What are Leg Paralysis?
Peripheral spinal nerve damage is often the cause of leg paralysis. This can have a spiral effect, causing secondary damage, pain, and loss of nerve connection to the muscles, leading them to wither. Conditions that can affect the nerves and cause paralysis include injuries, infections, muscle or spinal conditions, or severe toxic exposures to certain chemicals. Paralysis can be partial or full, affecting one or all four legs. While some conditions can be remedied through surgery, others may not be able to be treated and will require supportive, lifelong care as the limb will not be functional.
Leg paralysis in dogs occurs when one or more legs lose the ability to function. Often seen as limping or dragging of the limb in dogs, it can point to nerve or muscular damage. This can lead to destruction of the nerve sheaths, tissue decay, joint and muscle damage, or atrophy as the affected dog loses the ability to flex or move that limb.
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
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Average Cost
$5,000
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Symptoms of Leg Paralysis in Dogs
Symptoms of leg paralysis in dogs include:
- Inability to flex joint in affected leg
- Inability to bear weight on affected leg
- Pain
- Lameness
- Weakness
- Abnormal gait
- Shift in weight
- Limb dragging
- Horner’s syndrome, or issues with the eye on the same side as affected limb
Types
- Front leg paralysis is often caused by damage to the neck and shoulder nerve roots, or in the radial, median or ulnar nerves in the affected leg
- Hind leg paralysis is associated with nerve root damage in the tailbone or lower back, or in the tibial, femoral, peroneal, or sciatic nerve in the affected leg
Causes of Leg Paralysis in Dogs
Conditions that can cause leg paralysis can include:
- Neurological condition
- Musculoskeletal condition
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Tumor
- Viral diseases, including distemper and rabies
- Fungal diseases
- Protozoal diseases, such as neosporosis
- Tick toxicity
- Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis
- Injuries and trauma
- Severe exposure to pesticides and insecticides containing organophosphates
Diagnosis of Leg Paralysis in Dogs
Cases of leg paralysis can offer a myriad of causes, and your veterinarian will take into consideration many factors when coming to a positive diagnosis of this condition. Observations including your dog’s gait and posture, any pain present, conditions of muscles in the affected limb, and spinal reflexes can help to locate the source of injury. Recovery is better the closer the associated nerve damage is to the muscle. Your veterinarian will also look at how well your dog can flex an associated joint, reflexes in other places in the leg, and how well he can bear weight on that limb. Electrical stimulation can be used to see if the nerve is still intact.
Information that can help guide your veterinarian to a correct diagnosis of the cause of the paralysis can include any signs noticed, exposure to pesticides or insecticides, exposure to other animals, exposure to tick ridden areas, and medical history. Other tests that can provide valuable information include CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, myelography, surgical biopsies, blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, tissue samples, physical examination, and the visible presence of a tick or skin crater.
Treatment of Leg Paralysis in Dogs
Treatment of leg paralysis is often targeted at the underlying cause. Many joint and muscle issues can be remedied through surgery and supportive care. When the cause is nerve related, recovery will depend on the nerve sheath condition and the distance between the injury and where the nerve ends. While some nerve damage can resolve over many weeks or months, more severe cases can require surgical reattachment. A light bandage is often applied to the affected limb during recovery, and a sling can be added to prevent the leg from dragging. Supplementary care includes giving your dog massages, applying heat and stretching the tendons to keep them healthy while the nerve regenerates. Acupuncture may be prescribed.
In the case of tumors, surgery might be used for removal. Nerve sheath tumors can affect many nerves at once, and can be more difficult to remove. Recovery for this type of tumor is poor.
Viral diseases have no treatment, and recovery is poor in affected animals. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat, and recovery might be uncertain. Very severe cases of tick toxicity can call for artificial ventilation. Treatment involves tick removal and antibiotics, and recovery is often good.
With granulomatous meningoencephalo-myelitis, dogs can temporarily improve with drug therapies, but long term recovery is guarded. There are no treatments for degenerative myelopathy, and often supportive care is all that can be done. This is through physical rehabilitation, pressure sore prevention, monitoring for conditions like urinary infections, and creating an increased mobility with harnesses and carts.
In some cases, amputation of the paralyzed leg may be recommended. Many three-legged dogs can live happy and functional lives.
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Recovery of Leg Paralysis in Dogs
The recovery of leg paralysis in your dog will depend entirely on the underlying condition and the state of any damaged nerves involved. While there is a good chance of recovery in many cases with supportive care, surgery and other treatments, there are conditions without treatments available. In cases of a viral infection, prevention through vaccination is the best course to ensure your dog is not affected.
Your veterinarian will create a treatment and recovery plan based on your dog’s specific condition, which may include home supportive care and monitoring. In the case of degenerative myelopathy, efforts will be focused towards creating a better quality of life for your dog during the progression of the disease.
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 450 quotes ranging from $800 - $10,000
Average Cost
$5,000
Top
Leg Paralysis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Boxer
Two Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Disoriented
My 2 yo boxer was fine then all of a sudden she was leaning with her head dropped towards the couch. When I called her she would not respond to me. I sat in front of her and she leaned on me. She was breathing hard with her tongue out. When she attempted to walk her right front leg was limp and she started falling to the left. This lasted for about 15 mins. Now she is just sleeping and will only look at me when I call her, she won’t come to me.
