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My Akita dog is winded, growls, and has back leg pain. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Akita | Male | neutered | 100 lbs

I have a pure breed Akita. Have had him since we rescued him from local shelter in 2012. At that time the shelter assumed he was 3 yrs old. For the last month he get winded by simply going down 5 steps and back up them. He’s been growling 3/4 times when we go to pet him. He acts as if his back legs are bothering him because this week it’s lke it hurts to stand he whines when doing so. When he first stands takes him almost a minute where he isn’t wobbly like a new dawn. What can be causing this a

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2019

Nicco does sound painful. He could have arthritis, hip problems, back problems, or may have torn or strained a ligament in his knee. I would take him into the vet first thing in the morning to have this evaluated and treated. Best of luck.
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