My old dog can't walk, breathes hard, stiff legs, but is alert?

I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well at the moment! He is a senior large breed dogs, and musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis are common in these dogs. Those would both cause him trouble walking. He could also have a problem with his back. Even though it doesn't appear he is in pain, dogs are very stoic and this will be painful for him. I would have him seen today by a vet for a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays. This test will help the vet diagnose what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated. He may benefit from pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

I'm so sorry to hear that Max is having a hard time walking. I would be worried that Max may have some arthritis pain at his age. I am attaching a handout below with more information about pain control options for arthritis. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=587 I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Max and determine what is going on with Max's rear legs and best way to treat him. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and you can figure out how to help Max feel better. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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.

You need to get Tucker to a vet for an exam ASAP. It sounds like he is very sick and is in pain. Remember, he is almost 14 years old which is around 90 years old in human years. He could have some significant underlying medical condition. Please take him to a vet immediately for an exam. Don't let him suffer.

Oh my. Poor guy. The weight loss and his body condition score is very concerning. Gradual weight loss in older pets is highly suspicous of cancer unfortunately. Other possible causes are intestinal parasites, diabetes mellitus, etc. There is also possible arthritis which is causing Blue to become debilitated and unable to move around well; however, generalized weakness could also be a cause. You can try to feed Blue a high calorie diet (ie puppy food) to help with his muscle tone and try over the counter joint supplements (ie Dasuquin) to help with his mobility. Here is a website link with more financial resources to help you get him seen by a vet for further care because he really needs medical attention and testing to determine if this is something serious or not, and to pursue medical treatment. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html Best of luck to you and your pet Blue. I really hope he will be ok. Take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am concerned that this is likely due to a neurological abnormality such as a herniated disc which can be a surgical emergency. However, other things are possible. This does warrant a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They can then recommend therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

Poor Axle! This definitely sounds like a neck or back injury. They can tweak their back from running too fast or turning/jumping the wrong way. This could be an inflamed intervertebral disc or a pulled muscle. I would strictly confine him for a week. I would also have your vet check him out to confirm this is the problem. Your vet will be able to get him started on some pain anti-inflammatory meds to help heal his injury and make him feel better. If he looks like he is labored breathing, his gums are not pink, or he is walking really wobbly (drunk walking), then I would take him to the emergency clinic as This could be a serious problem and need to be addressed immediately. I hope this helps and that sweet baby starts to feel better soon.