As a pet parent, it can be distressing to witness your dog struggling to move around due to weak back legs. When your four-legged friend is having difficulty with mobility, it can be difficult to know how to help. Over the years, technology has provided pet parents with a variety of options to assist dogs with mobility issues, allowing them to live more comfortable and active lives. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods that can be used to help your dog’s back legs, so that you can make an informed decision and make sure your pet is receiving the best possible care. From physical therapy to wheelchairs, there are a variety of ways to give your dog the support it needs. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so you can make a decision that best suits your pet’s needs.
Common Causes of Back Leg Weakness in Older Dogs
Arthritis
Arthritis causes stiffness in the joints, which can weaken the back legs. Older dogs are especially at risk. The cartilage between a dog’s joints may deteriorate with age, which may result in inflammation and discomfort. Degenerative Joint Disease, which is osteoarthritis in dogs, could develop as a result of the condition. In addition to your dog’s back legs collapsing, keep an eye out for these other osteoarthritis symptoms.
Learn more about at-home arthritis remedies.
Hip Dysplasia
Chronic hip dysplasia is brought on by the hip joint’s ball and socket rubbing against one another because of a malformation. The constant rubbing results in significant cartilage loss over time and can lead to osteoarthritis. Back leg collapse is a symptom of hip dysplasia in older dogs, but other symptoms to watch out for include:
Learn more about Dog Hip Dysplasia.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Especially the brain’s neurons, the nervous system deteriorates and loses function in Degenerative Myelopathy, a genetic and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Onset usually happens when dogs are around eight years old. The fact that the dog will feel NO PAIN distinguishes DM from the other possible causes of their back legs collapsing in older dogs. Additionally, be on the lookout for:
Weight
As they age, dogs, like people, might put on weight. You’re in luck if your older dog’s back legs are collapsing due to weight gain because it’s the simplest condition to treat. Make sure your senior dog exercises frequently and consumes a balanced diet. Compared to younger dogs, older dogs don’t need as much food. Also, consider foods with lower fat content.
Caring for an older dog with weak back legs
We’re not ashamed to admit that our oldest fur babies hold a special place in our hearts, but all dogs are wonderful companions who enrich our lives. They have been with us through good times and bad, and they are privy to our darkest secrets. Your beloved old dog may experience health problems as they age, such as their back legs collapsing. Contents.
It can be frightful for you both if your dog’s legs give way. You probably frantically searched for “old dog back legs collapsing” and related terms if you came across this article. We’ll discuss some of the most typical causes of older dogs losing strength in their back legs and share a few strategies you can use to support your dog as they adjust. Here’s what you should know.
Treatment of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
After the diagnosis, the proper course of action will be prescribed for the various treatments. The severity of any injuries will determine how they are treated. Surgery may be advised for some conditions, but medical management may be preferred for others, such as degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, Wobblers syndrome, cancer, or Cushing’s disease. Wobbler syndrome can also be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs. Before or after surgery, many conditions call for rest, which might necessitate cage confinement. For many spinal diseases and arthritic conditions, painkillers are frequently prescribed. Along with surgery, cancer patients frequently receive a variety of therapies like radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to shrink or remove the tumor.
Drugs that balance hormone levels in the body can also be used to treat Cushings disease. Through specialized diets and exercise routines, blood glucose monitoring, and daily insulin injections, diabetes will require lifelong management. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, glycosaminoglycan supplementation, as well as alterations to your dog’s environment to promote rest and ease of movement, can all be beneficial for arthritic animals. Other effective alternative therapies include hydrotherapy, cold laser, massage, and acupuncture.
Botulism is treated mainly through supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte therapy. Any infected wounds are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and medication can be prescribed if symptoms worsen, such as in the case of seizures. Therapies for other types of poisonings, such as from chemicals or plants, can include administering activated charcoal or mineral oil to reduce toxin absorption in the stomach, various medications to treat specific symptoms, and supportive treatments. Curious about which health plan is right for your dog? Head over to Forbes breakdown of the best pet insurance plans.
Worried about the cost of Back Leg Weakness treatment?
Many common pet health conditions are covered by pet insurance. Get a quote from top pet insurance companies to be prepared for the unexpected.
FAQ
What causes older dogs back legs to give out?
The hind legs of a dog may suddenly give out due to a variety of mobility problems. For instance, a dog’s back legs may buckle as a result of an accident, aging and leg weakness, arthritis, or a more severe medical condition like Degenerative Myelopathy.
Can a dog recover from hind leg weakness?
There is a good chance that dogs who have lost muscle mass due to injury or surgical recovery will regain the strength in their back legs. However, dogs with weak back legs brought on by a degenerative disease or other mobility issues might never regain full use of them.
How Long Can dogs live with weak back legs?
Unfortunately, the majority of dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose all control of their legs, bladder, and bowels and must be put to sleep. A dog with degenerative myelopathy has a one- to two-year life expectancy after diagnosis.
What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?
A number of disorders, such as spinal cord damage, orthopedic disease, or systemic illness, can cause sudden onset of collapse. Your regular veterinarian should be contacted right away if this sudden weakness in the hind legs is a sign of a disease. Or even a trip to the emergency room.