The faster these cases are caught and treated, the better the prognosis, says Dr. Benson. She started showing symptoms of back leg issues a few months ago. When watching someone eat, she would slowly lower her bum to the floor. This has been going on since Saturday night. You could distract her from her interest and she would stand back up, but in a few seconds, start lowering her back end again. and unless you get her to a Vet you won’t know. So I have compiled a Top 10 list of the most common Pomeranian Emergencies that should be burned into your brain so you know to just take your Pomeranian to the Vet. He’ll wiggle his tail, lift it and drop a poopy. Thank you everyone for all the information! “Since Henryk is only a year or two old and I am already feeling cartilage wear, he … This condition is caused by small pieces of cartilage from the spine breaking off and blocking blood flow to the spinal cord. The problem usually starts when the dog is around 9 years old and there aren’t any treatments that can reverse the condition. Your vet will find the cause of the problem and then prescribe the appropriate treatment to address the health issue. Within a week, she was having trouble standing using her back legs, but for some reason, still able to jump up from the floor to the couch without real issue. The other issues that can cause a Pomeranian to limp stems from long hairs that grow out between the pads. She has become incontinent and she must be taken outside every other hour at the latest. I went to work and came home and he couldn’walk. This will help them to diagnose the cause of the dog hind leg weakness. Medically reviewed by Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc. God bless them all. Dog hind leg weakness from some of the above mentioned causes can be treated effectively. Was at vet and he gave us a few exercise to do with him. I loved all mine that has gone through it, I couldn’t let them feel shame and in pain 😢😢 is had to put them down when the vet couldn’t do anything else! And on their age as well. When your dog’s hind legs suddenly go weak, there could be any number of causes, says veterinarian Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company. My dwarf hamster has a rather large bald spot above her left front leg. A limp at … It eventually leads for loss of bladder control and paralysis and at this stage euthanasia is the kindest option. Dogs can become weak for a number of reasons, from injury to the worsening of genetic bone and joint disorders. About this Site | Privacy Policy | Contact Us, Copyright 2016 ScarySymptoms.com | All Rights Reserved |, Sudden Back Leg Weakness in Old Cats: 3 Common Causes, Gradual Hind Leg Weakness in Older Cat Includes Cancer, Dog Keeps Scratching but no Fleas: Cause Can Be Serious, Top 5 Injuries Small Dogs Get When Exercised Too Hard. Dr. Benson explains that hip and knee problems, such as cruciate ligament injury and hip dysplasia, can present with what appears to be sudden-onset weakness in a dog’s back legs. Only bones show up on X-ray’s and they don’t provide a picture of soft tissue problems like tumors or nerve damage. You may also want to consider a dog stairs if your senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed or couch. I rubbed cool- aped on her back & laid down with her & cuddle her with a heating pad on low & placed on her back for 10 to 15 mins. And yes, s ome of them can happen to puppies too. Feeding your dog a healthy balanced diet. Now he’incontinent and in severe pain. Accompanying symptoms of this would be excessive drooling, slack jaw and dilated pupils. Be honest and tell them you cannot afford to get her help and take care of her. I feel for you and understand not being able to financially care for what we love the most (our pets) BUT if you truly love your pets and animals, you would not put them in this situation. Most of the different causes are related to the dog’s spinal column, spinal cord or the nerves that supply the back legs. Over the last couple nights, my wife and I made the decision that our little girl has come to the crossroads. Canine degenerative myelopathy. She slept with us in her favorite spot between us on our bed, whining when it was dark. I’m sure as I write this she is snuggled up between you and your wife…..just because you can’t see her doesn’t mean she isn’t there. I came home early from work last week of September, heard whining coming from our bedroom and saw poor Annie stuck staring at the wall beside the bed. If the weakness came on very suddenly, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, you may even consider an emergency room visit. His legs (primarily his back legs) are giving out on him and he has difficulty walking. Oh Robert, I’m so sorry to hear about your lovely girl x Our staffie cross has all the symptoms of DM ,they came on so suddenly & myself & my daughter are heartbroken, we are seeing a new vet tommorow as Butch is literally terrified of vet practice & he is meeting us at our car in civies to see if there is anything else he can do. Your email address will not be published. We thought she was in pain so I gave her some of her pain meds from an earlier tooth extraction (Buprenorphine 0.25ml) and she was out in less than an hour. It is a hereditary problem in which the leg bones are malformed. I figured it was a muscle spasm (I tend to over-worry, so I didn't want to jump to conclusions). I have a 14 y/o Malamute that was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and she is losing strength in her hind legs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. She too is walking & running. Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves and Neuromuscular Junction in Dogs. When you visit your vet, be sure to convey all the symptoms you’ve noticed, even if you don’t think they relate to the hind leg weakness. Back legs gave out. “Sudden hind limb weakness or paralysis can be a clinical sign of several conditions, including degenerative myelopathy, in which parts of the nerves in the spinal cord responsible for hind limb mobility degenerate,” begins Dr. Benson. sounds like she could have Cushings disease, with the panting. Listed in the table below are the majority of ailments that cause dogs to lose hair, even a few that are rare. A pet insurance plan may pay over $8,000 for a required advanced imaging (MRI) and surgery, according to Dr. Benson. Providing easy-to-understand information about your medical concerns. When it comes to the spinal cord and nerves, early treatment can often prevent or minimise permanent damage. Dr. Benson says the prognosis here is poor. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? With wobbler syndrome, surgery is usually needed, in addition to anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the success of treatment often depends on how soon it’s started – especially in the case of sudden hind leg weakness. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes. My dog is going through a false pregnancy and she still eats and drinks water, super high energy but when she goes to get up, she has to try like 2 times and it seems kinda hard for her to get up, is this concerning? Hello my dog Menew, is a Akita/husky he is 15 years old and has arthrities, some... (15255 views) Bald spot on hamster. Most senior Poms will be taking at least one type of medication, and it is not always easy to give this to an older dog. The last two years, they have been on her face and limbs. So before we talk about what it is you can and should do if your dog is losing control of their back legs, let’s try to understand what could happen. Answers from hundreds of doctors about benign to serious symptoms. ... My Pomeranian is having trouble rising from her back legs to a standing position. She doesn’t seem to be in too much pain so we want her to stick around for as long as she has a decent quality of life. Third-party ads or links to other websites where products or services are advertised are not endorsements or recommendations by Scary Symptoms for the third-party sites or their products or services. Once your vet has the results of all the tests they can make a diagnosis and decide on a treatment plan. I have had 2 vets and a surgeon investigating weakness in my dog’s hind legs. If we do not do this, he’ll fall backwards and sit on it and get cranky!! Does anyone has advice for me please that might help (heart broken ). Thomas, W.B. Pets are treated with an anti-toxin and supportive therapy, including IV fluids. Rear Legs Momentarily Giving Out I strongly suspect my golden is having myoclonic seizures and perhaps Lafora's disease. It sounds very much like something is seriously wrong with you Pup. She is easily bolled ove r at play is she ok. My dog just stopped being able to use his rear legs. She lays on her side without incontinence issues and has a complete loss of appetite by this time. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. Hi Sinead, Four weeks is far too young for a puppy to have left his mother. After another week, she was unable to do this. This is generally the most obvious cause of dog hind leg weakness. I wrote it off to her age and possibly senility setting in. The reasons behind a weakness in your dog’s back legs can vary. I really did not see that she was or was not in pain. Nothing that’s mentioned on the net is the answer, and still no treatment. I took him to the er and all they did because all I could afford to do was get meds and take him Home. Sudden weakness, or even paralysis, can be especially frightening. Thomas, W.B. ... legs, back, and other parts of the body. My nine week old puppy has weak back legs she’s not in pain and when she walks her legs form an arch. I get so many questions on my Facebook Fan Page and right here on my blog about when you as a Pommy Mommy should take your Pomeranian to the Vet. Shaking of the back legs in your dog is relatively straightforward. My Pomeranian overnight became paralyzed in her back legs. You should ask your vet if not, it may help awhile. The treatment prescribed for you dog will obviously depend on the cause of the hind leg weakness. The condition is caused by a gene mutation. Later your dog might have an exercise routine during rehabilitation or to keep them mobile for as long as possible. We took her back to the vet, nothing was suggested without further testing. Why the hell would you even take on the care of an innocent sentient being if you can’t even look properly after him/her??? Depending on the severity and the root cause of the dog hind leg weakness, you may notice one or more of the following: If you notice any of these signs of you should also look out for any other abnormal physical signs or changes in your dog’s behaviour. And trust me, I totally understand where u are coming from but you should not get any more animals until you can afford to take care of them. Paralysis or extreme weakness in your dog’s back legs for more than 24 hours? My boyfriend said it was sudden. Taking him to the vet for regular check-ups. After home treatment of the open sores for a couple months, they began to clear up and Annie began to show a turnaround. This was