What are Back Leg Weakness?
“My dog can't stand up on his back legs!”
For any pet parent, seeing their dog limping on its back leg or their dog’s back legs giving out can be distressing — especially if that happens suddenly and with little or no warning.
While anything that involves your dog’s health is going to be a worry, don’t panic: there are many different reasons why back leg weakness can affect your pet. These reasons can vary, ranging from a temporary injury such as a sprain to a condition that’s more serious and needs attention from a veterinarian.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons why a dog may start limping on its back leg or showing weakness on its back limbs. We’ll also detail some of the common symptoms of back leg weakness — and explain what your next steps are to try to resolve the problem.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons why a dog may start limping on its back leg or showing weakness on its back limbs. We’ll also detail some of the common symptoms of back leg weakness — and explain what your next steps are to try to resolve the problem.
Symptoms of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
The symptoms of back leg weakness in dogs can be wide-ranging, from instantly obvious to more difficult to detect. If, suddenly, your dog can't stand up on his back legs or is clearly limping and in some pain, you’ll notice this straight away.
However, back leg weakness in dogs can also come on gradually and subtly, making it hard to spot. Many dogs are stoic in character, and will simply get on with life despite being in discomfort. You know your own dog better than anyone else, so be watchful and observe any changes in behavior.
A dog whose back legs are weak may only show a reluctance to exercise as it once used to, or a different gait when standing. Be aware, it’s not always a case of a dog’s back legs giving out completely.Typical symptoms when a dog has weak back legs include:
- Lameness
- Limping
- Loss of balance
- Instability
- Wobbly or staggering when walking
- Difficulty walking or standing up
- Abnormal or slow gait
- Reluctance to move, jump or be active
- Showing signs of pain
- Partial or even complete paralysis
- Incontinence – or loss of ability to urinate
- Swelling
- Licking of joints
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Lethargy
- Collapse
If your pup is displaying one or more of these symptoms, it may be an indicator of your dog’s back legs not working as well as they should. Watch them closely over the next few days and if they continue to show symptoms, contact your vet. It may not be a serious issue — but there’s a chance it’s indicative of a problem that will require treatment.
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Causes of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
So — your dog is limping on its back leg, or your dog is losing balance in its hind legs. What’s the cause? Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, simple answer to that question.
A dog with weakness in its back legs could be living with any of several different conditions, so you should never diagnose issues yourself and attempt to guess that the problem is. Always consult your veterinarian.
A dog with weakness in its back legs could be living with any of several different conditions, so you should never diagnose issues yourself and attempt to guess that the problem is. Always consult your veterinarian.
Causes of a back leg weakness in a dog can include:
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Lumbosacral stenosis
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Arthritis
- Osteosarcoma
- Injury or trauma
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
It progresses slowly and develops into back leg weakness; a dog with DM may start to stumble as its hind legs gradually fail. There’s no cure, though therapy and supplements can help with pain management and to maintain quality of life as much as possible.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is unfortunately common, especially in particular breeds — including Golden Retrievers, Boxers and Rottweilers. With this condition, malformation of the ball and socket in the hip joint (or both hip joints) prevents smooth movement; instead, the head of the femur grinds and rubs.
This loose joint movement can cause a dog to have difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, and make its hind limbs lame. Physiotherapy and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can form part of a treatment plan, as can surgery. Weight management helps, too — overweight dogs are more at risk of hip dysplasia.
This loose joint movement can cause a dog to have difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, and make its hind limbs lame. Physiotherapy and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can form part of a treatment plan, as can surgery. Weight management helps, too — overweight dogs are more at risk of hip dysplasia.
Lumbosacral stenosis
Lumbosacral stenosis — or Lumbosacral disease — is a spinal condition that affects the lower spine and can present similar symptoms to hip dysplasia and arthritis. The lumbosacral junction/joint suffers degeneration, leading to compression of nerves — this results in a dog’s back legs weakness, with the hind legs becoming lame and uncoordinated. Anti-inflammatories can be prescribed as treatment, as well as reduced exercise (on leash walking) and even surgery, in some cases. It often develops in large dog breeds.
