Why are my senior German Shepherd's back legs twisting when he walks?

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

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.

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!

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.

Toby is a senior citizen now. It looks like he’s lost a lot of muscle in the rear legs. I expect he may have hip or back arthritic contributing to his symptoms. I recommend a second opinion with a Rehabilitation veterinarian if there is one near you. In addition I would purchase a Help em Up harness so you can assist him to stand and walk. The longer he’s down and not using his legs the less ability he will have to walk again. I would get him standing for a few minutes several times a day and help him to go outside to potty. Hopefully then he will regain some strength and be able to walk again. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Toby.

I'm sorry to hear that Angel has been having so many problems with her hind legs. Arthritis alone does not typically cause the hind legs to cross over. Instead, this type of issue typically occurs more from neurologic disorders or severe cases of hip dysplasia. Consider giving good quality fish oil supplements ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19121 ) and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=34368 ) to help with inflammation and cartilage protection. I also recommend taking Angel to her vet to have her gait and hind legs assessed to try to get to the bottom of this situation. I hope that all goes well!

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.