He is a big lab / ret. Some times he falls all the way down, other times he remains in a kind of half sitting up position. Answer (1 of 10): Weak, shaking back legs that suddenly give out on a dog can be a symptom of a number of problems. This is an inflammation of the spinal cord. Walkin’ Wheels Rear Wheelchair: perfect to help dog’s with rear leg weakness or paralysis stay mobile, active and part of the family.It’s even great for dog’s who can still walk on their own but need help with their balance or want to take weight off their legs and hips. For Murphy, mine went something like this: Disc disease is a frequent cause of a dog’s back legs suddenly not working. What can make a dog’s back legs weak, or cause a dog’s back legs to give out? I'm heart broken. My dog is 12 years old & his back legs are giving out. He is also shaking at the time. For older and middle-aged Labs, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is common. Younger dogs are at a higher risk of this and toe fractures. He will be asleep and all of a sudden wake up looking disoriented, eyes wide open and hind leg is up and not being able to really walk straight. Surgery is the best way to treat this disease. He can walk for a bit, and then his legs give out. Most dogs will slow down or stop when they are tired and will have no problems, but some revel so much in activity that they will exercise until they become weak and collapse from exhaustion. When A Labrador Loses Control Of His Back Legs A common end of life problem for very old dogs is a loss of control over their back legs. Don’t fret yet. Our 13 year old black lab has gone lame in his hind legs are I'm trying to find out if we are missing something or if anything can be done for him. Injuries are treated in correlation with their intensity. Their cheerful nature will ensure they are always on their feet. Some back leg problems in cats come on rapidly, rather than gradually. Then started having problems going up stairs. Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. Then started having problems going up stairs. Let’s start with the reasons. Common treatment procedures include acupuncture, hydrotherapy, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be sure to notice your trained Labrador forget its training as this is the number one symptom. The dog is usually unwell and possibly feverish, none of which applied to Murphy, who was happily begging for treats. They also are very likely to become overweight, which can blur your judgment. The back legs weakness due to a tumor happens over a long period of time. Labrador Hind Leg Collapse. Keep that tail wagging, Murphy, and next time, how about something straightforward, like a snagged claw? A basic test flipping Murphy’s back paw upside down showed it stayed that way. Murphy is your typical, eager 6-year-old Lab. My 13 year old lab's (well, 13 in September) hind legs have been giving out the last two days. The first thing you can do … You will find your Lab even jumping on things or people without tiring. The bad news is, it is also a hot topic in many doggy forums too. With such an abnormality, the movement of the Lab is irregular and can make the femur move out of place.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'dogswhisperer_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',106,'0','0'])); Once you spot this, it is important to take the dog to the vet. This time I caught him and was able to hold him up until he steadied himself. You will notice these symptoms immediately while some occur over some time. A sick dog does not need punishment or training. I think tall working dogs do look a little different from the back end, certainly Bramble does compared to our very typical (chunky ) show line chocolate boy. Indeed, this condition is a “Labrador thing,” with the breed being especially at risk. Larger breeds like Labrador retrievers are susceptible to tumors. I have always owned two or more dogs since I was a teen, and I started this website to share my experiences with you. You can also feed your dog whole fish. OA happens when the cartilage in joints breaks down which leads to inflammation and pain. He started out as just walking stiff on his hind legs about 8 months ago. Good options are oily fish like mackerel, herring or sardines. His hind legs keep folding from under him, and he doesn't eat unless we sit next to him. Both will give a great picture of not only the bone but also the nerves. Mild, unsteady gait in the hind and/or front legs - If your dog moves stiffly, look for the characteristic symptoms of Wobblers Syndrome. His lumbar spine region feels as though it is protruding and was very warm to the touch last night. You need to take it slow with your dog during the times they are unwell. Depending on the intensity, the dog can recover or get worse as days go by. Mild, unsteady gait in the hind and/or front legs - If your dog moves stiffly, look for the characteristic symptoms of Wobblers Syndrome. For more information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for dog weak back legs, we have everything you need to know. Avulsions are another trauma cause by tending to occur in parts of the leg below the knee. A blood clot can damage the spinal cord. Learn what to know about hip dysplasia including symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures. So basically the symptoms are that his hind legs are giving out 1-2 times a day, he is having a difficult time getting up due to hind leg … Offer lots of affection and encouragement. Some of the tell-tale signs that your pooch is having a problem with their back legs include: Even with medication or surgery, offering support aids in healing. It’s worse when dogs like this try to stand or walk on slick floors. Thankfully, when you visit a vet, they will tell you how to deal with it. Such injuries can lead to bone fractures to the legs. Agree with @heidrun would take those comments with a pinch of salt. That’s a question I had to answer recently for the anxious parents of a middle-aged Labrador Retreiver. This can be the result of a stroke or disc rupture or even a trauma impact. Back legs giving way. Thirty minutes later, in the waiting room, Murphy was unable to stand and had to be carried into the exam room. It involves blood glucose monitoring, daily insulin injections, special diets, and exercise plans. The dog may drag his hind toes as he walks, one of the typical symptoms. You will also have to keep the seizures that come with this disease at bay using medication. We attributed it to age. Prompt action meant the damage to his nerves was limited, and — fingers crossed — he should make a good recovery. Be sure to notice your trained Labrador forget its training as this is the number one symptom. 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