Very often on the forums of dog breeders and in appeals to veterinarians, you can find a group of questions related to the problem when dogs' hind legs fail. This problem in most cases is associated with neurological abnormalities and is especially susceptible to small and medium dog breeds. However, these are far from all the reasons for such a terrible consequence; it happens that, for example, a dog falls on its hind legs for no apparent reason at all. Why this occurs, what to do and what treatment is needed, we will consider in this article.
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Symptoms of hind leg failure in dogs
Pain is the first and most common symptom preceding hind leg failure in dogs. This is often associated with a neurological disorder in the spinal column, so the animal will experience pain and discomfort especially when moving or abruptly changing position. A little later, there may be weakness in the muscles, the absence of a nerve impulse, as a result of which the pet cannot move. After that, all pain sensitivity disappears and the dog, roughly speaking, no longer feels its limbs.
It is important to note that all of the above symptoms can either increase gradually, appearing after a certain time, or appear suddenly, for example, during a walk. The occurrence of all these symptoms can serve as a sharp movement during the game or a sharp push. Also, primary symptoms can very quickly develop into complications. For example, in the morning the dog may feel pain, and by the evening her hind legs may be taken away.
Not a single dog owner is immune from such an unpleasant ailment, but breeds with an elongated body, such as dachshunds, as well as brachycephalic breeds (pugs, Pekingese and others), are especially at risk.
Causes and diseases leading to failure of the hind legs
There can be many reasons why a dog's hind legs failed. Therefore, most often the owners, whose dogs have this problem, are lost and do not know what to do. Many people note in bewilderment that in the morning or yesterday their pet ran briskly, played and had fun, and in the evening or today it is already pulling the back of the body and cannot get up. We note right away that some breeds of dogs have a genetic tendency, so the problem may be hidden. As a rule, in this case, the paws fail at the age of 3 to 8 years.
But also do not forget that limb failure can be due to a long-standing injury or untreated damage. For example, tendon sprains, fractures, bruises often affect nerves. Arthritis and arthrosis, tumor formations on the bones and joints also cause their pinching. Among the causes, specific diseases also play an important role. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Injuries and pinched nerves
These are perhaps the most frequent and most, if I may say so, simple reasons. A banal unsuccessful fall or a sudden movement can provoke pinched nerves and tissue damage. Discopathy, intervertebral hernia - all this is the result of inattentive or late treatment of an injury, which can lead to failure of the hind legs. Far from the last place in this group is occupied by spinal pathology, during which the innervation of the limbs is disturbed.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Often during an injury or with improper physical activity, the structure of the spinal column is disturbed. From this, its oxygen supply worsens, cells die. The spinal cord is affected - as a result of paralysis and complete failure of the paws. Due to poor metabolism in the spinal cord, spondylosis or local aging of its segments can occur. On x-ray, this disease often looks like coracoid growths on the spine.
Tumors in the spine
The same injuries, bruises, sprains can cause tumor processes. They are dangerous because they lead to pathologies in the spinal cord, paralyzing the limbs. In addition to the failure of the hind legs, dogs can experience arched backs, gait disturbances, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, and pain. Stable excessive loads on the spine can cause deformation of its joints and, as a result, spinal hernia.
Scheme of damage to the vertebral discs in discopathy
Discopathy
This is another of the most common reasons why dogs can lose their hind limbs. This disease is associated with the intervertebral discs, when their substance clamps the spinal cord, disrupting its work. This results in a neurological deficit. Most often, this manifestation occurs in large older dogs and develops over a very long period (from several months to several years).
It is important to note that French bulldogs are especially prone to discopathy due to their structure and a very strong load on the spine. At the same time, these dogs can have disc prolapse not only during movement, but also at rest.
Dysplasia
Dysplasia is another very common cause of hind limb failure. Dogs of large breeds are predisposed to it, so they need regular X-ray examinations. With this disease, paralysis hind legs does not occur suddenly, but is manifested by certain symptoms. First, it is difficulty in movement, pain, impaired gait. Without proper attention, the disease goes into a neglected complex stage.
Treatment
Of course, in order to help your pet, you need to know exactly the cause of the disease, and for this you need to contact veterinary clinic. It is advisable to get an appointment immediately with a doctor specializing in neurology. Even simple lameness or difficulty getting up can be a reason to go to the vet. Do not think that this is a short-term phenomenon that will pass by itself. Well, if so, but it can also be the first sign of very serious ailments.
