Why is my dog suddenly not walking on her back legs and in pain?

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

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!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Chlorella! There are few possibilities: severe arthritis, Lyme disease, a slipped disk in her beck, degenerative myelopathy or even a spinal tumor. Hip dysplasia is something the dog is borne with and it can get worse over time. It usually isn't sudden. I think you should get her in for an exam this week! I wish you the best!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear Sidney is having issues with using her back legs. An inability to use the rear legs can be due to a variety of reasons, including neurologic issues, tick borne diseases, orthopedic issues, or another underlying metabolic disorder. A mass like you are seeing can be due to a mammary tumor, hernia, or other growth, among others. Due to the severity of what you are describing, I would recommend Sidney be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine what may be going on, have any necessary testing done, and a treatment plan made for her. Good luck!

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!