My dog's back legs are weak and spasm in cold weather. What's wrong?

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! There are a few conditions that can affect a dog's ambulation such as a back injury or an injury to the legs per se. Sometimes weakness in the hind limbs can be caused by things like dehydration. Vomiting can be indicative of conditions such as gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Hi. This sounds very sad and painful. He needs to be seen either by an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. He will need imaging of his spine and some labwork. He will also most likely need to go on medications for pain and inflammation. I recommend getting him seen right away

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!

That is definitely concerning. Young dogs can have problems such as hip dysplasia, a disorder called Legg Calf Perthes disease that causes damage to the hip, problems with the spine that can cause weakness, Among others. An evaluation by your veterinarian and possible X-rays may help identify the cause and develop a plan for treatment. I hope this gives you someplace to start! I hope he improves quickly!

Hello, thank you for your question about Bentley. Based on the weakness and symptoms that you are describing it is possible that Bentley may be experiencing some mild pain from arthritis or could have strained a muscle/tendon. It is also possible that Bentley's back could be sore as this usually leads to signs of weakness in the hind limbs; however, this type of injury is much more common in smaller breed dogs. If Bentley's signs are more mild and he is otherwise acting ok I would recommend continuing to monitor him for the next 24-48 hours. If this weakness or soreness do not go away I would recommend having him seen by your veterinarian so that they can perform an examination and look for any sources of pain. They can then discuss the need for pain/anti-inflammatory medications if warranted. Hope this helps, good luck!

Lucas's back legs may not be working properly due to age related changes such as arthritis, or due to reduce nerve sensation to his hind legs, which can be caused by problems with his spine or brain. I would have Lucas seen by a vet for this. The vet can diagnose what is causing the problems with his hind limbs, and can discuss treatment options with you.