Why is my senior dog dragging his back leg and can barely move?

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are several things this could be including: degenerative myelopethy (usually a gradual onset), a blood or cartilage clot in the spine, or a spinal disk problem. We cannot rule our cancer either, unfortunately. I’d recommend getting in to your vet (tomorrow ideally) as a good physical exam and further questioning can narrow this list down dramatically in some cases. Best wishes to you and Phoebe!

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.

Spinal cord infarct and slipped disc (intervertebral disc extrusion) may be most likely differentials considering the description of the signs you provided. This clinical status require and immediate check up and neurological and physical examination. 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.

This presentation could commonly be caused either by a neurological damage of the nerves of the back legs (usually from spinal cord), caused by a stroke or a intervertebral disc extrusion/protrusion,or potentially by severe arthritis and osteo-arthrosis. A check up and appropriate medications (anti-inflammatories) would be ideal and essential to understand the underlying cause. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

In an older GSD losing ability to control hindlims, I would be concerned about degenerative diseases of the spinal cord (degenerative myelopathy-DM), spinal cord tumors, or less likely a fungal infection such as aspergillosis. Bluebelle needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Following examination, discuss testing for DM and imaging of her spinal cord (MRI)x

The symptom you report could have a few origins; the nervous system, bone, muscle, blood vessels, or the soft tissues. If he is limping (toe touching or hopping) this could be a knee related issue (cruciate injury) which is a common problem. If he is dragging the limb and not placing his foot over correctly (dragging the top of his foot and not flipping it to put the pads down) this may be a neurologic issue. There are a few disease processes that can cause neurologic impairment so a neurologic exam by your vet would help to localize if this is the issue. If there is no trauma a vascular event (clot) is also possible as well. Is the foot warm? It is good that Lakota does not seem painful although sometimes not using the leg is their symptom of pain, any swelling anywhere on the leg? I think what is best is an exam with a veterinarian to localize which organ system is causing the issue, orthopedic (bone, soft tissues) vs neurologic, and help ease your mind about what is causing this. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!