If your pet was injured, jumped unsuccessfully, pulled a muscle, also do not put off going to the veterinarian. Only competent treatment can save the dog from subsequent negative manifestations. It is strictly forbidden to use painkillers without the advice of a doctor. Moreover, the pain will limit the animal's movement, which means that the risk of even greater injury will be eliminated.
Remember that only a timely appeal to a specialist and a competent approach to treatment will help and completely put the dog on its feet. Otherwise, help may be ineffective, and then your pet has only one sentence - a stroller. Depending on the diagnosis and cause of the disease, the veterinarian may prescribe treatment. medications, massage, certain physical activities, diet and so on.
First aid for a pet
Regardless of the nature of the injury, its severity or signs, it is important to get the pet to the clinic as soon as possible. At the same time, you cannot force him to walk if the motor function is still feasible. Take the dog in your arms or place it in a car and take it to the veterinarian. The specialist must establish the safety of the sensitivity of the paws, check the pain syndrome, the presence of injuries and pathologies. Also for additional information The doctor may take a blood and urine test.
If your dog's hind legs are failing, you should fix him to a solid, hard surface. Any drugs, including painkillers, should not be given. Carefully without unnecessary shaking, it is important to deliver the dog to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.
As for the advice of the veterinarian, they all boil down to a couple of the most basic rules:
- do not engage in treatment on your own, do not undertake any courses and methods of treatment on your own;
- an experienced specialist should do x-rays and myelography to assess the situation;
- carry out timely prophylaxis especially for those dogs that are naturally prone to spinal pathologies and dysplasia.
Video "Paralysis of the hind legs in dogs"
If your pet is unable to walk due to paralysis of the hind legs, all is not lost. There is always hope!
Weakness in the hind legs of a dog. Why? What to do?
We, the Vitus veterinary clinic, are often approached by dog owners with complaints about the weakness of the hind limbs in their pets. Different people describe the signs of the disease in different ways: a wagging gait, a dog dragging its paws, paralysis of the hind legs, lameness, a hunchback of the back, and so on.
There is no single reason for the problems described. Therefore, qualified diagnosis is very important for effective treatment. In this case, you can not do without a visit to the doctor.
In this article, we will try to provide general information on possible reasons weakness of the hind limbs in dogs, and also briefly denote general principles diagnosis and treatment of relevant diseases.
There is a breed and age predisposition to certain pathologies. So, Pekingese, dachshunds, French and English bulldogs, poodles and pugs are predisposed to displacement and destruction of the intervertebral discs (discopathy, disc herniation). This pathology poses a serious danger to life and can even lead to the death of the dog. When the disc is displaced, the spinal cord is compressed. Outwardly, this is manifested by repeated bouts of severe pain: the dog freezes in one position (usually with an extended neck and hunched back), severe trembling, shortness of breath, hind legs give way, weaken. With a less pronounced compression of the spinal cord, only weakness of the hind limbs is clinically observed - the dog, as it were, drags them, tries to transfer the weight of the body mainly to the front paws, cannot jump onto the sofa (chair, armchair), cannot bend over to the bowl or to the floor. If discopathy is suspected, it is necessary to immediately conduct a qualified diagnosis and take effective measures up to surgery, since spinal cord compression can quickly lead to irreversible changes when any treatment is ineffective.
Dogs of large and giant breeds (St. Bernard, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Labrador, etc.), as well as German Shepherds aged 4-12 months, are predisposed to diseases hip joints. Many factors influence the occurrence of these diseases, in particular, an unbalanced diet, overweight puppy, paws sliding on the floor, heredity, and so on. With damage to the hip joints, most often, signs of weakness of the limbs appear after rest (in the morning, when getting up) and decrease during physical activity. In addition, the defeat of the hip joints is rarely symmetrical, and the dog first "falls" on only one paw. You can read more about the pathology of the hip joints in our article "Dysplasia ...".
Middle-aged dogs the day after unusually hard physical activity may suffer from muscle inflammation - myositis. One of the manifestations of myositis is weakness of the hind limbs, “stilted gait”. Treatment of myositis is not a serious problem. However, only a veterinarian can distinguish myositis from a spinal cord injury.
In older dogs, hind limb weakness may be of central origin, ie. associated with brain dysfunction. According to our observations, most often there are various vascular problems, less often - volumetric processes (brain tumors). In this case, competent treatment can significantly improve the condition of the dog and significantly extend its life.
