My dog's back legs stopped working suddenly, no pain. What's next?

Spinal cord infarct and slipped disc (intervertebral disc extrusion) may be most likely differentials considering the description of the signs you provided. This clinical status require and immediate check up and neurological and physical examination. 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.

Oh dear! This is a very serious problem - I'm afraid she really has to see a vet right away. She may have a herniated disc in her back causing the paralysis, or some other neurologic problem affecting her spinal cord. She may be in pain, or she may have no feeling at all in her rear legs - it's impossible to say without an exam. She needs immediate treatment to have a reasonable chance of regaining function in her rear legs, I'm afraid there's nothing you can do at home that will help her. If costs are a concern, you can see if there is a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help. You could also apply online for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most vet clinics: www.carecredit.com

Hello, I'm concerned that Hercules may have injured his back or spine somehow, which could lead to him not using his back legs well. I would recommend having him seen by a vet right away so his neurologic function to his legs can be assessed. They will likely recommend x-rays to initially image his spine, and may recommend CT or MRI imaging if they are suspicious of a herniated disc. Rest, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and good pain management medications are important mainstays for healing any type of back injury. Some back injuries may require surgery if there is severe spinal damage. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!

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.

Charlie needs to see the veterinarian today. Losing the usage of the hind legs is serious and can indicate many conditions like compression of the spinal cord, cancer or a blood clot. This can effect the ability to voluntarily urinate long term and needs to be addressed asap otherwise there can be permenant damage. The damage can occur in as little as 24 hours. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.