My senior GSD's back legs are giving out; why is she walking sideways?

While degenerative myelopathy is a concern giving your dogs breed and these clinical signs there are other possible causes. The MRI could help show if there could be an infection affecting the spinal cord, or herniated disc, or even some sort of mass that could be potential be removed. While none of those sound like good alternatives some of them may be curable or even manageable longer than to degenerative myelopathy.

The main two conditions that will cause this is arthritis or a degeneration of the nerves. Your best option is to have Bruno examined by the veterinarian. He may need an x-ray to look at the bones. Here are some helpful links about both conditions: https://www.petcoach.co/article/causes-and-management-of-arthritis-other-joint-diseases-in/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/arthritis-in-dogs-101-what-you-should-know/ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/degenerative-myelopathy-in-dogs Once your vet knows the cause, discuss what treatment options are available. I hope this helps.

This sign as you described it seems to be compatible with a neurological problem, most likely affecting the spinal cord at the thoracolumbar level. Intervertebral disc extrusion, spinal cord infarct and spinal cord tumor are all possible differentials and immediate check up and neurological examination should be performed as soon as possible to be able to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Further investigations like x rays may be immediately needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It sounds like Damian may have cauda equina syndrome. It could be arthritis in the hips but I think cauda equina is more likely. This is an extremely common problem in German Shepherds. Here is a link to an article about this problem: https://bluepearlvet.com/medical-articles/cauda-equina-syndrome/ I suggest you bring this up to your vet or get a second opinion from another vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Poor Sadie! Hip problems can be common in large breed dogs like GSDs, and that may be causing the issue with her back leg. It could also be there is a problem with her spine leading to nerve damage to the leg. She really does have to see a vet for this problem, and I would take her into one today. Vets are trained to deal with aggressive dogs.

Hello. I am sorry that Zara is hurting. Sometimes German Shepherds can have something called "Hip Dysplasia" and can have severe arthritis and abnormal hips and this can cause pain and trouble walking. I recommend you have her checked by your vet, who will likely perform x-rays to check her hips. Your vet can also help you get set up with joint supplements as well as pain management for Zara. Good luck with her!

She could have arthritis in her rear legs, degenerative myelopathy, neck or back problem, etc. She should to be examined by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause. Your vet can do a full orthopedic exam and take x-rays, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory and or pain medications to help. Hope she feels better soon.