Kidney disease in dogs CANNOT be the cause of weakness in the hindquarters and hunched posture, unless it is an extreme degree of exhaustion and autointoxication (however, in this case, weakness extends to all muscles).
A common mistake owners make is self-treatment of the dog with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). Clinical improvements with the use of these drugs are only temporary and mask the manifestations of the underlying disease. In addition, medical anti-inflammatory drugs have serious side effects including ulceration of the stomach wall and gastric bleeding.
Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian
Problems of skeletal formation
when growing puppies of large breeds of dogs.
Plan:
1. Introduction.
2. Main problems:
1) VKG;
2) Fractures;
3) Hip dysplasia;
4) Valgus deformity;
5) Osteochondrosis.
3. Conclusions.
Introduction.
Strong, properly developed bones, reliable and efficient joints are necessary for any dog, regardless of breed. However, for large, heavy animals this is especially important. Various pathologies of the development of the skeleton in a dog can be not only a disqualifying sign, but also cause pain and suffering in the animal. At the same time, many factors that affect the occurrence of skeletal diseases in puppies can be "reduced to zero" by knowing the causes of these diseases.
Main problems.
Certain problems associated with the development of bones and joints in puppies of large dog breeds are particularly common in clinical practice. These include: secondary stern hyperparathyroidism (erroneously called rickets), traumatic and pathological fractures, hip dysplasia (both congenital, genetically inherited and acquired), valgus deformity of the hind limbs and osteochondrosis.
Secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (VKH).
First, a few words about rickets. Rickets is a disease of growing animals, manifested by a violation of the growth and development of bones due to a lack of vitamin D in the diet.
Traditionally in Russia, rickets is called any local thickening, curvature of the bones in puppies. It has been scientifically proven that true rickets (vitamin D deficiency) is extremely rare in dogs and is difficult to simulate even in an experiment.
Unlike rickets, secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (SCH) is very common in puppies, and its manifestations are commonly referred to as rickets.
The cause of VCH is an insufficient intake of calcium in the body, often aggravated by an excess of calories in the diet. This situation occurs when a puppy is fed meat, fish, porridge without the addition of calcium-containing preparations. All types of meat (including offal), as well as cereals, contain very little.
Therefore, homemade diets based on meat components should be supplemented with mineral salts containing a significant percentage of calcium (more than 8%), but the amount of the mineral mixture should remain within reasonable limits. It is more difficult to provide both the necessary balance and the right amount of Ca and P at home, because. it is almost impossible to control the true amount of these substances in the original products. Puppies of large dog breeds (Great Danes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, etc.) are especially susceptible to the disease.
The best conditions for the development of the skeleton are created when using ready-made balanced (dry or canned) food for puppies, which take into account the characteristics of the stages of growth and development of babies, for example, Pedigree for puppies up to 12 months; Advance Puppy Rehydratable, for puppies of toy, small and medium breed dogs aged 4 weeks to 6 months or Advance Growth, designed and tailored to the physiology of puppies of large and giant breeds of dogs.
The composition of these feeds fully takes into account the needs of a growing organism in all nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Granules of diets are easily soaked, which is used to feed the puppy during the adaptation period; when transferring to a ready-made diet, it is introduced gradually over 5-7 days, starting with minimal amounts.
We do not recommend mixing balanced ready-made feeds with other products, in order to avoid an imbalance of nutrients and minerals in the puppy's body (except for the period of transfer to dry food) and the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements is categorically excluded.
If you are feeding your growing puppy a homemade diet, adequately fortify it with minerals. Combined mineral supplements such as Slicky, Vetzyme, Irish Kale are best suited for this. We do not recommend the use of drugs and top dressing of domestic production. It is necessary to dose mineral additives in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers. However, even with the very best supplements and quality foods, balancing your diet accurately is difficult. We also DO NOT recommend adding vitamins A and D to your homemade diet.
And if the puppy shows signs of so-called "rickets", vitamin D supplementation can only worsen the condition if calcium intake is not increased. Usually, to stabilize the growth of bones, it is enough to transfer the puppy to ready-made food. If the curvature of the limbs and / or gait disturbance is severe, we recommend that you go to the clinic for an examination (X-ray, orthopedic consultation).
Being overweight in a puppy can exacerbate the manifestations of VCH, so the puppy should not be overfed; when using ready-made feeds, it is enough to follow the feeding rate indicated on the package. The growth potential is genetically determined and depends little on the puppy's feeding, with the important condition that the food is balanced. Therefore, a thin puppy is more likely to develop a normal skeleton.
