Pet dragging legs, vet suggests neurologist. Is it life-threatening?

This sign as you described it seems to be compatible with a neurological problem, most likely affecting the spinal cord at the thoracolumbar level. Intervertebral disc extrusion, spinal cord infarct and spinal cord tumor are all possible differentials and immediate check up and neurological examination should be performed as soon as possible to be able to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Further investigations like x rays may be immediately needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

While what you describe sounds like there could be some spinal nerve injury, I worry more about more life threatening internal injuries such as perforations, ruptures, etc. I would highly recommend having Gilbert seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to listen to his lungs, take x-rays, bloodwork, etc. Sometimes the signs of these injuries do not manifest right away, therefore it is very important to catch them before they become worse or potentially fatal. The veterinarian will also be able to do a cursory neurologic examination, check him for other wounds, and give him medication to make him more comfortable. Getting him to an emergency clinic tonight would be ideal and give Gilbert the best chance at a full and speedy recovery.

The symptom you report could have a few origins; the nervous system, bone, muscle, blood vessels, or the soft tissues. If he is limping (toe touching or hopping) this could be a knee related issue (cruciate injury) which is a common problem. If he is dragging the limb and not placing his foot over correctly (dragging the top of his foot and not flipping it to put the pads down) this may be a neurologic issue. There are a few disease processes that can cause neurologic impairment so a neurologic exam by your vet would help to localize if this is the issue. If there is no trauma a vascular event (clot) is also possible as well. Is the foot warm? It is good that Lakota does not seem painful although sometimes not using the leg is their symptom of pain, any swelling anywhere on the leg? I think what is best is an exam with a veterinarian to localize which organ system is causing the issue, orthopedic (bone, soft tissues) vs neurologic, and help ease your mind about what is causing this. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, he might be experiencing an herniated disc. You would not necessarily see it on xrays. I would recommend to monitor urination and defecation and consider what’s the best way forward considering age, prognosis and welfare. Your vet should be able to advise you considering these three factors. Sending you positive thoughts.

Rascal could have had a painful condition since he was a puppy. Sometimes dogs do not show chronic pain so obviously. Your vet prescribed the anti-inflammatory and the pain medication to rule out that he has pain. If Rascal gets better, livelier and happier, then the medications are working against pain. If they do not make a difference, then he is not so painful and he may have a congenital defect that is causing the dragging and criss crossing the back legs. This would then warrant an exam by a specialist (veterinary neurologist) to find out what is wrong and to determine whether there is a treatment.

Your dog may just be feeling worse after having to get out and about at the vet. Trips like these can be very stressful and hard on older dogs. Your vet probably also did an orthopedic exam, flexing and extending his joints, which could make him more sore. It is possible, although less likely, that your dog is dragging his legs because of spinal damage. If you pinch his toes and he can feel it then this is probably not the issue. Let you dog rest comfortably for now and continue giving the medication as prescribed. If he is not improving within about 24 hours you may want to consider going in for a recheck or asking your vet for additional pain medication. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's hard to tell based on your explanation, but my first guess is that he has [cerebellar hypoplasia](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/cerebellar-hypoplasia). Keep in mind, a full neurologic exam and some testing would be needed to get an actual diagnosis, so this is just a guess. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinary neurologist if you'd like additional information. You can locate a specialist in Internal Medicine or Neurology at [this website](https://www.acvim.org/).