My Boston Terrier's back leg injured, X-rays clear, no feeling?

I would be very suspicious of a disc pushing on the spinal cord (intervertebral disc disease - IVDD). It can't be diagnosed on x-rays - you need a CT scan or MRI. It is a common problem in brachycephalic breeds. There is nothing that can prevent it. I would make sure that Seymour takes it easy for the next couple of weeks. Limit jumping and running to give his body time to heal. If it happens again, he should be evaluated by a vet ASAP.

Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. Without examining Bruno it is difficult to say what it could be. He could be dealing with a nerve injury or neurological condition, soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), ACL injury, bone trauma, infectious, etc. If x-rays have already been performed, I would suggest having an orthopedic specialist take a look at Bruno. Bruno may need a CT scan of the leg to help determine what this could be so that the most appropriate diagnostics and treatments can be recommended. It is also possible that this is a soft tissue injury and Bruno will start feeling much better and then run or jump leading to a re-injury of the leg. You may need to look at keeping Bruno crate confined or restricted to a small area so that he cannot run or jump for at least 4 weeks to see how he does with limited activity. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any additional concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

I am so sorry that this has happened to Tommy. Unfortunately I cannot not say for sure if there is any chance of recovery from just X-rays. An MRI or CT really needs to be done to get the best view of the spinal cord and his intervertebral disks. Also, you may want to see if there is a veterinary surgeon who is comfortable with back surgery as this could be an option for Tommy. If not, the only other suggestion would be high doses of steroids. None of these options are guaranteed to work but they might. I hope this helps and hope that Tommy is capable of healing. Hang in there and good luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Boris. Given his breed and your description of not being able to use his rear limbs, I am concerned that he has a condition known as IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). The disc sitting between each vertebra can bulge placing pressure on the spinal cord. In worst cases, this can cause weakness or paralysis in one or more legs. When the hind limbs are affected some dogs will have difficulty going to the bathroom as well. He will need prompt treatment to help him regain function of his legs. Rarely a dog will require back surgery. Of course, something else could be wrong which is why he will need to be seen again. I hope this information helps you and Boris.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Vito. If a fracture has been ruled out by x-rays, then I suspect that he suffered a painful soft tissue injury. He likely has a fair amount of swelling causing the firmness that you feel. I assume that his veterinarian prescribed him pain medication. Keep him very quiet and give the medication as directed. If he was not given any medication, do not give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs. Contact your veterinarian for one if it was not provided. If he does have medication, but it does not seem to be strong enough than ask for a secondary one to be added. I hope this information helps!

I am concerned about a possible trauma or even ruptured disc in his back. Is there any way he could of had trauma or an injury to his back. Also infection like meningitis can cause neurological changes. I know you took him to a vet but he most like needs x-rays and possibly a ct/MRI to really look for broken bones and an injured spinal cord. I hope robin approves quickly

If Olive is having a problem with both back legs, I would suspect she has an issue with her back or hips. Rest her tonight. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. First thing in the morning, take her into her vet. Do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe pain medications for her. I hope this helps.