My 14-year-old senior Lab suddenly can't walk. What should I do?

It sounds like Tia is in pain, which what caused her to be subdued and walk slowly. In a senior lab, there are a couple reasons why this is happening to her. She could have arthritis, she could be suffering from hip dysplasia, or she could be suffering from problems with her joints. I recommend taking Tia into the vet first thing in the morning for an exam. The vet can do a lameness exam and x-rays to diagnose what is causing her pain, and can treat her for it. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sparkle. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian as soon as possible. Not being able to walk is an emergency. This can be the result of orthopedic disease such as arthritis. It can also occur when there is neurological disease. The treatment is very different. He will be examined and x-rays taken of the hips and spine. Based on these results, treatment can be started. It is important to ensure that he is able to urinate. He will become even more sick if he cannot pass urine. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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.

I'm sorry to hear Lucky is having some issues. I would be concerned about an injury either to the spine or the the legs. Unfortunately there is not much you can do at home except make him REST. No walks, no running, no stairs and no jumping. This can help the body to heal. I would also recommend to take him to see the veterinarian to have an exam and possibly radiographs. Labs are a breed prone to hip dysplasia although he is young for signs to show up just yet. Hope Lucky starts doing better.

Since he’s still eating this is most likely from pain not an internal organ problem. There is a good chance he over did it and he has arthritis pain. I recommend giving him a gentle massage, and getting him up for several short walks during the day. Once he’s up and moving a little he should feel better. Bring him in Monday for an exam and a senior work up if he hasn’t had one lately. They may do X-rays to check his joints. They can then tell you whether it’s arthritis or a more serious medical problem. There is prescription medication for his pain and he should be back to his old self in a few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

Poor Duke! Unfortunately hip dysplasia is a common congenital abnormality in Labs, and it could be that he is suffering from that causing his difficulty getting up, sitting, and laying down. It could also be due to ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments and/or meniscal damage in his knees, which are also common in large breed dogs. He is in pain if he's having these difficulties, and I would have him seen by a vet tomorrow for physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays. These tests will help the vet identify what is causing his difficulties, and can discuss treatment options with you. If it is a problem with his cruciate ligaments or meniscus, surgery will likely be require to fix it.

This sounds like a neck injury or caused by a bulging intervertebral disc. It also could be from cancer causing these neurological symptoms. I recommend a neurological exam, medication and the use of a harness so you are able to assist him to stand. Once they have a diagnosis you can take him to a rehab veterinarian who can help him get back on his feet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Oska.