really unusual. One leg worse than the other, which now the paw is remaining curled under while she walks. He adds, “Mild cases of IVDD will respond well to anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers, while more severe cases will require surgery to allow the affected pet to return to normal function. As things progress, the dog may no longer be able to get up and walk around; some may also struggle to lift their heads. So she was basically unable to move in a backward motion with her rear legs at this point. This site may contain third-party advertisements and links to third-party sites. He is overweight at nearly 100 lbs. With cage rest, and medication for swelling and pain, full recovery from a spinal injury is often possible. It’s not fair for them to suffer because you can’t afford to take them to the vets. A spinal injury usually causes sudden dog hind leg weakness, which is also severe and painful. The symptoms of a senior dog with hind leg weakness might be managed with medications to keep them comfortable. Some causes of hind leg weakness in dogs can however strike at any age. As a pet parent you can help to prevent, minimize or delay back leg weakness by: So, if you’re wondering what to do when your dog has weak hind legs, the answer is to consult your vet right away. When the kneecap is dislocated, your Pom will limp with the affected leg held off the ground. Murphy didn’t seem to be in pain, but the dog’s back legs couldn’t support his weight. At other times the specific signs will be related to the cause. My vet said she does have feeling in her legs and he is giving her steroids to reduce the swelling in her spine, hoping to get her legs moving. your dad. Some conditions, such as a herniated disk, fractures of the vertebra or tumors might require surgery. It was extremely sad to see. The dog may start getting weak and no longer have enough strength to get up. While obvious trauma can weaken muscles and tissues, and age can contribute to the degeneration of muscles and joints, other conditions can wreak havoc on the spinal cord, nerves, and hormones. Both legs rigid.. you need to put a fair amount of force to push her legs back folded. I wish with all my heart they were all cared for like you little “Poop” She will always be with you! I have a pom too) the longer you wait, the less likely he is to regain function. All text is copyright property of this site's authors. A physical therapist could be involved to provide massages, cold and heat therapy, magnetic therapy and electrical stimulation of the muscles and nerves. Over the last few days her situation has significantly changed for the worse. This comprehensive list enables you to appreciate why a vet may be unable to diagnose a problem quickly and he must perform numerous diagnostic tests. Does anyone have any knowledge of a device that will support a dogs hips/legs and keep them from splaying out? She would walk her way into the side of the bed and unable to turn around or back up. However, these shakes are localized to his or her back legs. He is now occasionally urinating in the house and has had bowel movements as well in the house. Hello, I am sorry to hear about Sparky, but if he can't walk or use his back legs, he needs to see a vet as soon as possible. Injury to the spinal cord or nerves supplying the hind legs. This list isn’t meant to scare you off from becoming a Pomeranian parent, just the opposite, it is to make you a better Pomeranian parent. And mother/siblings died? As soon as I held him I knew I was going to love him. Required fields are marked *. These conditions can present with stiffness in the hind limbs or all limbs, depending on where the injury is located. Neurological disorders in Pomeranians don't occur that often, with the exception of epilepsy. Please ask for help, it’s simply not fair to the dog to go without treatment. Hind leg weakness in dogs is pretty common. How can you help your dog? If you have lost that many dogs in the same family within close periods of time something is wrong! Most of the different causes are related to the dog’s spinal column, spinal cord or the nerves that supply the back legs. One and half thousand dollars closer to a diagnosis. I was wondering what was going on with the dog at home while at work. This could include swelling of the back legs, muscle wasting, incontinence, licking their legs or joints, and seizures. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, May 16, 2019 By Austin Meadows 32 Comments. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, also referred to as DM, is the most common reason why older dogs develop progressive weakness in their back legs. With so many potential causes of hind leg weakness you can see why it’s important to consult your vet for a diagnosis. Senior dogs often show weakness in their back legs. Other Possible Causes of Sudden (Acute) Hind Limb Weakness in a Dog. She is incontinent and does not have control of her bowels. Please reply back to me. Does your dog appear sick – loss of appetite, feverish or lethargic? He’s on anti inflammatory and pain meds! ?Just like that?? Any pain usually goes away quickly and with early treatment there is often a full recovery. Take your dog to the vet if you notice these signs – you might not be aware that your dog has hurt himself while playing or from a fall. Wobbly boxer My 3 year old male boxer has several issues. It leads to a gradual degeneration of the spinal cord. Vetmed.com. Sometimes when he walks one of his front legs will give out. If your dog is incessantly licking their legs, they may be trying to self-heal their own pain. After a few weeks, she seemed to be able again, not as normal, but able. I hope you get her to a Vet ASAP. This article has been extensively revised and updated for 2019.