Why can't my Maltipoo suddenly use his back legs or climb stairs?

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!

I hate to hear this is happening to Harley. Back pain can be severe and debilitating. The fact that he suddenly can't use the back legs is extremely worrisome and could indicate an emergency situation! Back pain and paralysis can signify a compressed disc or a disc that is pushing on the spinal cord. This is very worrisome because these pets can experience a sudden paralysis that requires surgery. These pets can end up suddenly paralyzed and this can even happen if they have surgery. I recommend to have Harley examined by the veterinarian today. These pets are often given anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs or steroids), muscle relaxants, pain control and STRICT rest so no walks, running, jumping, stairs. Crate rest is best. This could last for up to 8 weeks. Sometimes acupuncture or other therapy is also required. Play it safe and have him examined today. I hope this helps.

This is most likely from a bulging intervertebral disc pressing on the nerves to his legs. I recommend a veterinary exam and spinal X-ray to be sure. Then as long as he’s walking I recommend pain medication, muscle relaxers and I treat these dogs with laser and acupuncture. He needs to rest, no running or jumping and short slow leash walks for three weeks. Usually this will improve with treatment in three to four weeks. He also could rupture the intervertebral disc and become paralyzed. That is a medical emergency and he may need surgery by a specialist so he could walk again. Please take him in soon and get treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Armor.

I am concerned about a possible trauma or even ruptured disc in his back. Is there any way he could of had trauma or an injury to his back. Also infection like meningitis can cause neurological changes. I know you took him to a vet but he most like needs x-rays and possibly a ct/MRI to really look for broken bones and an injured spinal cord. I hope robin approves quickly

Hi, you should have him checked over as he could have a herniated disc in his spine or another spinal disease that will just get worse over the course of time and could eventually lead to permanent loss of use of back legs and troubles going to the toilet. Hope you can have Joey checked over ASAP.

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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are describing sounds as though Frankey is suffering from a neurological condition. Without examining him it is impossible to say for sure. He may have a protruding disk in his spine that is compressing the spinal cord leading to this paralysis / weakness of the hind end. I would also be worried that this could be a degenerative muscle disease leading to the weakness. Frankey may need to go on a course of steroids long term to treat this and the condition may not resolve, it may continue to worsen despite treatment. If you are able to get him seen by a veterinary neurologist, this would give you a good second opinion. I hope this helps and I hope that Frankey gets better soon!