Intervertebral disc disease
Known as IVDD, Intervertebral Disc Disease is also sometimes called Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). This is another spinal cord condition but unlike Degenerative Myelopathy, it isn’t always gradual; it can happen quickly and especially after exercise. If you’re wondering what causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs, IVDD — when the spinal vertebrae and spinal discs degenerate — can be one of those conditions. A dog with IVDD can suddenly collapse, or its hind legs can even be paralyzed.IVDD isn’t restricted to older dogs — it can occur in relatively young pups, from three to seven years of age. Again, particular breeds might be more prone to IVDD than others, including the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund and Doberman Pinscher.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects many dogs — one in five canines are thought to live with the condition — especially as they grow older (an old dog's back legs collapsing isn’t uncommon). It does still occur in younger dogs, too. Because arthritis typically affects the joints, dogs with the condition will usually experience stiffness and lameness. They may struggle to get up from a lying position or after sleeping, and show a reluctance to exercise. Arthritis can be a cause of a dog’s back legs not working. Your veterinarian should diagnose arthritis, which can’t be cured but can be managed with NSAIDS, physiotherapy and potentially a revised diet to keep weight down.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a form of cancer; a bone tumor that affects the legs and is more commonly seen in large dog breeds. It’s serious and aggressive, and appears as a swelling in a dog’s leg, so could be a reason for a dog limping on its back leg. Treatment can include chemotherapy, if started early enough, and potentially surgery.Injury or trauma
If, suddenly, your dog is limping on its back leg, it could be because of an injury or trauma rather than a longer term condition. What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs? Possible injuries include an achilles tendon rupture, luxating patella and an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Though many dogs won’t ‘make a fuss’, others will be in clear and obvious pain with any of these injuries. A dog certainly won’t walk normally with injuries this serious. The first step is to contact your vet immediately. Treatment almost always means surgery.
Though many dogs won’t ‘make a fuss’, others will be in clear and obvious pain with any of these injuries. A dog certainly won’t walk normally with injuries this serious. The first step is to contact your vet immediately. Treatment almost always means surgery.
Diagnosis of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
If you’ve identified any sign of back leg weakness in your dog — whether that be your dog losing balance in its hind legs or your dog limping on its back leg — don’t ignore it. A slight sprain or strain will clear up in a day or so, but if there’s no improvement, a visit to the veterinarian is required.
Your vet will thoroughly check your dog over. You’ll be asked if there have been any changes in behavior, including changes to your pet’s appetite, and if your dog has been exposed to any possible toxins. You’ll also be asked how long your dog has shown symptoms, and if he or she has been involved in any potential incidents while exercising. So, be prepared to share as much information as you can.
Your vet will thoroughly check your dog over. You’ll be asked if there have been any changes in behavior, including changes to your pet’s appetite, and if your dog has been exposed to any possible toxins. You’ll also be asked how long your dog has shown symptoms, and if he or she has been involved in any potential incidents while exercising. So, be prepared to share as much information as you can.
Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to see if there are any discerning neurological or physical abnormalities that are causing your dog’s back leg weakness. These can also reveal the possible presence of an enlarged liver, a sign of diabetes, or a tumor.
It’s likely that, because of some of the possible causes of a dog’s back legs not working correctly, your vet will also use X-rays, MRIs, CT scans or ultrasounds to examine bones, joints and tissues, looking for any indication of damage in the legs, spinal cord, hips and other areas.
It’s likely that, because of some of the possible causes of a dog’s back legs not working correctly, your vet will also use X-rays, MRIs, CT scans or ultrasounds to examine bones, joints and tissues, looking for any indication of damage in the legs, spinal cord, hips and other areas.
Treatment of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
Treatments for a dog with back legs weakness can vary considerably, depending on the underlying cause. Any injuries will be treated in line with the severity of the trauma.
Some conditions will need surgery. Others, such as Degenerative Myelopathy, Lumbosacral stenosis and Intervertebral disc disease, might need anti-inflammatory medication and managed over a period of time. In some cases, physiotherapy could be recommended, to help restore some flexibility and movement to a dog’s weak back legs.
Some conditions will need surgery. Others, such as Degenerative Myelopathy, Lumbosacral stenosis and Intervertebral disc disease, might need anti-inflammatory medication and managed over a period of time. In some cases, physiotherapy could be recommended, to help restore some flexibility and movement to a dog’s weak back legs.
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Recovery of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs
Will your dog recover from back leg weakness? If your dog’s back legs are giving out, will your pup make a full return to fitness, and walk again without any issues?
That all depends on what’s causing your dog to be limping on its back leg. Many of the conditions we’ve covered — such as arthritis and hip dysplasia — can be managed with pain relief, and an appropriate diet and exercise plan. While your dog won’t make a full recovery from either of those conditions, they can be managed, giving back some quality of life.
