As dogs age, it's common for them to experience weakness in their hind legs. However, there are steps you can take to help strengthen your senior dog's hind legs and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, will cover the symptoms of weak hind legs, the causes of sudden hind leg weakness in dogs, how to keep your pet's bones and legs strong, and preventative care measures.
Signs a Dog Is Having Difficulties With Their Hind Legs
Due to the similarity of symptoms among the conditions listed above, it can be difficult to identify what causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs. Because of this, it is crucial to seek advice from a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice your dog's leg giving out, or any of the following behaviors in your dog, taking action promptly is important."
- 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
What Causes Sudden Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs
Various factors can lead to the weakening of your pet's hind legs, especially in senior dogs. If your dog's back legs are not working as well as they should, it could be for many reasons, including:
Arthritis
Like humans, dogs can develop arthritis, particularly in their back legs. Osteoarthritis is arthritis that primarily affects a dog's hind legs. This condition occurs when their joints lack sufficient lubrication, leading to painful movement. If your furry friend exhibits any of the following symptoms, it's important to schedule a check-up with the vet:
- Difficulty climbing stairs or walking
- Bunny hopping while moving
- Development of large front-leg muscles and weakening of rear-leg muscles
Hip Dysplasia
This condition can lead to balance problems and, in more serious cases, osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is more common in larger dog breeds, including:
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Saint Bernards
- Great Danes
Hip dysplasia is primarily caused by genetics, but other factors, such as size, weight, and overuse, can also contribute to this condition.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Keep an eye on your pet for signs of degenerative myelopathy, in which the nerve coverings wear out to cause nerve problems, resulting in improper nerve function. This condition can lead to your dog's back legs slipping out from under them, making it hard for them to get around. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Quivering hind legs
- Hind legs coming together while standing
- Feet positioned at unusual angles
Many dog breeds are susceptible to developing a spinal condition, but certain breeds are more susceptible to developing canine degenerative myelopathy, such as:
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause weakness in your pet's hind legs. This happens when their body produces insufficient insulin, leading to unusual blood sugar levels. Look for signs like increased thirst and hunger, incontinence, and weight loss. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it's best to seek advice from a veterinarian and have a blood test done to confirm the diagnosis.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) occurs when a small piece of cartilage blocks the bloodstream, causing swelling in the spinal cord. This results in temporary hind leg movement restriction and pain. FCE is particularly common in larger dog breeds, such as German Shepherds and Irish Wolfhounds.
Limited Mobility
If your pet needs surgical intervention, such as tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery, they might have to take it easy. This might make them temporarily less active, but it's important for their complete and successful recovery.
How can you keep your pet’s bones & legs strong?
To maintain and improve the strength of your dog's hind legs, consider these strategies:
- Gentle, low-impact exercises like walking and swimming can help keep muscles strong without straining the joints.
- Professional physical therapy can offer targeted exercises to strengthen the hind legs.
- Ensure your dog’s diet includes sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals for muscle and bone health.
- Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health.
- Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces the stress on their hind legs and joints.
Alleviating Pain & Discomfort
If your dog's weak back legs make strengthening exercises difficult, alternative options exist to help improve their condition. You can consider using mobility aids such as a wheelchair, a rear-lifting harness, or a hip brace.
These aids can give your dog some freedom and assistance, allowing them to enjoy an active lifestyle, particularly during the longer, warmer summer months.
As pets age, it's important to schedule regular check-ups with the vet to detect any health issues early and ensure they continue to feel well.
Our veterinarians at Grand Prairie specialize in helping older pets maintain optimal health and quality of life. They can identify and treat emerging health problems early on and provide proactive treatment while the condition is still manageable.
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.