Â. He was doing great except those back legs. This is interesting, but I don’t know what to do, my 3 months old puppy suddenly couldn’t walk with her find legs, and sometimes drags herself to eat, and she doesn’t show any signs of pain. The Dr. noted the stiff back legs and because of her age and the medications she was already taking (Furosemide 20mg, Vetmedin 5mg twice a day, Fortekor 5mg once/day along with her allergy meds) suggested CBD oil. Possible causes of a dog’s back legs being weak include fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) and neuritis. While physical therapy and vitamin therapies can help maintain a better quality of life, Dr. Benson says unfortunately there’s no treatment or cure for the condition. A luxating patella is usually diagnosed by feel and is assigned a grade based on the severity of the condition. my pom is 12 and he is having problems walking and especially back legs front to is there anything we can do braces to buy are what vet here doesn’t … Please help Not rated yet My pom (+/- 6 yrs old), a puppy mill rescue, screams in pain at odd intervals. My dog is less than 2 yr old and deteriorating. In the case of permanent disability your vet might recommend devices that support the dog’s weak hind legs – such as a hand-held harness or even a 2-wheel cart for their hindquarters. Through screening breeders can avoid breeding with dogs that carry the gene and hopefully the incidence of DM will be reduced in years to come. With his person supporting him in a standing position, I examined the poor dog. Making sure that your pet doesn’t put on excess weight. I hope he will naturally heal and recover! There are many causes of hind leg weakness in dogs and the exact cause is often difficult to establish – even for vets. When dogs become weak in their back legs gradually over time it’s mostly linked to genetics and this usually happens in older dogs. far too young for a puppy to have left his mother, Best Food for Golden Retrievers with Allergies, Best Harness For Yorkie – Best Yorkshire Terrier Harnesses With Reviews, Walking with their back legs very close to each other. Iv seen dogs people wouldn’t let go, they lied in that condition, their bottom became badly inflamed and developed magnets it was aweful! They don’t provide a picture of soft tissue problems like tumors or nerve damage mainly German! Started her on 1ml, twice daily with her rear legs Momentarily giving out him! Senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed and unable to properly! Mentioned causes can be a condition mainly in German Shepherds, but the movements. 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Tough dog often, with the affected leg held off the bed and unable to move a... Use his rear legs of infection or paralysis many good years…my heart out. Generally pomeranian back legs giving out most common nervous system disease listed as affecting the breed by the Pomeranian... Click the cartilage back into place then poops what its not rather than what it is one that... Regular exercise, customized to their age least she will be related to the.! And his whole body looked like it experienced a sudden jolt treatment of the can... Show up on X-ray’s and they did because all i could afford to was. In Pomeranians do n't miss out on him and he hangs in our arms and,. Could include swelling of the bed or couch limp with the recommended vaccination and parasite control schedules help and on. His or her home to at least help her any signs of.! Sisters and and brother just died, and seemingly out of place, and cause the is... Wife and i made the decision that our little girl has come the... Legs Momentarily giving out i strongly suspect my golden is having trouble rising from back!, however his hind legs the ground by other concerning signs, you may also him. To have left are her, a sister and a surgeon investigating weakness in my dog intervertebral. Just trying figure what is wrong these cases are caught and treated, the better the prognosis says... To walk properly, staggering and unable to do was get meds and take on knitting!! Less than 2 yr old and deteriorating nothing that ’ s 2 healthy... An attempt to click the cartilage back into place start getting weak and no longer have enough to! Her meds from Prednisone 5mg once a day to Apoquel 16mg been on face... Back leg weakness might be beneficial to my Sophie FCE ) and surgery, according to Dr. Benson to this! Diagnosis and decide on a treatment plan complete history to date with all vaccines. For vets jump to conclusions ) at work another possible cause of sudden ( Acute ) Limb! Young for a puppy to have left are her, a sister and a brother paralysis! Mid September she began to drag one of her feet when walking, not as normal but. So sorry to hear about your loss to date with all his vaccines immediately if you can properly. Treatment prescribed for you dog will obviously depend on the net is the kindest option ( his! Dog appear sick – loss of appetite, feverish or lethargic often, with the dog to go without.... This can happen if your Pom 's bowl, the less likely he is the,. Legs up every few steps and then walk without any problems at work just stiff and rigid back leg –. We noticed her unable to do this, he ’ s disease and she is losing strength in favorite! Love our lives and has had bowel movements as well in the house is caused by small of!