Dog suddenly can't move front legs after playing. What should I do?

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, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Phoebe! If Phoebe suddenly is unable to use her rear limbs this is an emergency. I doubt it is from the mass and could be from a slipped disk in her back. This is painful and can have neurologic signs: walking drunk, dragging legs, paresis or paralysis. If she loses deep pain in her legs the prognosis for return of motor function decreases. I recommend that Phoebe go to an emergency hospital or your Vet if open as soon as possible. I hope this helps and I wish Phoebe the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Golya! I am not sure i fully understand your post, I understand that he was bitten by other dogs and he isn't playing but I am not sure what you are trying to say about his back legs. If he is not using his back legs and that is where he was bitten his muscles could be sore and inflamed form the bites or he could have an infection. Worse case scenario he could have been bitten in his back and he could be paralyzed. It is very important that Golya be evaluated by a Veterinarian to treat his pain and infection. They should be able to tell if he is paralyzed. I hope this helps and I wish Golya a speedy recovery!

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! 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!

Hello, sorry to hear about Skittles. There are certainly several things that can cause dogs to have problems moving their legs. What you're describing however, seems to be more likely associated with an injury to her back. Most commonly in dogs, they may "slip" a disk which causes compression to their spinal cord. There are other injuries that are not compressive such as an swelling due to autoimmune disease in the spinal cord, a stroke to the spinal cord, or a fibrocartilagenous embolism which is more associated with larger breed dogs. Again their are other possibilities such as if she sprained a muscle or hurt her knees. Due to the concern for a potential back injury, Skittles should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly to ensure she does/does not have a back injury. There are 2 options if she does have a back injury, you may elect to treat conservatively with strict rest and at home medications for 4-6 weeks or you may elect to have a neurologist evaluate her. The neurologist may then recommend an MRI and surgery based on the MRI. I know this is a lot of information to understand/explain so shortly but I would start off by having her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. In the interim, keep her quiet and rested, (no jumping, running, rough playing), make sure she is urinating and defecating, and keep her low to the ground. Best of luck and hope this helps.

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!