Other causes of a dog’s back legs not working might be more difficult to recover from. In the most severe of cases, intervertebral disc disease can lead to paralysis, while osteosarcoma can ultimately be fatal.
Be sure to discuss all treatment options with your vet, and check in regularly during the recovery process.
Other causes of a dog’s back legs not working might be more difficult to recover from. In the most severe of cases, intervertebral disc disease can lead to paralysis, while osteosarcoma can ultimately be fatal.
Be sure to discuss all treatment options with your vet, and check in regularly during the recovery process.
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Back Leg Weakness Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
bully pit
seven weeks
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hind Legs
Puppies are 7 weeks old and were walking and very active. Approximately 3 days ago 2 of three puppies from the liter are unable to stand on their hind legs. Each favors one hind leg over the other.
The mom of the liter passed away about 1 week after giving birth to 9 pups. She fell and badly injured herself beyond a vet's help to save her leg. 6 of the 9 puppies either died 1 or 2 days after she gave birth and the others were still born.
The 3 remaining puppies were bottle fed up until 6 weeks of age. They were introduced to food at about 4 or 5 weeks. And up until 3 days ago all were active
Feb. 14, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello, they could not be getting all the nutrient that they needs. I would recommend that your puppies see your vet. You can also give them joint supplements to help . Without being able to examine them it is hard to tell you for sure what is going on
Feb. 14, 2021
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American Bulldog
Four Years
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Our dog Pluto started having really bad diahrea the night before last. We though he could of ate something bad because he's always into stuff. Today he started shaking like he was cold and can barely move.
Feb. 3, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
24 Recommendations
Hi,
Yes, food poisoning is common among dogs since they are natural scavengers. Some food intoxications can be life-threatening since bacteria contained in the spoilt food may release toxins causing serious complications.
Please rush him to the nearest vet asap.
Good luck
Feb. 3, 2021
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pitbul
3year
56 found this helpful
56 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Having a hard time waking up waking with a limp dragging back legs
Jan. 27, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
56 Recommendations
Hi,
Back leg lameness can have various causes. This includes neurological problems, arthritis, injuries among others.
Please consult with your vet for a confirmatory diagnosis. You could ask for x rays to be done as well as a thorough physical exam.
Good luck.
Jan. 27, 2021
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Terrier mix small breed
Fourteen Years
72 found this helpful
72 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Falling Over
My elderly dog has been wobbly and falling down since Jan 8, we do have a vet but we are away at this time. Ben hasn’t been eating that much even with putting baby food or chicken broth in his food. Ben does have Kidney disease and is on a k/d prescription diet. New Year Eve he was trying to follow me and he fell down some stairs. He shook it off and was still getting up and walking on his own except for stairs I picked him. I feel that with the sudden change he I has to be put down, I’m very sad about this thought but I don’t want him to suffer anymore than he might be.
Jan. 16, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
72 Recommendations
Hi,
Sorry about that. I empathize but sometimes euthanasia helps to relieve our fur babies from pain and suffering. His back leg weakness is a neurological disorder and at his age, it's hard for nerves to regenerate. This kidney disease also puts his body under more stress.
Please talk to your vet about other possible options or treatments considering his history before opting for euthanasia.
Good luck
Jan. 17, 2021
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Daniff
5 Years
58 found this helpful
58 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness Back Legs
Got to the end of a 6 hour road trip and let my dog out to potty and he was fine. Let him in and suddenly it was like he couldn't walk on back legs and they were shaking. Ran my hands over him seeing if anything hurt but he didn't seem to have any sore areas. Within minutes he was back up and fine, thought maybe it was the long trip and just needed to work it out moving. 2 days later happened again out of nowhere and over within minutes.
Dec. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
58 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
We would consider a partial seizure, exacerbated arthritis, a neurological disorder such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia etc.
It would be best to have him checked over and the vet should perform a neurological exam and may also take some xrays.
Dec. 28, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Tyson
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Stiffness
Back Leg Weakness;
Odd Response Behaviour
I came home from the shops and my jack russell came to sit with me in the lounge. when he walked in he looked as if he was just stiff from sleeping but the more I watched him the stranger he looked. He was losing control and stability in his back legs and stumbled occasionally when we walked around the house. We live on a farm so he might have eaten something off but I haven't seen any other symptoms yet.
Shih Tzu
ozzie
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hold Leg Up
my shih tzu is 11 month and when he does a few steps he skips them and sometime favors it when turning from being in a run vet said his hips and knee looks real good what else could it be plays and runs just fine