In contrast to CHD, among the classic skeletal diseases associated with calcium deficiency with excess phosphorus, there may be cases where some owners allow excess calcium supplementation without proportional inclusion of phosphorus in the diet. A high calcium content increases its circulating concentration and, as a result, the secretion of calcitonin increases and there are disturbances in the production of PTH. In this condition, the activity of osteoclasts, which are extremely important for the proper formation of the skeleton during the growth period, decreases. As a result, premature closure of the growth zones of long bones can occur, which will lead to their underdevelopment.
Fractures.
Unfortunately, in puppies of large breeds of dogs, fractures of the bones of the limbs occur quite often. At the same time, most owners consider trauma as the only reason for what happened. In fact, in many cases, bone fractures in puppies occur with minimal external impact. Such fractures are called pathological.
Pathological fractures indicate poor mineralization of the skeleton. The reason for this may be low calcium intake, high phosphorus intake and low vitamin D intake. In such cases, fixation of the fracture plays only a SECONDARY role for recovery, the main thing is nutritional support.
Healthy animals with traumatic fractures are usually treated through a process of primary or secondary bone healing. Optimal condition is achieved by using prepared foods with adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and D. Excessive doses of these substances have been shown to delay bone healing. Pain during trauma or surgery is the cause of stress, which leads to the consumption of protein reserves and a decrease in the immune response. In addition, there is an increasing need for ascorbic acid and probably other substances. In surgical patients, the period before and after anesthesia can be particularly detrimental. Therefore, it is necessary to use special dietary feed, designed for the needs of sick animals.
Dysplasia of the hip joints.
This is a common congenital disease of dogs, mainly large breeds (St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Labradors, etc.). Several studies have confirmed that initially puppies are born with normal hip joints. Dysplasia develops during the first 6 months of life as a result of disproportionate development of bone structures and soft tissues of the hip joints. The development of the disease is also significantly influenced by external factors, mainly feeding and exercise.
At birth, the femoral head and acetabulum in puppies are formed primarily from cartilage. Education bone tissue and the change in the position of the femoral head depends on the process of endochondral ossification. When a dysplastic joint is formed, the load is redistributed: more than half of the body weight during walking falls on the anterior upper edge of the cavity. As a result, microcracks and deformations, cartilage erosion are formed. Clinically, this is manifested by lameness, pain, especially when standing up.
As already mentioned, diet plays an important role in the development of dysplasia. So, in several studies it was possible to establish that long-term consumption of a diet with an INCREASED calcium content leads to a violation of bone formation, incl. and the head of the femur, which is manifested by deformation of both the bones themselves and the joints. With excessive intake of phosphorus from the diet, the normal absorption of calcium from the intestine may slow down due to the formation of non-absorbable compounds - phytates. An excess of vitamin D in the diet causes a delay in ossification, i.e. normal formation of bones and, accordingly, joints. Also, the development of dysplasia can increase with an excess of vitamin C and a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet.
Feeding a puppy a balanced diet, such as Advance Growth, significantly reduces the chance of developing hip dysplasia. In this case, it is very important not to overestimate the dose of feed, because. excess energy in the puppy's body, accelerates its growth and weight gain. Under such conditions, the load on the hip joints increases significantly. This may damage them.
In clinical practice, we often register acquired post-traumatic deformities of the hip joints in puppies of large dog breeds, which can be regarded as dysplasia. Such damage occurs most often in puppies that are overweight, contained on homemade diets or mixed diets. Joint injuries occur during unsuccessful jumps, sliding (especially on linoleum, parquet). With timely treatment to the clinic, it is possible effective treatment such patients with good long-term results.
If the deformity of the hip joint has already formed and the diagnosis of "dysplasia" is established, it is possible to carry out both conservative and surgical treatment. The method and tactics of treatment is determined by the doctor in each case individually.
Valgus deformity of the hind limbs.
In the cynological environment, the disease is called X-shaped hind limbs. Hallux valgus develops most often in rapidly growing puppies of large dog breeds. It is characterized by a significant curvature of the bones of the thigh and lower leg, as a result of which the setting of the hind limbs significantly changes.
The most likely cause by far is improper feeding. Excess protein and energy in the puppy's diet leads to accelerated growth and weight gain. In this case, the total weight of the young animal exceeds the natural resistance to stress of the developing skeletal system of the limbs.
