Why are my senior dog's back legs splaying and getting stuck suddenly?

Hi there. A few things could be going on here with snowball. Hip dysphasia is a possibility, as well as instability due to disk disease or a back injury. She could also have luxating patellas (knee caps) that are getting stuck and she's trying to pop them back in by flinging them out. To know for sure, she would need to see your veterinarian for an orthopedic exam and probably x rays. I hope this gives you some ideas!

Your dog could have arthritis which makes him unstable. He could also suffer from hip dysplasia (which can lead to arthritis) or have some compression of the spinal cord which can affect the hind leg movement. A vet exam is recommended to check for these issues. Some may improve with anti-inflammatory medication available from your vet. In the meantime, using small throw rugs on the floor (that have grip on the back so they don't move) may help your pup get around on the floor.

This indicates that she has some degree of damage to the spinal nerves or peripheral nerves that control that leg. This can happen when they are hit hard by something, or (more likely) when they have a lower-spine disease. Old dogs tend to be more susceptible to various spinal cord problems that develop with age. These can be treatable though, so it's best to take Trixie for a vet evaluation sometime soon. The vet will be able to narrow-down the cause of this problem and provide pain relief (these conditions are usually very painful). For now, it's best to restrict her activity, as this can worsen her condition. Do not allow her to run, jump, or go on long walks until advised otherwise by your veterinarian. I hope that helps and Trixie gets better soon.

At 15 years old she could definitely have a medical issue going on. I suspect she may have some arthritis in her spine and hips/back legs which is why she is seeming sensitive on her back and limping on the hind limbs. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam and to get some medication to help with the arthritis (if that is what is going on). We cannot diagnose over the internet of course I cannot tell you 100% for sure what is going on without examining her myself. That is why you need your local vet to help you figure out what is going on and how best to treat her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi, he might be experiencing an herniated disc. You would not necessarily see it on xrays. I would recommend to monitor urination and defecation and consider what’s the best way forward considering age, prognosis and welfare. Your vet should be able to advise you considering these three factors. Sending you positive thoughts.

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

Sorry to hear that Harmony is having some problems. While her hips may certainly be a contributing factor in her sudden inability to rise, there may be other issues at play here that caused such an acute change in condition. Particularly in older dogs that present as you've described, possible conditions that can result in this mostly include spinal conditions that affect the disks, or bony tumors that destroy bone / compress the spinal cord. On the other hand, it might just be advancing hip problems. Ultimately you aren't going to know without some diagnostics, primarily x-rays of the spine and hips. This would be where I would start if I were in your shoes. In fact, I was in almost the identical position with my own 14 year old Pittie. It ended up being a spinal tumor but one that was very treatable. This is where diagnostic testing becomes so important. Depending on the cause of the sudden lameness, the prognosis ranges from extremely poor to good with appropriate optimal treatment. In terms of how you should proceed in the immediate, sudden lameness should be dealt with as soon as possible. Spinal conditions, as they progress, become exceedingly more difficult to treat. Things can go from good to bad very quickly. Hope this all makes sense. Let me know if you need any more consultation regarding this issue and your future decisions.