease in dogs CANNOT cause weakness of the hind legs and hunched position of the body, unless we are talking about an extreme degree of exhaustion and autointoxication (however, in this case, the weakness extends to all muscles).

A common mistake that owners make is to independently “treat” their dog with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). Clinical improvements with the use of these medications are exclusively temporary and mask the manifestations of the underlying disease. In addition, medical anti-inflammatory drugs have serious side effects in dogs, including stomach ulceration and gastric bleeding.
Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian

Problems of skeletal formation
when raising puppies of large breed dogs.
Plan:
1. Introduction.
2. Main problems:
1) VKG;
2) Fractures;
3) Hip dysplasia;
4) Valgus deformity;
5) Osteochondrosis.
3. Conclusions.
Introduction.
Any dog, regardless of breed, needs strong, properly developed bones, reliable and functional joints. However, for large, heavy animals this is especially important. Various pathologies of skeletal development in a dog can not only be a disqualifying sign, but also cause pain and suffering in the animal. At the same time, many factors influencing the occurrence of skeletal diseases in puppies can be “reduced to zero” by knowing the causes of these diseases.
Main problems.
Certain problems associated with the development of bones and joints in puppies of large breed dogs are especially common in clinical practice. These include: secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (erroneously called rickets), traumatic and pathological fractures, hip dysplasia (both congenital, genetically inherited and acquired), hind limb valgus and osteochondrosis.
Secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (SCH).
First, a few words about rickets. Rickets is a disease of growing animals, manifested by impaired growth and bone development due to a lack of vitamin D in the diet.

Traditionally in Russia, rickets is the name given to any local thickening or curvature of bones in puppies. It has been scientifically proven that true rickets (vitamin D deficiency) is extremely rare in dogs and is difficult to simulate even in experiments.

Unlike rickets, secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (SCH) occurs very often in puppies, and it is its manifestations that are usually called rickets.

The cause of ICH is insufficient intake of calcium into the body, often aggravated by excess calories in the diet. This situation occurs when the puppy is fed meat, fish, porridge without the addition of calcium-containing preparations. All types of meat (including offal), as well as grains, contain very little.

Consequently, home-cooked diets based on meat components should be supplemented with mineral salts containing a significant percentage of calcium (more than 8%), but the amount of the mineral mixture should remain within reasonable limits. It is more difficult to ensure the necessary balance and the required amount of Ca and P at home, because It is almost impossible to control the true amount of these substances in the original products. Puppies of large dog breeds (Great Danes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, etc.) are especially susceptible to the disease.

The best conditions for skeletal development are created by using ready-made balanced (dry or canned) food for puppies, which takes into account the characteristics of the stages of growth and development of babies, for example, Pedigree for puppies up to 12 months; Advance Puppy Rehydratable, for puppies of toy, small and medium breed dogs aged from 4 weeks to 6 months, or Advance Growth, designed and taking into account the physiological characteristics of puppies of large and giant breed dogs.

The composition of these feeds fully takes into account the needs of the growing body for all nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

The diet granules are easily soaked, which is used for feeding the puppy during the adaptation period; when switching to a ready-made diet, it is introduced gradually over 5–7 days, starting with minimal quantities.

We do not recommend mixing balanced ready-made food with other products in order to avoid an imbalance of nutrients and minerals in the puppy’s body (except for the period of transfer to dry food) and the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements is STRICTLY excluded.

If you are using a homemade diet to feed your growing puppy, be sure to adequately supplement it with minerals. Combined mineral fertilizers such as Slicks, Vetzyme, and Irish Kale are best suited for this. We do not recommend using domestically produced drugs and fertilizers. Mineral supplements must be dosed in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. However, even with the best supplements and quality foods, it is difficult to accurately balance your diet. We also do NOT recommend supplementing your homemade diet with vitamins A and D.

And if the puppy shows signs of so-called “rickets,” supplementing with vitamin D can only worsen the condition if calcium intake does not increase. Usually, to stabilize bone growth, it is enough to switch the puppy to ready-made food. If the curvature of the limbs and/or gait disturbance is severe, we recommend contacting the clinic for examination (X-ray, consultation with an orthopedist).

Excess weight of a puppy can increase the manifestations of ICH, so the puppy should not be overfed; when using ready-made food, it is enough to follow the feeding rate indicated on the package. The growth potential is genetic and depends little on the feeding of the puppy, provided that the food is balanced. Therefore, a thin puppy has a better chance of developing normal bone structure.

