Why can't my dog use her back legs and is struggling to breathe?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m so sorry to hear Pippy is having issues. I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian as soon as possible, as an inability to move her legs can be a sign of a serious underlying issue. There are a variety of causes for what you are seeing, such as an infection (Lyme disease), neurological or orthopedic issue, among others. As some of these may be time sensitive, I would recommend she be evaluated as soon as possible to see what may be going on, and any treatment she may need. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Harley. I suspect that he may be in pain or he could have a problem with his spine or hips. A problem with his spine would explain the issues he has been having with both the front and hind legs. He could have a slipped disc. I would take him into a vet asap. The vet can diagnose what is causing his problem and can treat him. I would suspect the vet will want to do x-rays. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Phoebe! If Phoebe suddenly is unable to use her rear limbs this is an emergency. I doubt it is from the mass and could be from a slipped disk in her back. This is painful and can have neurologic signs: walking drunk, dragging legs, paresis or paralysis. If she loses deep pain in her legs the prognosis for return of motor function decreases. I recommend that Phoebe go to an emergency hospital or your Vet if open as soon as possible. I hope this helps and I wish Phoebe the best!

This sounds like she may have injured her back which is very serious and needs immediate veterinary attention. If she isn’t using her rear legs this may be temporary or if the nerves have been damaged she could become permanently paralyzed. Please take her in the treatment right away. They will give medication for the pain and to reduce the inflammation around the nerves. Dogs can rupture a disc in their back and may need surgery to relieve the pressure so they can walk again. It’s best to get an exam to determine the cause of her pain and lack of walking in the rear legs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tootie.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are several things this could be including: degenerative myelopethy (usually a gradual onset), a blood or cartilage clot in the spine, or a spinal disk problem. We cannot rule our cancer either, unfortunately. I’d recommend getting in to your vet (tomorrow ideally) as a good physical exam and further questioning can narrow this list down dramatically in some cases. Best wishes to you and Phoebe!

Poor Buddy! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. From your description, I would be concerned about a possible neurologic problem such as a stroke or brain tumor. He may also have severe arthritis issues, or may have a systemic illness of some kind or may have ingested something toxic. This sounds quite serious, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic this evening for an exam. The veterinarian there can do blood work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help.