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Why does my dog's back legs suddenly give out, then recover quickly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Husky | Male | neutered | 6 years and 2 months old | 52 lbs

Why is my dog ok one minute and all of a sudden he goes on the floor and he can't stand up? It's like his back legs don't work. It lasts about 2 minutes and then he's like nothing ever happened. This happens like every 2 to 3 months for the past year or so. Is it a muscle spasm? Is it a stomach spasm? Please help. Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Daniel Fonza, DVM

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 7th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. With the intermittent nature of the symptom you are describing and that it happens every 2 or 3 months, this could be a neuromuscular disease, neurological condition, back problem or a heart condition. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Storm so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
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