In contrast to VKH, among the classic skeletal diseases associated with calcium deficiency with excess phosphorus, there may be cases where some owners allow excess calcium supplementation without proportionate inclusion of phosphorus in the diet. High calcium content increases its circulating concentration and, as a result, the secretion of calcitonin increases and disturbances in the production of PTH occur. In this condition, the activity of osteoclasts, which are extremely important for the proper formation of the skeleton during growth, decreases. As a result, premature closure of the growth zones of long bones may occur, which will lead to their underdevelopment.
Fractures.
Unfortunately, fractures of limb bones occur quite often in puppies of large dog breeds. At the same time, most owners consider injury as the only reason for the incident. In fact, in many cases, bone fractures in puppies occur with minimal external force. Such fractures are called pathological.

Pathological fractures indicate poor mineralization of the skeleton. The reason for this may be low calcium intake, high phosphorus intake and low vitamin D intake. In such cases, fracture fixation plays only a SECONDARY role for recovery, the main thing is nutritional support.

Healthy animals with traumatic fractures are usually treated through the process of primary or secondary bone healing. Optimal condition is achieved by using prepared feeds with adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and D. Excessive doses of these substances have been shown to delay bone healing. Pain from injury or surgery causes stress, which depletes protein reserves and reduces the immune response. In addition, the need for ascorbic acid and, probably, other substances increases. In surgical patients, the period before and after anesthesia can be particularly detrimental. Therefore, it is necessary to use special dietary feeds designed for the needs of sick animals.

Hip dysplasia.

This is a common congenital disease of dogs, mainly large breeds (St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Labradors, etc.). Several studies have confirmed that puppies are initially born with normal hip joints. Dysplasia develops during the first 6 months of life as a result of disproportionate development of the bone structures and soft tissues of the hip joints. The development of the disease is also significantly influenced by external factors, mainly feeding and exercise.

At birth, the femoral head and acetabulum in puppies are formed primarily from cartilage. Bone formation and changes in the position of the femoral head depend on the process of endochondral ossification. When a dysplastic joint forms, a redistribution of the load occurs: more than half of the body weight during walking falls on the anterior-superior edge of the cavity. As a result, microcracks and deformations, erosion of cartilage are formed. Clinically, this is manifested by lameness and pain, especially when standing up.

As already mentioned, diet plays an important role in the development of dysplasia. Thus, several studies have established that long-term consumption of a diet with a HIGH calcium content leads to impaired bone formation, incl. and the head of the femur, which is manifested by deformation of both the bones themselves and the joints. With an excess intake of phosphorus in the diet, the normal absorption of calcium from the intestine may slow down due to the formation of non-absorbable compounds - phytates. Excess vitamin D in the diet causes delayed ossification, i.e. normal formation of bones and, accordingly, joints. Also, the development of dysplasia can increase with an excess of vitamin C and a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet.

Feeding your puppy a balanced food, such as Advance Growth, significantly reduces the likelihood of developing dysplasia. At the same time, it is very important not to overestimate the dose of food, because... Excessive energy intake into the puppy’s body accelerates its growth and weight gain. Under such conditions, the load on the hip joints increases significantly. This may damage them.

In clinical practice, we often record acquired post-traumatic deformities of the hip joints in puppies of large breed dogs, which can be regarded as dysplasia. Such damage occurs most often in puppies that are overweight, kept on home-cooked or mixed diets. Joint injuries occur when jumping or sliding unsuccessfully (especially on linoleum or parquet). With timely access to the clinic, effective treatment of such patients with good long-term results is possible.

If the deformity of the hip joint has already formed and a diagnosis of dysplasia has been established, both conservative and surgical treatment is possible. The method and tactics of treatment are determined by the doctor in each case individually.
Valgus deformity of the hind limbs.
In the canine community, the disease is called X-shaped hind limbs. Hallux valgus develops most often in rapidly growing puppies of large breed dogs. It is characterized by significant curvature of the bones of the thigh and lower leg, as a result of which the position of the hind limbs significantly changes.

The most likely cause today is improper feeding. Excess protein and energy in a puppy's diet leads to accelerated growth and weight gain. In this case, the total weight of the young animal exceeds the natural resistance to the loads of the developing skeletal system of the limbs.