If the animals get to the doctor in a timely manner, before the onset of severe deformities of the limbs, then a sharp restriction of the amount of protein and caloric content of the feed is sufficient. Painkillers and chondroprotectors reduce pain, but thus increase the young animal's need for movement, which leads to an increase in the biomechanical load. After the growth zones are closed, corrective operations on the bones can be performed, which significantly improve the quality of life of the animals.
Osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology manifested by a violation of cartilage mineralization. The disease is ubiquitous and various kinds animals, including dogs. In dogs, osteochondrosis is observed as a primary disease of puppies of large breeds (i.e., more than 25 kg of adult weight). Breeds at highest risk: Great Dane, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler.
If the disease affects the articular cartilage, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) may develop later. In OCD, part of the articular cartilage begins to separate and may fragment. At the same time, inflammation of the joint is noted.
Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial disease in which genetics and nutrition play significant roles. The disease affects various breeds and each of them has a specific localization of osteochondrosis. So, in Rottweilers, OCD lesions are more common in the elbow and hock joints. In most cases, lesions are observed from different sides.
Cartilage stratification in osteochondrosis most often occurs in areas subject to the greatest load.
In puppies of large dogs with osteochondrosis, damage to the growth zones is also observed, which leads to curvature of the bones of the forearm, separation of the olecranon from the ulna and the supraglenoid process from the scapula.
It has been scientifically proven that long-term consumption of an excess amount of a balanced diet or a diet rich in calcium (regardless of other components) can cause an increase in the frequency and severity of signs of osteochondrosis in puppies of large dog breeds. Similar changes can be observed in puppies raised on a high calcium diet.
There is an erroneous opinion that calcium is not superfluous, and the puppy will absorb as much calcium from the diet as he needs. In experiments, it was found that dogs receiving foods high in calcium absorb it significantly more.
In dogs with osteochondrosis of the articular cartilage without cartilage detachment, only non-specific Clinical signs. In cases where the cartilage begins to flake off, osteoarthritis and inflammation of the subchondral bone may occur. The result is lameness.
Measurement of the circulating concentration of calcium and phosphorus does not allow to establish the ratio in the feed and the absorbability of these elements and cannot be used to support the diagnosis of osteochondrosis.
Articular cartilage osteochondrosis does not always progress to OCD. However, in cases where the cartilage begins to exfoliate, surgical treatment is already required.
If osteochondrosis affects the growth zone of the bones of the forearm, the so-called. "Crooked Beam Syndrome". In crooked beam syndrome, severe shortening of the ulna may be irreversible, as may abnormal development of the wrist and/or separation of the olecranon.
Feed correction on early stages may positively influence the spontaneous resolution of cartilage lesions. Osteochondrosis of the articular cartilage and growth plates may disappear, but dietary changes may not help in cases of OCD when cartilage detachment has occurred or when there is severe beam curvature. In most of these cases, surgical correction is indicated.
Feed correction involves reducing the intake of energy (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), calcium and vitamins to the minimum requirements of the dog. Medical treatment osteochondrosis in dogs is ineffective.
Not only its growth and development depend on how fully the puppy eats.
Puppies that are properly fed have good immunity and are less susceptible to disease.
Adequate supply of all nutrients and proper care will help the full realization of the genetic potential and lay the foundation for a long, full and healthy life your pet.
Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian
You may notice the first signs of a problem while walking. If they appeared after sudden movements (for example, during games), then do not consider activity to be the cause of the disease. Quicker, .
Symptoms of hind leg failure in dogs are extremely unpleasant:
- The dog cannot move normally
- Hind legs weaken and become naughty
- As a result, paralysis of the pelvic limbs or paresis may develop.
Symptoms of the disease do not always occur all at once. Sometimes in the morning the dog feels pain, and in the evening the deplorable signs and consequences of paralysis of the limbs are already obvious.
Causes and diseases leading to failure of the hind legs in dogs
The disease can cause discouragement among the owners, as everything happens quite abruptly and unexpectedly.
There can be many reasons for it:
- Limb injuries: fractures, nerve damage, tendon ruptures and sprains.
- Arthritis of the limbs
- Tumors
- spinal pathology
If the spinal cord is affected in the region of the chest or lumbar spine, paralysis or paresis may develop. However, injuries are also risk factors. Sometimes a sharp turn, fall, blow, bite during a fight with another individual provokes a whole chain of problems. Keep in mind that the dog may slip on the ice, jump badly or turn around. If possible, supervise your pet to reduce risk factors.
