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Why is my puppy weak in rear legs and lethargic after shots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 13 days old

My 18 week old puppy went to vet on Thursday for a skin infection. While he was there his shots were given,distemper,leptospirosis, and rabies shots. That evening he declined rapidly and could not use his rear legs and was semi lethargic. I called vet the next day and they said to give it a few days as long as he wasn't vomiting or diarrhea that he would come around eventually. He has improved, but he is still weak in rear legs..any thoughts??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2021

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chase. The rabies vaccine is typically given in the right rear leg and leptospirosis in the left rear leg. This can result in muscle soreness in some pets. This could be making him uncomfortable and not wanting to use his rear legs normally. However, labrador puppies are pretty tough. So it is unusual for him to still be so painful. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian again or you seek a second opinion. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
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