If animals get to the doctor in a timely manner, before the onset of severe deformities of the limbs, then a sharp restriction of the amount of protein and calorie content of the feed is sufficient. Painkillers and chondroprotectors reduce pain, but thus increase the young animal’s need for movement, which leads to an increase in biomechanical load. After the growth zones are closed, corrective operations on the bones can be performed, which significantly improves the quality of life of animals.
Osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology manifested by impaired mineralization of cartilage. The disease is widespread throughout various animal species, including dogs. In dogs, osteochondrosis is observed as a primary disease in large breed puppies (i.e., more than 25 kg of adult animal weight). Breeds at greatest risk: Great Dane, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler.

If the disease affects the articular cartilage, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) may subsequently develop. In OCD, part of the articular cartilage begins to separate and may become fragmented. At the same time, inflammation of the joint is noted.

Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial disease in which genetics and nutrition play significant roles. The disease affects various breeds and each of them has a specific localization of osteochondrosis. Thus, in Rottweilers, OCD lesions are more common in the elbow and hock joints. In most cases, lesions are observed from different sides.

Cartilage separation in osteochondrosis is most common in areas subject to the greatest load.

In puppies of large dogs with osteochondrosis, damage to the growth zones is also observed, which leads to curvature of the bones of the forearm, separation of the olecranon process from the ulna and supraglenoid process from the scapula.

It has been scientifically proven that long-term consumption of excess amounts of balanced food or food rich in calcium (regardless of other components) may cause an increase in the frequency and severity of signs of osteochondrosis in puppies of large breed dogs. Similar changes can be observed in puppies raised on a diet high in calcium.

There is a misconception that there is no such thing as too much calcium, and the puppy will absorb as much calcium from the diet as it needs. Experiments have shown that dogs fed foods high in calcium absorb much more of it.

In dogs with articular cartilage osteochondrosis without cartilage detachment, only nonspecific clinical signs may be evident. In cases where the cartilage begins to peel away, osteoarthritis and inflammation of the subchondral bone may occur. The result is lameness.

Measurement of circulating concentrations of calcium and phosphorus does not allow establishing the ratio in feed and absorption of these elements and cannot be used to support the diagnosis of osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of articular cartilage does not always develop into OCD. However, in cases where the cartilage begins to delaminate, surgical treatment is required.

If osteochondrosis affects the growth zone of the forearm bones, the so-called "crooked beam syndrome" In crooked ray syndrome, severe shortening of the ulna may be irreversible, as may abnormal development of the wrist and/or separation of the olecranon.

Nutritional correction in the early stages can have a positive effect on the spontaneous disappearance of cartilage lesions. Osteochondrosis of the articular cartilage and growth plates may resolve, but dietary changes may not help in cases of OCD where cartilage detachment has occurred or where severe radial curvature has occurred. In most of these cases, surgical correction is indicated.

Feed correction involves reducing the intake of energy (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), calcium and vitamins to the minimum needs of the dog. Drug treatment of osteochondrosis in dogs is ineffective.

Not only its growth and development depend on how well the puppy eats.

Properly fed puppies have good immunity and are less susceptible to disease.

Adequate provision of all nutrients and proper care will help to fully realize the genetic potential and lay the foundation for a long, fulfilling and healthy life for your pet.

Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian

“It will heal like a dog,” many say and... they are sorely mistaken! Our four-legged friends are no less susceptible to various diseases, including those related to the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes it happens that a dog's hind legs give out. What are the reasons for this misfortune and how can you help your friend?

Symptoms

Some dogs' paws give out overnight, while for others it can take a very long time before a person notices something is wrong. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this are not always clearly visible; much depends on the cause of the disease.

The most important symptom is pain, which, by the way, is not always clearly expressed. At the very beginning of the development of some diseases, the dog may, due to pain in the rear part of the body, begin to wobble with its hindquarters. This is clearly noticeable while walking. Also, sometimes pain can occur after heavy physical activity or active games.

Often the pain syndrome is pronounced, and the dog not only cannot walk normally, but even falls to the ground and tries to get up. She cannot do this, which is why she suffers and panics. In some cases, after rest, the animal can move again, but sometimes the dog can be deprived of legs for a long time.

It is because of the pain that the dog develops weakness in its hind legs and cannot stand confidently. There can be no talk of jumping and fast running at all. You can often observe that the dog not only changes its gait, but also begins to tangle its paws.

The worst symptom is numbness in the paws; the dog cannot move them. This means that paresis or paralysis has occurred and immediate treatment is needed.