Nervous system
One of the most common causes of hind leg failure in dogs that owners face is nervous system.
Neurological disorders manifest themselves as follows: in the thoracolumbar spine of the dog, strong pain. Then paws are taken away, and everything shows that the animal cannot move its limbs. Eventually loss of pain sensitivity. You may notice the first signs of a problem while walking. If they appeared after sudden movements (for example, during games), then do not consider activity to be the cause of the disease. Quicker, movement provokes symptoms of an already existing problem.
This problem is more common in small and medium-sized dogs than in large breeds of dogs, as well as individuals with a genetic predisposition to damage to the intervertebral discs. The main risk group is dachshunds, there is a problem in French bulldogs, Brabancons, Pekingese and other representatives of brachycephalic breeds. Most often, unpleasant changes are observed between the ages of three and eight years.
Some owners of dachshunds think that the problem lies in the long spine. However, science does not confirm this conjecture. And it is interesting that the manifestations of the disease do not always occur all at once. Sometimes in the morning the dog feels pain, and in the evening the deplorable signs and consequences of paralysis of the limbs are already obvious.
Injuries
Pathology develops in stages: first, the structure of the spinal column is disturbed at the site of injury, then edema occurs. This causes the spinal cord and radicular nerves to be compressed. The latter problem leads to the fact that the process of blood supply with oxygen is disrupted.
When this lasts for some time, nerve cells die, and nerve impulses along the peripheral nerves are blocked.
A severe injury violates the integrity of the tissue of the spinal cord, in other words, it breaks it. It is clear that this is critical for any animal, and the help of a specialist is needed.
Degenerative diseases of the spine
Sometimes the spine can simply fall under the influence of degenerative processes. This also leads to the fact that the dog's hind limbs stop working normally. In this case, metabolic processes in the tissues of the body are disturbed, and the links of the spinal column are exposed to pathological changes.
Spondylosis
Your dog's hind legs can also fail with so-called "local aging", or spondylosis, of certain areas of the spine. Such a disease passes rather slowly. It can be almost imperceptible at an early stage. The outer fibers of the annulus fibrosus are damaged first. Then, with the anterior longitudinal ligament, a process called calcification occurs in medicine. Beak-shaped growths appear on the spine, they are called osteophytes.
Tumors in the spine
Tumor-like processes sometimes occur in the region of the spine and in the spinal cord itself. As a result, pathologies gradually develop, and in some cases, fractures of the spinal column. If the process escalates sharply, the developing edema compresses the roots and spinal cord. This results in the following symptoms:
- weakened or compressed limbs,
- arched back,
- gait is disturbed
- the dog squeals while trying to make habitual movements,
- refuses food.
Spondylarthrosis
The joints of the spine are the weak point of a dog diagnosed with osteochondrosis. If they are subjected to static load, the joints can deform. The phenomenon is called spondylarthrosis. Uneven loads on the spinal column are also dangerous. They lead to a vertebral hernia: due to pathology, the fibrous ring changes, and as a result, the pulpous nucleus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. The hernia compresses the radicular nerves, and sometimes the spinal cord itself.
Discopathy
Diseases of the intervertebral discs, also called discopathy, cause neurological lesions of the pelvic limbs. The disc material changes and enters the spinal canal. As a result, it is clamped:
- either the spinal cord itself,
- for the roots of the spinal nerves.
Neurological deficit is already a consequence of these processes.
When a large dog's paws fail, the problem has its own characteristics. Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers and similar breeds, the disease progresses gradually, over several months or years. It can be assumed that there was a lesion of the intervertebral discs - in the region of the lumbar region or near the lumbosacral junction.
french bulldogs especially susceptible to discopathy. This is due to their unnatural anatomy, which arose due to artificial selection. The spine of this breed has become elongated, which leads to stronger loads on it. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the distance between the vertebrae is greater than normal. As a result, even at rest, the intervertebral disc may fall out, and even more so with active movement.
Dysplasia
Heavy breeds have their own trouble - diseases of the musculoskeletal system. St. Bernards, Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes characterized by intensive growth at the age of 4-10 months. This is partly why puppies of these breeds suffer from hip dysplasia.
