Why are my old dog's legs weak after a traumatic event?

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!

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.

Your dog may just be feeling worse after having to get out and about at the vet. Trips like these can be very stressful and hard on older dogs. Your vet probably also did an orthopedic exam, flexing and extending his joints, which could make him more sore. It is possible, although less likely, that your dog is dragging his legs because of spinal damage. If you pinch his toes and he can feel it then this is probably not the issue. Let you dog rest comfortably for now and continue giving the medication as prescribed. If he is not improving within about 24 hours you may want to consider going in for a recheck or asking your vet for additional pain medication. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This crossing of the bag legs often indicates arthritis in the hips and possibly the lower back. It is quite common for older dogs to get arthritis and nerve pain that can suddenly cause them to walk like this. This can often be helped, or alleviated with medication and possibly diet. It could also be due to damage to a tendon, ligament, nerve, or muscle. It's best to have a vet evaluate Ramsey to help narrow down the cause and prescribe the most appropriate medication. This is not an emergency, but good to have checked-out in the next day or two. I hope that helps and Ramsey gets better soon.

At this age dogs usually suffer from painful arthritis of the hips. The pain makes them use their hind legs less and therefore the muscles atrophy. You should take Ryder to your vet for an exam, and mention the weakness in the hind legs. Your vet can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication which will help with pain and should make Ryder more happy to get up and exercise. This will train his leg muscles and it will be much easier for him to get up and walk.

I am very sorry that Manny is having a hard time after his birthday celebrations. It sounds to me for what you are describing there could potentially be an osteoarthritis component to his issues. It is possible that he has muscle weakness, thought as you are noting, it is less likely to appear so quickly. Whereas, osteoarthritis flare-ups can appear immediately following a walk. I would advise the following for you and Manny; Shorter walks more frequently to prevent flare-ups and build up lean muscle mass Cool compresses after a walk on his hips for a few minutes every few hours for the first 24 hours After first 24 hours, switch to warm compresses Adding a joint supplement to Manny's diet such as this one; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29218 If he does not return to himself within 48 hours, and really start to improve in the first 24 hours, I would advise taking him into his veterinarian to ensure he doesn't need any changes to his medication, or perhaps adding a long term medication for osteoarthritis.

At his age I would worry there is a injury affected his back or hips that is causing him to be weak and unsteady. If he is overactive and jumps frequently, he may have damaged part of his spine to cause swelling and compression on the nerves. The best thing to do in confine him so he does not continue to injury himself until you can get him to the vet for an evaluation and radiographs