Causes

Diseases that cause paw failure do not always appear immediately, which is why they are difficult to diagnose. Sometimes they can develop for a very long time, and the owner, due to ignorance of the pet’s condition, accelerates its development with stress. What diseases can lead a dog to such a state that its paws will fail? Are they treatable?

Injuries

The most common causes of the inability to stand on their hind legs, paralysis and paresis are common injuries. An awkward movement, a jump from a great height, or a fall of a dog can cause a fracture or sprain, a pinched nerve, a tendon rupture and other troubles.

The slightest displacement of bones, for example, vertebral discs, can lead to a pinched nerve, and then the dog simply ceases to feel the hind legs. Or, for example, at the site of damage to the spinal column, swelling occurs, which gradually begins to compress the spinal cord. The blood flow in it is disrupted, and the nerve cells begin to die. Naturally, the nerve impulses no longer reach their destination, which leads to the fact that the legs fail.

Sometimes, even after long-term treatment, when everything seems to have gone away for the dog, the back legs may fail again. This is usually due to undertreatment of the primary cause. But in any case, the help of a qualified veterinarian is needed here - he is the one who can put the pet on its feet.

Discopathy

The second most common cause of paw failure is discopathy or intervertebral hernia. This is a disease of the vertebral discs. During discopathy, the altered disc substance gradually enters the spinal canal where the spinal cord is located. Because of this, it is compressed or the spinal nerves are compressed.

Discopathy primarily affects dogs with a long spine, namely dachshunds and basset hounds. In representatives of other breeds, this diagnosis is less common and the disease may not be as pronounced. For example, in German shepherds, paresis or paralysis of the hind limbs is often the result of dysplasia. Old pets often suffer. The disease usually manifests itself gradually, developing over several years or months.

French bulldogs also suffer from discopathy, as due to selection the length of their spine has increased. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect pets of this breed from sudden movements and excessive stress. Moreover, intervertebral hernia is very difficult to treat and can make a dog disabled. Veterinarians will talk about the disease in the next video.

Dysplasia

Perhaps one of the most severe and difficult to treat diseases is joint dysplasia. It usually affects only large and heavy breeds, such as Labradors, Shepherds, St. Bernards, and Great Danes. Dysplasia can develop due to the rapid growth of the puppy from 4 to 8 months - at this time it is necessary to prevent the disease.

The first symptoms of dysplasia are usually clearly visible even to an inexperienced owner. The dog begins to limp after sleeping or lying in one place for a long time, begins to wobble with its hindquarters after exercise, and cannot run much. If these signs occur, you should immediately contact your veterinarian and have X-rays taken to check for dysplasia. The disease requires immediate treatment, otherwise the dog may completely lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.

This disease is often inherited. Therefore, when choosing a large breed puppy, you should request not only documents for the dog, but also tests for dysplasia of both parents. But an acquired dog should be tested for the presence of the disease at the age of 1 year and older. Then it is most revealing.

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis of the spinal column can be called a “continuation” of discopathy. This is the most severe degree of damage to the vertebrae, and is associated with impaired mineralization of cartilage. This organ becomes harder than necessary, which can lead to joint destruction. Ligaments and intervertebral joints also suffer greatly from osteochondrosis.

The main causes of osteochondrosis are hereditary factors, injuries, microcirculation disorders, autoimmune processes, excess weight and others. As a rule, small and some large breeds are susceptible to the disease.

Often osteochondrosis occurs without visible symptoms, but pets sometimes begin to drag their hind legs. Often the movements of a sick animal are constrained. The disease can cause a dog's paws to fail over time.

Arthritis and arthrosis

These two diseases can also easily debilitate a dog if left untreated. Large and heavy breeds are usually affected by both. Arthrosis is a chronic disease that differs from arthritis mainly in the absence of an inflammatory process. The cartilage begins to change greatly, and then collapse. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint capsule, often found in older dogs.

The causes of diseases are different - these are microtraumas, unhealthy diet, lack of vitamins, hypothermia, lack of exercise or its excess, age, excess weight and others. Sometimes an attack of pain in dogs appears after prolonged exercise - this is why the animal walks, wobbling its backside, or falls, and cannot get up. His legs become like cotton wool. But sometimes a few tens of minutes are enough, and the dog can walk again, but what happened is a reason to go to the veterinarian and get treatment.

