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
Indian pariah
Twelve Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walking Tenderly
Vet has provided my dog 2 injections 1.rabies 2. Not sure on name
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. The signs are describing might be related to the rabies vaccination, but without knowing more details, it is difficult for me to say. One thing that you can do would be to call your veterinarian, let them know what you are seeing, and see if it makes sense to them that it may be related, or if there might be something else going on. I hope that all goes well with your dog.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Yorkshire Terrier
Twelve Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Leg Weakness
My dog suddenly stopped using her rear right leg. It doesn’t hurt her. Even if I push on her paw towards her body while she’s laying down. She doesn’t push back like the other leg. It’s limp. But she can pull it up to walk. It doesn’t drag. She doesn’t seem to be in pain. Just not as mobile.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If she is not walking on the leg, it probably does hurt her. Small dogs can be affected by knee and hip disease, and having her seen by a veterinarian would be best. They will be able to examine her, see what is causing this problem, and see what therapy she may need.
Oct. 7, 2020
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Healer huskey mix
Fourteen Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Legs Hurt Hard To Use
I have a 14 year old dog who has had a farm life with a few injuries in her life. Tonight ahe started walking funny and seemed to be having some pain. She is now having a very hard time walking just a few steps.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is not uncommon for older dogs to have joint pain, arthritis, and muscle or nerve pain. At her age, she likely needs pain control, and it would be best to have a veterinarian look at her to see what might be going on. Most OTC pain medications are very hard on dogs, and your veterinarian will be able to prescribe a safe pain medication for her.
I hope that she is okay.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Chiweenie
Three Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weak Legs
yesterday my dog was fine, running full speed and playing, and today he is walking like his back legs are really weak, he hobbled and i can tell he’s in a lot of pain. he keeps panting throughout the day. he usually sleeps in bed with us and my husband thinks we may have accidentally rolled over on him but i’m not sure and i’m so worried.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If you think that he is painful and he seems to not be feeling well, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as I cannot examine him. Most OTC human pain medications are quite toxic to dogs, so having him seen by a veterinarian would be a good idea, as they can help him.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
My Wiley! I noticed for a while she was babying her back right leg, didn't occur to me something was wrong. For 3 days now she at only very little last night. She is drinking water. It looks to me as if she has weakness in her back leg(s). Not active like she was, doesn't want to move some of the time. She has worry in her eyes. We will be trying to get her in the vet in the morning
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails.
I'm sorry that Wiley was not feeling good, I think that having her seen by her veterinarian was the best thing to do. I hope that she is back to her normal self.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Pit bull
Vader
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Balance
Recently my pup has been having an issue with his hind legs. When he goes to run or turn quickly his hind legs seems to stiffen and he stops in his tracks. After a few minutes he is fine but then he will go lay down for a few minutes, get up and walk a bit or briefly play with the cat and then it's back to lay down again. Last night both his hind legs appeared to lock and he day there balancing himself on in front paws. He is only 9 months and quite energetic, well not so much in the last couple days. It started last week but it was touch and go. I figured muscle tightness so I massaged his hind legs and stretched them. None of which seemed to cause him any pain. After hes laid down for an extended period of time he has trouble walking when he stands up. This lasts for a few minutes.
Great Dane
Onyx
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Weakness, Incontinence
Weakness, Incontinence, Back Nails
I have a Great Dane, Onyx who is now 11 1/2 years old. He senior lab work looks great, he has a good appetite, unfortunate his legs are getting progressively weaker, unsteady, having moments of fecal incontinence and at times will fall and need help getting up. This is not an easy task to help him since he is 150 lbs but I get him up. He is mentally young at heart and still tries to keep up and play with my other 3 dogs. When he is standing eating his rear end "sinks." I pretty much figure he has Degenerative Myelopathy. I have him on pain medications to keep him comfortable. I just pray he at least lasts 5 more months until my son gets home. Onyx is "his boy" and used to sleep with him every night. My other 3 still recognize him as the alpha and at night my cat Smokey will rub up on him and try to comfort him. I have thought about leg braces or a doggy wheelchair but I wonder if by the time I would get would it be too late. In the last 2 months he has really decompensated. I just pray that my old man can hang in there a few more months so his boy, my son can be there when he crosses the Rainbow bridge.
