Why is my senior dog suddenly weak in the back legs overnight?

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!

If this just happened, then I'd be concerned about an injury to the lower spine, or hind legs. In this case it's really best to let him rest until you are able to take him to the vet for an examination (would recommend doing this in the next day or two). If this has been a problem that has been getting worse over a few months, then I would be more suspicious of arthritis. Being overweight is a big contributor to arthritis and acquiring injuries. Reducing his weight is very helpful for these conditions, but they often need prescription medication and therapy to help with the pain and inflammation. For this reason, it's still best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian. It's good that you are concerned about him getting overweight, because he does appear to be somewhat chunky. In order to get started with a weight loss plan it's good to score his current body condition. Below is a link that will help you do this. https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20dogs.pdf After that, you can use the healthy weight calculator at the following link: https://www.petcoach.co/healthy-weight-calculator/ There are some products in the pet store that are actually formulated for weight loss and these would be the best ones to feed. I know Hills, Purina and Royal Canin all have good products. The best thing to check on the bag is the AAFCO statement, which is just below the guaranteed analysis. This will tell if the food has actually demonstrated what it claims. I've included a link to an article below that explains all of this. Make sure you feed the food according to the bag's instructions and try to cut out all treats and table scraps. https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-your-pet-s-food/ The hardest thing for pet owners is that they feel like they are starving their dog. Trust me, you are not starving them, despite how bad they may make you feel. If your dog likes any vegetables like celery, carrots or green beans, then these are great, low calorie options to give as treats that can make you and your dog feel a bit better about the diet. In the end, know that a skinnier dog will be healthier and live longer, so it's well worth it. I hope that helps and you are able to get a good plan going for Polo. I've given one more link to an article with additional information below. https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight/

Hello, thank you for your question about Bentley. Based on the weakness and symptoms that you are describing it is possible that Bentley may be experiencing some mild pain from arthritis or could have strained a muscle/tendon. It is also possible that Bentley's back could be sore as this usually leads to signs of weakness in the hind limbs; however, this type of injury is much more common in smaller breed dogs. If Bentley's signs are more mild and he is otherwise acting ok I would recommend continuing to monitor him for the next 24-48 hours. If this weakness or soreness do not go away I would recommend having him seen by your veterinarian so that they can perform an examination and look for any sources of pain. They can then discuss the need for pain/anti-inflammatory medications if warranted. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well at the moment! He is a senior large breed dogs, and musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis are common in these dogs. Those would both cause him trouble walking. He could also have a problem with his back. Even though it doesn't appear he is in pain, dogs are very stoic and this will be painful for him. I would have him seen today by a vet for a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays. This test will help the vet diagnose what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated. He may benefit from pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Mitch is having hindlimb weakness. Weakness in the hindlegs in older dogs can be due to a variety of reasons, including arthritis, back discomfort, or an underlying neurologic issue, among others. Anti-inflammatories, pain medications, and supportive care (such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture) may all be beneficial options. I would recommend discussing what the best overall treatment plan for Mitch would be with your regular veterinarian, or seek a second opinion if you want further advice. Good luck!

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.

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.