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your dog. This could be some type of neurological issues such as seizure or infection. It would be best for your vet to see your dog as many times untreated neurological issues can get very bad very quickly. Your vet would be able to complete a neurologic exam and figure out exactly the cause of this problem.
July 26, 2020
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Labradoodle
Nine Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Leg Paralysis
We had my dog put down 2 days ago as he lower legs paralysis. It’s was weakness for 2 days then loss of legs completely. His tail was still wagging and he had deep pain but the vet did the prick test and the numbness seemed quite high at his ribs. He had surgery in jan this year to fix the same problem but it cost us $8000 and i couldn’t afford it this time around. I feel like I’ve done the wrong thing and perhaps should’ve tried steroids? I feel extremely guilty and think i should’ve waited.
July 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I am very sorry for your loss, and it is very normal to feel grief and guilt. You made the decision for him, based on what was happening to him. If he lost use of his legs completely, steroids would not likely have helped very much, and it is not fair for a dog to not be able to walk. From your description, you and your veterinarian made the right decision, even though it was a difficult one.
I am sorry for your loss.
July 19, 2020
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West Highland White Terrier
Sixteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Keeps Falling
My westie kept falling from both back legs giving out on him but now his front right leg is giving out on him. This seems to have been overnight with his 3rd leg. This is heartbreaking. He jumps up but falls completely after a few steps. Vet says it’s arthritis but the temp outside is warm for him to now lose his 3rd paw now. He gets up and tries to run but falls. I’m not sure if he’s on the right meds and I lost my high paying job and cannot afford surgery or anything extensive. Help!
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that your dog is having problems. Arthritis can be hard to manage and some dogs, and he may need to be on other medications. Carprofen is a really good anti-inflammatory drug, but sometimes adding something like Tramadol or Gabapentin can help. It would be best to give your veterinarian a call, let them know that he is not doing well, and see if they can advise that those drugs might help. I hope that he feels better.
July 13, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Four Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Now 30 Minutes Later It Seems Fine.
I can’t get into any emergency room because they’re all full with emergency surgeries for animals at the moment what can I do in the meantime?
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If he is doing well otherwise, and you think he has returned to normal, you may be able to schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian to have him looked at. If his leg is actually paralyzed and he can't walk, then it would be best to wait at the ER until he can be seen. They do triage cases, so if his is more serious they will see him. I hope that he is okay.
July 9, 2020
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Pit Bull
10 month
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Front Paws Knuckling(Not Constant), Unstable Gait, Hard To Manage Soft Surfaces.
Which Neurological conditions are common in pit bulls that may cause frontal leg weakness, abnormal gait (unstable) at young age? she seem to struggle more when standing still than when running (just run short distances and fatigue easily)
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
There are not necessarily neurologic conditions that are common in that breed that may cause those signs. She may have an individual problem, with her neck or the nerve Supply or musculature of her front end. It would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian, as they can see her, assess her muscles and nerves, and see what might be going on with her. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 9, 2020
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Dachshund
Minnie
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Paralysis
When my son came home from school three days ago he found my 12 year old dachshund paralyzed in front and hind legs. We took her to the vet who told us that they thought she had a ruptured disc. They gave us a few choices one was to take her to have an MRI done in a town about 3 hours from where we live, (but just to have this done was going to cost around $2500), another choice was to try her on restricted crate rest and give her medicine, I don't even want to say what the last option was. We choose to bring her home and try the medicine and crate rest. She is still able to move her legs a little and she has wagged her tail and she still has function over her bowels and urinating. the doctor gave her two different pain pills and prednisone. She did seem like her hips were bothering her the day before, but she doesn't seem to be in any pain. She doesn't yelp or snap when you pick her up or when I give her a massage there doesn't seem to be any tender spots. My question is wouldn't she at least seem to be in pain if it was a ruptured disc? I asked the vet that question and they didn't seem to have an answer. My other question is would you suggest I get a second opinion?
Yorkshire Terrier
Buddy
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Paralysis
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Balance,Drinking Water Less
Loss Of Balance, Wont Eat Dog Food
Temporary Paralysis
Paralysis-Temporaily
Temporarily Paralisi
Temporarily Paralisis
Ok,question-what could be wrong with my little teacup yorkie,he just turned 12 the 29th of March and hasnt had any issues like this at all before till now. He got up and all of a sudden he fell over,his 4 legs going rigid for a few seconds, and cried out and then peed. Its been happening this whole week,I took him to the vet and he said it sounds like he has a brain tumor,after I told him what has been happening,but it would cost 2,000.00 to have it checked and we cant afford that kind of money. He isnt drinking water as he normally was and he isnt eating any of his dog food(even the stuff he would devour normally),or any treats,and normally of he wouldnt eat his dog food,he never turned down treats. Now he is eating people meats only, or wont eat at all. HELP!!!
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 450 quotes ranging from $800 - $10,000
Average Cost
$5,000
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