Ways to deal with the problem

The best way to fight is disease prevention. And if your dog’s hind legs give out, you should definitely call a veterinarian at home. In the meantime, he gets to you - provide first aid.

First aid and treatment

At the very first sign of problems with the back legs, you should immediately take your dog to the veterinarian for an initial examination. The earlier treatment is diagnosed, the greater the chance of success.

If the dog has received a serious injury, for example to the spine, and its hind legs have stopped moving, then it is important to immobilize it. This can be done by carefully placing a board under the animal and tying the pet to it. Painkillers cannot be used in such cases, and fixation will prevent the animal’s condition from worsening even further.

The veterinarian will definitely examine the dog, assess whether there is sensitivity in the limbs, the presence of pain in the spine, and prescribe the necessary tests and treatment. It is either medicinal or surgical - it all depends on the disease and severity. It is worth remembering that there are often cases when completely hopeless animals were put back on their feet, so there is no need to despair.

Very often on dog breeders’ forums and in requests to veterinarians, you can come across a group of questions related to the problem when dogs’ hind legs fail. This problem is in most cases associated with neurological abnormalities and small and medium-sized dog breeds are especially susceptible to it. However, these are not all the reasons for such a terrible consequence; it happens that, for example, a dog falls on its hind legs for no apparent reason. Why this occurs, what to do and what treatment is needed, we will consider in this article.

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Symptoms of Hind Leg Failure in Dogs

The first and most common symptom that precedes hind leg failure in dogs is pain. This is often associated with a neurological disorder in the spinal column, so the animal will experience pain and discomfort especially when moving or suddenly changing position. A little later, muscle weakness and lack of nerve impulse may occur, as a result of which the pet cannot move. After this, all pain sensitivity disappears and the dog, roughly speaking, no longer feels its limbs.

It is important to note that all of the above symptoms can either increase gradually, appearing after a certain time, or arise suddenly, for example, during a walk. The occurrence of all these symptoms can be caused by a sudden movement during the game or a sharp push. Also, initial symptoms can very quickly develop into complications. For example, in the morning a dog may feel pain, and by the evening its hind legs may be paralyzed.

No dog owner is immune from such an unpleasant disease, but breeds with elongated bodies, for example, dachshunds, as well as brachycephalic breeds (pugs, Pekingese and others), are especially at risk.

Causes and diseases leading to hind leg failure

There can be many reasons why a dog's hind legs fail. Therefore, most often, owners whose dogs have this problem are lost and do not know what to do. Many people note in bewilderment that in the morning or yesterday their pet was running briskly, playing and having fun, but in the evening or today it is already pulling the back of its body and cannot get up. Let us immediately note that some dog breeds have a genetic tendency, so the problem may be hidden. As a rule, in this case, the paws fail between the ages of 3 and 8 years.

But we should also not forget that limb failure may be due to a long-standing injury or untreated damage. For example, tendon sprains, fractures, and bruises often affect nerves. Arthritis and arthrosis, tumor formations on bones and joints also cause pinching. Among the reasons, specific diseases also play an important role. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Injuries and pinched nerves

These are perhaps the most common and, so to speak, simplest reasons. A simple unfortunate fall or sudden movement can cause pinched nerves and tissue damage. Discopathies, intervertebral hernias - all this is the result of inattentive or late treatment of injury, which can lead to failure of the hind legs. Not the last place in this group is occupied by spinal pathology, during which the innervation of the limbs is disrupted.

Degenerative diseases of the spine

Often, during an injury or due to improper physical activity, the structure of the spinal column is disrupted. As a result, its oxygen supply deteriorates and cells die. The spinal cord is affected, resulting in paralysis and complete failure of the paws. Due to poor metabolism in the spinal cord, spondylosis or local aging of its segments may occur. On X-ray examination, this disease often appears as beak-like growths on the spine.

Tumors in the spine

The same injuries, bruises, sprains can cause tumor processes. They are dangerous because they lead to pathologies in the spinal cord, paralyzing the limbs. In addition to failure of the hind legs, dogs may experience an arched back, disturbances in gait, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, and pain. Stable excessive loads on the spine can cause deformation of its joints and, as a result, spinal hernia.

Scheme of damage to vertebral discs during discopathy

Discopathy

This is another of the most common reasons why dogs may experience hind limb failure. This disease is associated with intervertebral discs, when their substance compresses the spinal cord, disrupting its function. This results in a neurological deficit. Most often, this manifestation occurs in large, middle-aged dogs and develops over a very long period (from several months to several years).