Pay attention to the first symptoms! If the dog limps after sleeping or in a passive state in a prone position, and then “paces” during the day, these are the first signs after which it is advisable to call the veterinarian home or take the dog for an x-ray. If the dog is left untreated, the symptoms may worsen, a protracted problem may lead to the complete refusal of the animal to walk.
Osteocondritis of the spine
The most severe form of the lesion is osteochondrosis of the spine. In this case, discopathy takes on a more dangerous form - degenerative processes move from the intervertebral discs to the surrounding vertebral bodies. The ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral joints also suffer.
Here are some common causes of osteochondrosis:
- Genetic developmental defects. Because of this, the vertebrae function unstable.
- Spinal injury.
- autoimmune processes.
- Rheumatoid lesions.
- Microcirculation is disturbed, and as a result, the nutrition of the disk.
spinal pathology
Hits and bites, falls and bad jumps, as well as others adverse factors lead to spinal pathology. This phenomenon leads to paresis and paralysis. The spinal column ceases to be integral, its structure is disturbed and edema occurs. The spinal cord and radicular nerves are compressed.
What to do if the dog's hind legs fail?
If you do not have special skills, knowledge and experience, you will most likely need a veterinarian. Especially useful will be such a doctor whose profile is neurology.
Now let's look at common questions.
Is it worth contacting if the first symptoms just appeared: pain reactions to body movement, tension in gait, or refusal to move?
Yes, it's worth it. The sooner you contact, the more chances to help. Even if the alarm is false, you can take the opportunity to do a preventive examination.
If the late stage has already begun - the hind legs have failed, is it worth calling the veterinarian, or is the dog already doomed?
There are always chances. If the animal is dear to you, then try to find out what can be done in this situation. Even completely immobilized dogs were sometimes put on their feet. Another thing is that the chances in this case are less.
Practical Tips for a critical situation:
- If the dog is injured and, apparently, the spine is injured, then secure it to the board with belts or bandages to deliver it to the veterinary clinic.
- If there is your four-legged friend whining and howling, and the doctor will arrive soon, do not rush to apply painkillers - it can contribute to further displacement of the vertebrae.
Common mistake. In part, the symptoms of hind leg failure in a dog may coincide with the symptoms of sciatica. As a result, instead of immobilization, a massage is done, because of which at least precious time is lost. It is also worth knowing that this problem is not amenable to self-treatment at home.
What does a veterinarian do when a dog's hind legs fail?
The procedure for the veterinarian will be something like this:
- 1. Examination and assessment of the dog's condition, diagnosis.
- 2. Checking the tactile and pain sensitivity of the limb.
- 3. Checking reflexes.
- 4. Checking the pain syndrome in the region of the spine.
- 5. Appointment of X-ray examination.
In some cases, myelography is still needed: a radiopaque substance is injected into the spinal canal, due to which even the slightest violations will be revealed in the picture. Thanks to this, the process will be as “targeted” as possible. Also, sometimes a blood and urine test is prescribed. This is done because sometimes there are concomitant pathologies: in the kidneys, heart, liver, and so on.
The tests will allow the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis, make the right treatment decision and determine the course of action. When it is not essential for the health of the animal, the owner himself can choose the method of treatment, but in some cases the doctor may insist on a more effective option for your situation.
Video. Paralysis of the hind legs in dogs: causes and treatment.
Reading time: : 4 minutes
Treating the back paws of dogs is very often necessary, as pets face neurological problems just as often as humans. Therefore, if you notice the following symptoms in your pet, you should immediately seek the advice of a veterinarian:
- the dog begins to move atypically;
- the hind limbs do not listen to the dog and become weakened;
- limbs can be withdrawn and paresis develops.
In most cases, the problem occurs in small breed dogs, which are more prone to damage and genetic diseases of the vertebral discs.
Initially, the disease begins to actively manifest itself with the appearance of very strong pain. The animal feels weakness and general malaise. As the attack intensifies, the limbs cease to obey the animal and are eventually simply taken away.
All these manifestations usually overtake the animal very sharply and develop at lightning speed. However, in some more complex cases, the animal may begin to have a seizure of such a dangerous disease as.
Many dogs suffer from the fact that, for example, limbs began to be taken away in the morning, and by the evening their complete paralysis developed in a domestic dog, the treatment of which is a rather difficult period.
Causes of pathology
There can be quite a few reasons why a puppy may be faced with the fact that his hind legs could fail. In most cases, when the owner notices that a fulminant paresis of the hind limbs has formed in dogs, his treatment can be something completely thoughtless. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, it is urgent to consult a veterinarian.
