Why is my dog's back end weak, collapsing, and losing energy?

This could be due to a bulging or ruptured intervertebral disc, causing pressure on the spinal cord resulting in ataxia and progressing to paralysis I recommend immediate treatment Your veterinarian will do a neurological assessment and perhaps an X-ray or blood tests to determine the diagnosis and will start treatment right away so hopefully Bubbas will regain the use of his legs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bubbas.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to a neurologic condition such as a herniated disc. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this and treat him accordingly. Best of luck!

It sounds like what you are describing is weakness. Did your pup have a neurologic exam? What we look for is evidence of pain (although this can sometimes be inconsistent in pets), loss of sensation to the feet (does he fail to flip his foot back over when the top of his foot is placed down?), and presence or absence of reflexes. The results of these tests can help to determine if it's neurologic in origin and what portion of the spinal cord may be affected. Although, it can sometimes be hard to differentiate orthopedic from neurologic disease. Plain xrays of the spine are helpful to rule out any bony abnormalities, and sometimes we can see evidence of narrow disc spaces, but ultimately we cannot see the spinal cord, nerves leaving the spinal cord, or the soft tissues. If a neurologic problem is suspected an MRI is often needed. But, there are also some other conditions that can cause weakness that are metabolic in origin (has your guy had any senior lab work recently?) or related to loss of signaling to the muscles (for example a disease called myasthenia gravis) or related to a degenerative process such as degenerative myelopathy. If there is a component of pain detected on exam then anti-inflammatory pain medication may help. If you feel like things are getting worse it would be a good time to have a re-evaluation with your family vet. Another option as well, if a neurologic process is suspected, would be to have a consult with a veterinary neurologist. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and diarrhea can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. He could be weak on his hind end from not eating before and/or from dehydration so that could be connected. I recommend that you have Kip evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

This is most likely from a bulging intervertebral disc pressing on the nerves to his legs. I recommend a veterinary exam and spinal X-ray to be sure. Then as long as he’s walking I recommend pain medication, muscle relaxers and I treat these dogs with laser and acupuncture. He needs to rest, no running or jumping and short slow leash walks for three weeks. Usually this will improve with treatment in three to four weeks. He also could rupture the intervertebral disc and become paralyzed. That is a medical emergency and he may need surgery by a specialist so he could walk again. Please take him in soon and get treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Armor.

Poor Turbena! I'm afraid this is very concerning. Loss of function in the rear legs is most often due to a "slipped" or herniated disc in the spine, but could also be due to some other neurologic problem or illness. This problem needs immediate treatment for the best chance of recovery, so I would recommend taking Turbena to the vet now. He/she can do a complete neurologic exam as well as x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment right away.

Poor Tyler! If it has nothing to do with his heart or trachea, then it may have something to do with his joints. He may be suffering from arthritic pain which over time has lead to muscle atrophy and weakness of his hind legs. You can try joint supplements (i.e. Dasuquin) and look into water therapy or similar physical therapy services available in your area to help build up his muscle strength. Then you should discuss with your vet about some other medical treatments that are safe for him, considering his medical history. A radiograph if his hind legs will also confirm a suspected arthritis and determine the degree of arthritis there to help tailor his therapy recommendations. I hope your fur baby gets proper care soon so that he can have a better quality of life. Best wishes.