My dog is having trouble standing and walking all of sudden

My dog is having trouble standing and walking all of sudden

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If you notice your dog having trouble standing and walking, don't neglect it; rather, plan a visit to a veterinarian to know what is actually causing such a problem. It may be due to minor problems like lesions on the paw, sudden muscle contractions, or something prickly being struck in the paws. On the contrary, it may also be due to serious and alarming conditions impacting the muscular, neurological, or skeletal systems of dogs. Proper diagnosis and effective treatment are warranted in such situations.

 

Joint inflammation (arthritis): 

Arthritis is a usual health issue in dogs, especially larger breeds with long bones and heavy muscles; however, smaller and younger dogs may also be affected by such a disease. Osteoarthritis is a condition mostly affecting the spine, hip joint, stifle joint, elbow joint, carpal and metacarpal joint, tarsal and metatarsal joints, etc. It causes pain and distress in dogs. Dogs with osteoarthritis experience standing and walking problems.

Signs and symptoms indicating arthritis in dogs: 

  • Unable to stand upright.
  • Wobbling and abnormal gait.
  • Stiffening of the affected joints.
  • Restricted movement and mobility.
  • Feeling dull and stressed, etc.

These may indicate that your dog is having joint problems. A veterinarian may diagnose by examination of the body and with the help of diagnostic techniques like x-rays of the affected joints. The vet may also take fluid from joints and conduct blood and other tests to confirm the presence of other diseases causing limping and walking issues in dogs.

Treatment includes specific anti-arthritic medication meant for relieving pain and discomfort; use medications on instructions of a trained veterinarian.

 

Injury or trauma to paw, hind leg, or back: 

If your dog is walking but reluctant to put a paw on the ground firmly or showing discomfort while walking, injury to the paw should be suspected. Assess the paws and leg critically, and if any injury is noticed, take it to the vet quickly. The veterinarian will examine carefully to see lesions, blisters, pointed objects stuck in, and other signs of trauma. Due to walking on hot objects or coarse surfaces, paws become burned, and dogs feel difficulty walking and running quickly.

Injury or problems in the leg also cause the dog to walk wobbly and exhibit inappropriate gaits.

In either case, consult the vet, and he will examine and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to get rid of such problems.

 

Exposure to toxins: 

If your dog is exposed to toxic substances either by ingestion or directly into the bloodstream, it will interfere with coordination and the vestibular system, causing walking diseases. When a dog is bitten by a tick, the tick injects toxins into the bloodstream, which will travel through the blood to different parts of the body, which causes paralysis or uncontrolled activities in dogs. It can be reversed if diagnosed and treated earlier. 

Raccoon saliva attacks the spinal cord and nervous system, causing temporary or permanent paralysis in dogs. Proper treatment may work, and conditions can be improved within weeks to months.

 

Trauma to the spinal cord: 

Injury or trauma to the spinal cord is highly deleterious and causes loss of function of the entire limb if it is of a serious nature. Injury may be due to physical damage, falling from height, a heavy load on the back, or heavy exercises. Irrespective of the causes of injury, it must be addressed without delay; otherwise, it will be debilitating for dogs. Take your dog to a veterinarian; after examination and conducting tests and x-rays, he or she will prescribe medications and guide you on how to deal with such an incident.

 

Infections: 

Infections affecting the neurological system, spinal cord, legs, or paws cause standing and walking problems in dogs. Infections also produce toxic substances, which will interfere with the normal communication system, and coordination will become disrupted. Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections all affect the dogs if their immune system is weak, or the environment becomes favorable for the microorganisms.

To determine the nature of infection is necessary to deal with. 

Bacterial infections can be eliminated by using antibiotics. A sample taken from an infected dog can be cultured to confirm the presence of suspected bacteria so that narrow-spectrum antibiotics can be used, as broad-spectrum antibiotics have the drawback of being used excessively.

Fungal infections can be treated by antifungal medications. For the treatment of viral infections, supportive therapy is recommended, and also anti-viral therapy has been developed to deal with viral infections.

Vaccination and preventative measures have to be adopted to avoid lethal infections.

 

Hip dysplasia, or dislocation of the hip joint: 

Hip dysplasia is a condition causing the hip joint to grow abnormally and two bones don't fit together correctly. It creates mobility and walking problems in dogs. Dogs with hip joint problems cannot stand in a normal position, and walking becomes difficult for them. It can be diagnosed by physical examination and x-rays. As dogs age, hip and other joint issues arise, which are prominent in larger dog breeds. It can be managed at home by manipulation and using natural products. 

 

Diseases affecting the vestibular system: 

The vestibular system consists of the brain and inner ear parts, which control and maintain body balance. Vestibular diseases, for example, infection, injuries, metabolic disorders, and inflammation, cause balance and walking problems in dogs. If such a type of disease is not severe, it can be resolved on its own, but more severe ones can be improved by antibiotics and other specific treatments.

 

What to do to help dogs that are unable to stand and walk: 

There are many natural options available to help dogs experiencing walking and mobility problems. Seek advice from a trained veterinarian and orthopedic surgeon with experience dealing with pets. Some ways can be tried to relieve dogs at home.

 

Physiotherapy: 

It is the best option to deal with various kinds of diseases; walking and mobility problems can also be managed by physical therapy. A trained physiotherapist can examine the conditions of your dog and accordingly establish a physiotherapy plan. He may also suggest exercises to do at home for relieving pain and mobility problems.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids: 

Omega-3 fatty acids have inflammation-reducing properties and are widely used for pets to treat various health conditions. These can be obtained from fish, fish oil, shrimp, hemp seed oil, etc. It is a natural substance and poses little or no harm to health if properly used. Before using, a dietitian is advised to evaluate the overall dietary requirements of your dog. 

 

Cannabidiol (CBD): 

It is a natural substance found in hemp plants. It can confer numerous health benefits and is used most commonly to treat discomfort, distress, digestive problems, and joint issues in dogs. It has positive impacts on walking and mobility issues.

 

When to see a veterinary doctor: 

If you observe your dog having serious walking problems and is unable to stand, take him to the vet quickly; he will examine to see the injury, wound, infection, and other health issues causing wobbling in dogs and correspondingly prescribe medications to eliminate the problems.

 

Conclusion: 

Observing a beloved canine companion in distress is a disturbing experience for the pet parents too. Try to know what exactly the cause of incoordination is and walking problems in dogs. Consult a veterinarian immediately to get rid of this issue so that you may have a memorable experience with your furry friend.

Ready to learn more about your pet's unique needs? Take our Pet Health Quiz or try out our Dog Health Test to gain valuable insights into your pet's behavior and well-being.

Visit Everfur today, and let's make pet care easier and more enjoyable, together!

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