It is important to note that French bulldogs are especially susceptible to discopathy due to their structure and the very strong load on the spine. At the same time, disc prolapse in these dogs can occur not only during movement, but also at rest.

Dysplasia

Dysplasia is another very common cause of hind limb failure. Large breed dogs are predisposed to it, so they need regular x-ray examinations. With this disease, paralysis of the hind legs does not occur suddenly, but is manifested by certain symptoms. At first there are difficulties in movement, pain, and gait disturbance. Without proper attention, the disease progresses to an advanced, complex stage.

Treatment

Of course, in order to help your pet, you need to know exactly the cause of the disease, and for this you need to contact a veterinary clinic. It is advisable to get an appointment immediately with a doctor specializing in neurology. Even simple lameness or difficulty getting up can be a reason to visit the veterinarian. Do not think that this is a short-term phenomenon that will go away on its own. It’s good if so, but this could also be the first sign of very serious illnesses.

If your pet is injured, jumps unsuccessfully, or pulls a muscle, do not delay going to the veterinarian. Only competent treatment can save the dog from subsequent negative manifestations. It is strictly forbidden to use painkillers without a doctor's recommendation. Moreover, the pain will limit the animal’s movement, which means the risk of even greater injury will be eliminated.

Remember that only a timely visit to a specialist and a competent approach to treatment will help to fully get the dog back on its feet. Otherwise, help may be ineffective and then your pet will only have one sentence - a stroller. Depending on the diagnosis and cause of the disease, the veterinarian may prescribe treatment with medications, massage, certain physical activities, diet, etc.

First aid for a pet

Regardless of the nature of the injury, its extent or signs, it is important to get your pet to the clinic as soon as possible. At the same time, you cannot force him to walk if his motor function is still possible. Pick up the dog or place it in the car and take it to the veterinarian. The specialist must establish the integrity of paw sensitivity, check for pain, the presence of injuries and pathologies. The doctor may also take blood and urine tests for additional information.

If your dog's back legs are giving out, you should secure him on a strong, hard surface. Any medications, including painkillers, cannot be given. It is important to carefully deliver the dog to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible without unnecessary shaking.

As for the veterinarian's advice, it all boils down to a couple of very basic rules:

do not engage in treatment on your own, do not undertake any courses or methods of treatment on your own;
an experienced specialist should do an x-ray and myelography to assess the situation;
carry out timely prevention especially for those dogs that are by nature prone to spinal pathologies and dysplasia.

Video: Paralysis of the hind legs in dogs

If your pet cannot walk due to paralysis of its hind legs, all is not lost. There is always hope!

Today I will talk about why some dogs may experience back leg failure. I will consider possible pathological processes, their causes, how they manifest themselves and which breeds are predisposed. I’ll tell you what to do and how to cure it with folk remedies if the dog cannot get up and its paws are taken away. This will cover the issues of preventing spinal diseases.

Causes of hind leg failure in dogs

Damage to the peripheral nerves of the spinal column.
Intervertebral hernia.
Spondylosis.
Paw injuries.
Tumors.
Osteochondrosis.

All these pathologies can lead to complete or partial paralysis of the hind legs, weakness and lethargy.

A little more about these pathologies.

X-ray - failure of the hind limbs of a dog

Damage to peripheral nerves of the spinal column

This happens if the dog has a history of a gunshot wound, beating the animal in the back area, when hematomas compress the nerves and prevent them from freely transmitting impulses to the pelvic limbs and the paws may fail.

The process is reversible. After recovery is completed, the animals regain the ability to move, unless there has been serious damage to the spinal column.

As an additional therapy, if the examination did not reveal any third-party pathologies, a paw massage is performed so that after the nerves are restored, the dog can stand on its paws faster and more confidently.

Arthritis is a common cause of limb mobility impairment.

Intervertebral hernia

Intervertebral hernia is observed in dogs with a long spine - corgis and dachshunds.

The German Shepherd has large distances between the vertebrae, which leads to prolapse. The fibrinous ring, under the influence of various factors, moves beyond the boundaries of the vertebral disc, dragging the nucleus pulposus with it. Nerves are compressed.

The process is developing slowly. Often seen in older dogs.

You can tell that a dog is suffering from a hernia by the following signs:

She lies in an unusual position for her and cannot walk.
Refuses active games, lethargic.
At first the hind legs give way, the dog falls, becomes weak, and feels unwell. Complete paralysis appears some time after the onset of the disease.
When touched to the back (usually the lumbar region) it shows that it is sick.

