Hind leg weakness is a common occurrence in dogs, affecting all dogs irrespective of age and breed; however, aged dogs are more prone than young ones because they are susceptible to diseases that cause paralysis and hind leg weakness. Hind leg weakness stems from various diseases of the nervous system, skeletal system, and muscular system that cause weak legs in dogs. In this article, an attempt has been made to gather knowledge about hind leg problems in dogs and the causes, treatment, and prevention of hind leg weakness in dogs. 

Hind leg weakness is a condition causing trouble in walking, standing on the hind leg, and movement of the hind leg becoming restricted. Often pet owners notice such cases suddenly in dogs, which is an emergency situation and immediate veterinary consultation should be sought. It is a serious condition, and dogs are in great distress and pain when hind leg weakness attacks them. Careful surveillance and monitoring of the dog is suggested when the dog is in pain.

Signs and symptoms that are indicative of hind leg weakness in dogs: 

Dogs affected by hind leg weakness exhibit numerous signs that help recognize hind leg weakness.

Some signs and symptoms are listed below:

• Incoordination and off balance.
• Inappropriate walking gaits.
• Stumbling.
• Unable to maintain posture.
• Atrophy of hind leg muscle.
• Pain in joints and mobility problems.
• Weak and lean bones of the hind leg.
• Agitation and distress.
• Loss of function of hind leg muscle and paralysis.
• Restricted movement and instability, etc.

If such signs are witnessed, schedule a visit to the veterinarian without delay, as it is a serious problem that may be resolved by proper and immediate attention; otherwise, chronic cases are difficult to deal with. A veterinarian will suggest and recommend an appropriate treatment plan by careful examination of the dog, and what is actually causing hind leg weakness is a must to figure out, which is only possible under the guidance of trained veterinary experts.

Reasons for the hind leg weakness in dogs: 

There are so many conditions affecting the back legs of dogs, leading to paralysis and back leg weakness. Here some causes of hind leg weakness are thoroughly discussed. 

Diseases of the disc of the spine: 

Spine diseases, one of which is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), cause leg problems, severe pain in the leg, and sometimes paralysis of the hind leg. Dogs get intervertebral disc disease after heavy physical exertion or heavy load, which cannot be heard by the vertebral column. Damage or trauma to the vertebral column causes disc herniation and protrusion of the spinal cord, which affect the muscular and skeletal system of the hind leg, leading to paralysis and weakness of the leg. Take your dog to a veterinarian with urgency to avoid further deterioration. The vet may examine the condition by performing various tests like cerebrospinal fluid analysis, x-ray imaging, etc. to locate the site of the disease and the nature of the disease. If it is detected at the nascent stage, chances of recovery are high. 

Arthritis or joint inflammation: 

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of joints that affects leg joints just like other joints. It is very painful and restricts movement and mobility at joints. Arthritis is due to various reasons, which may be dietary, circulatory, or genetic in nature. Joints become stiff and immobile due to arthritis, thus causing walking problems, and dogs are unable to maintain posture and balance. Veterinary guidance is required to deal with joint problems; veterinary orthopedics can treat this issue by assessing the condition and causes of arthritis.

Degenerative myelopathy: 

It is a spinal cord disease in dogs that causes degeneration of the spine. It causes hind leg weakness, muscular problems, and paralysis. Larger breeds, like German shepherds, are more prone to degenerative myelopathy than smaller breeds. All breeds of dogs are affected by DM, but frequency and occurrence may be different for different breeds. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from such kinds of diseases, visit a veterinary clinic and have your dog examined to rule out the presence of disease that is causing trouble for your dog. 

 

Tumor or neoplasia: 

Cancer affecting different parts like the spine, nerves, muscles, and bones of the hind leg causes paralysis and weakness by obstructing nerve impulse transmission and impacting muscular functions. Cancer of long bones of the leg causes limping; bones become weak and unable to bear the load, and if left untreated, bones become brittle, and breakdown begins. Cancer can be treated by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

 

Dislocation of knee joint: 

Dislocation or slipping of the knee joint is called luxation; it is due to patellar problems that don't hold knee bones in place. It causes incoordination, and walking becomes impossible if both knees are affected. Newer knee joint problems can be corrected without much trouble and tribulations, but for the correction of chronic cases, hospitalization and strict protocol have to be followed. 

 

Spinal stenosis: 

Spinal stenosis, especially in the lumbosacral region, is a condition causing narrowing of the spinal cord. It is caused by fracture of the vertebral column, constriction of blood vessels supplying blood to the spine, cancer of the spinal cord, pressure due to intervertebral disc damage, osteoarthritis, etc. It causes weakness of the hind leg, resulting in a wobbly gait and walking issues. Lumbosacral stenosis causes severe pain in the spine and hind legs, paralysis of the tail and leg, and dogs become unable to stand and maintain body balance. 

 

Spinal stroke: 

It affects the spinal cord when a cartilaginous piece blocks an artery, which supplies blood to the spine. Spinal stroke is a silent cause of hind leg weakness and paralysis, which only influences one leg; it causes a sudden loss of function in one leg. Larger dog breeds are more susceptible to this condition than smaller ones.

What to do to ease a dog struggling with hind leg weakness: 

Dogs with hind leg weakness and paralysis have problems standing and walking. Some tips to try at home to help dogs with hind leg weakness.

Boots and traction socks: Dog boots and traction socks can be worn to provide additional support to stand and hold ground firmly.

Rear support leash: It can keep dogs' legs erect and allow them to stand upright. This can support maintaining a standing position.

Massage and groom: Massage and grooming help improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and improve nerve supply to the hind legs, resulting in mitigating weakness problems.

Turning side every four hours: Dogs with severe conditions and unable to turn side on their own must be turned over to the opposite side every four hours; otherwise, muscle damage develops, causing paralysis and decomposition of muscle.

 

Wheelchair and Mobility Cart:

Hind leg weakness is a destructive condition, and walking becomes impossible if the situation worsens. Walking in dogs can be aided by a wheelchair and mobility cart, just like a human patient. It allows dogs to walk and move around by using four legs.

Slings can also be considered a walking aid for dogs experiencing severe weakness of the hind leg.

 

Conclusion: 

Sudden weakness of the hind leg in dogs can come from various reasons, like neurological injuries to the leg or spine, etc. Consulting a vet is highly recommended, as only a veterinarian can understand the actual cause of sudden weakness, and accordingly, he or she will establish a treatment regime for the dogs struggling with hind leg weakness.