In advanced cases, it can only be treated with surgery.

It happens that only the fibrinous ring protrudes beyond the vertebral disc, without dragging the nucleus along with it. With this pathology, paralysis of the pelvic limbs does not develop, but the gait becomes unsteady and unsure.

A characteristic sign of the disease is stiffness of movement after sleep or long rest.

Spondylosis

The disease is characterized by aging of individual vertebrae. 1-3 may suffer, and the rest remain unchanged. The fibrinous egg is affected without affecting the nucleus pulposus. The process proceeds slowly, not manifesting itself in any way until the last stage, when the longitudinal ligament calcifies. At this stage, paresis and paralysis of the pelvic limbs develop.

Paw injuries

These include:

Dislocations.
Various fractures and legs may be lost.
Sprained and torn ligaments, the dog pulls its paws behind itself.
Inflammation of ligaments and tendons.

Hind limb injury

Everything happens as a result of trauma that the animal receives during active games, falls and impacts.

A characteristic feature of injury is acute pain in the affected area.

Tumors

New growths near or in the spinal cord lead to compression of the nerve tissue and swelling, which prevent the transmission of impulses to the hind legs.

In addition to paralysis of the limbs, the following symptoms appear:

Refusal to eat.
Urinary and fecal incontinence.
There is exhaustion.
The dog arches its back.

The only possible treatment is removal of the tumors.

Chemotherapy drugs are rarely available for animals.

Osteochondrosis

Damage occurs not only to the vertebral discs, but also to the ligamentous apparatus. Depending on the location of the lesion, different symptoms are observed.

The dog lies down a lot, stops running and playing, gets up reluctantly and slowly

Throughout the entire period of illness, the animal shows in every possible way that something is bothering it. She may lie uncharacteristically, move little, and whine if the affected area is touched.

Osteochondrosis develops slowly, and the limbs begin to fail only at the last stage.

Discopathy

Bulldogs are susceptible. The essence of the disease is that due to the large distance between the vertebrae, the ligamentous apparatus weakens. The vertebra descends, injuring the spinal cord.

With discopathy in dogs, the paws suddenly fail.

The disease is hereditary. Common in the following breeds:

French bulldogs.
Dachshunds.
Corgi.
Pekingese.

What to do if your dog's back legs fail

First of all, go to the vet.

When considering possible pathologies, treatment is completely different, and independent therapy will lead to dire consequences.

The veterinarian will prescribe an x-ray of the pelvic limbs and spine, which will show pathologies of the paws and spine.

Only an experienced veterinarian can treat the disease.

Treatment methods

Approximate treatment plan

Fracture

Surgery to place pins and plates to help the bone heal properly. After a month, the dog gets up on its paws and begins to lead an active life.

In case of damage to the peripheral nerves of the spinal column

Drugs are prescribed to stimulate the restoration of nerve tissue. As a rule, treatment takes a long time due to the nature of fiber regeneration.

Tumors and intervertebral hernia

Depending on the size of the pathology, surgery is performed.

Osteochondrosis

Successfully treated at different stages. Therapy is complex and lifelong.

Appointed:

Dietary therapy to maintain healthy joints from a line of professional animal feeds
Chondroprotectors – for restoration of cartilage tissue
B vitamins – as a rule, the drug Combilipen is used
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapeutic procedures - warming with a blue lamp
Massage if the disease was detected at an early stage.

Treatment is long and complex and always comprehensive

Spondylosis

It is treated with lifelong use of NSAIDs and various methods of physical therapy, for example, acupuncture at certain points and acupressure. In case of calcification of the ligaments, lipase injections are prescribed.

Discopathy

In the early stages, NSAIDs are used. In advanced cases, surgical intervention.

How to avoid hind leg problems

Small puppies under 6 months of age must be able to go down stairs and from heights with the help of the owner.
Predisposed breeds should undergo x-ray examinations once a year to identify pathologies in the early stages
Avoid injury to paws and spine
Moderate physical activity
Balanced diet

For dogs with a predisposition to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, chondroprotectors are prescribed after the second year of life.

Unfortunately, some dogs suffer from this type of disease.

Quick and thoughtful actions, even in case of illness, can protect the animal from complete paralysis

But you can help her if you contact a veterinarian in a timely manner, follow all his instructions and surround your pet with affection and care.

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