The most common causes of cuts in their majority can be the following:
- inflamed pelvic joint;
- limb fracture;
- nerve damage;
- displacement of intervertebral discs;
- tendon injury;
- benign and cancerous tumors.
In the event that the veterinarian made a thorough examination of the pet and completely ruled out the listed causes of the disease, then most likely the leg failure occurs due to any negative impact on the dog's spinal cord. Most often, the hind legs can fail if the thoracic or lumbar spine is affected.
First aid for paw failure in a pet
In the event that the pet began to sharply feel pain in the hind legs, it is urgent to provide him with peace, you should not wait for the moment when the paws fail completely. It is also very important not to waste time, if the sensitivity is still preserved, a timely appeal to a specialist will help the pet not to completely lose it.
If the paralysis is associated with an injury to the vertebral section, it is necessary to fix the dog on the board in a supine position with bandages. Medications such as painkillers are strictly prohibited, as this can make it difficult to diagnose and identify the real cause of the dog's condition.
It is also very important to note that, feeling pain, the pet cannot actively move, which will help not worsen its position and exclude further displacement of the vertebral discs.
You should immediately contact a medical institution if you notice the following alarming signs in your pet:
- anxiety;
- squealing when touching the spine;
- limited activity;
- convulsions.
However, very often these symptoms do not cause any suspicions among the owners, which makes it impossible to provide timely assistance to the pet. In the worst case, the dog's hind legs fail and no treatment will help here.
In some cases, specialists without proper diagnosis can confuse such dangerous disease like paralysis with sciatica. The owner smears the vertebral part of the pet with a variety of ointments, which only becomes a reason for wasting precious time, and the dog also loses the chance to fully recover.
If the dog's hind legs have been taken away, then treatment should be carried out immediately, otherwise this will greatly aggravate the healing process.
If the case is not advanced enough, the doctor puts the pet in, however, under very difficult circumstances, spinal surgery is indicated.
It is very difficult to overestimate the importance of physiotherapy, as well as swimming and massage. All these manipulations help animals during the rehabilitation period to restore motor activity as quickly as possible.
In order for the treatment to bring the expected result, it is worth remembering that at home it will not be possible to cure a pet whose limbs have been taken away one hundred percent. Therefore, if the animal began to go numb or its paws were taken away, it is urgent to take it to a medical facility.
Medical procedures for limb failure in dogs
As soon as you contact a medical institution with this problem, the veterinarian will perform all the necessary diagnostic measures. If the pet needs urgent help when feeling very severe pain, he will be given an anesthetic.
If the cause of the pathology is a spinal problem, then it is worth performing the following manipulations:
- checking the sensitivity of the limbs;
- the presence or absence of reflexes;
- checking the sensation of pain in the region of the vertebral discs in different parts of the back;
- conducting x-ray examination;
- general blood and urine tests.
These diagnostic measures are necessary in order to identify the degree of pathology and make a decision about the advisability of using a particular drug.
In some cases, the veterinarian suggests surgery. Here it is worth recommending not to refuse it, as this can save sensitivity in the pet's hind limbs.
Preventive actions
What should the owner take into account so that the pet does not encounter such a problem as hind limb failure? This question is one hundred percent rhetorical, since in old age, regardless of the actions of the owner, many dogs suffer from this disease.
However, in some cases, this risk is minimized if the following basic preventive instructions are followed:
- Large breed dogs in puppyhood are recommended to take medicines, which can protect the spine from weakness in adulthood.
- It is very important that the puppy actively develops by playing with his relatives. Only on condition active rest the vertebrae are unable to remain in one position.
- Up to six months, the dog is contraindicated in descending the stairs. The animal must be carried on hand. But, as for the ascent, he must do it himself.
- In the event that the pet has a genetic predisposition to, it is necessary to periodically perform an x-ray examination.
- Physical activity should be reasonable, overloads are as harmful as their lack.
- pet must be strictly balanced. Vitamins and minerals should be present in the diet in the required amount.
- It is strictly forbidden to organize sleeping place puppy in that part of the room where there are most drafts. There is a possibility of blowing the spine and inflammation of its discs.
- It is necessary to avoid injuries and other damage to both the spinal region and the limbs of the dog.
Summing up, it should be noted that if you notice any alarming symptoms in your pet, you should immediately consult a doctor, since self-medication can only harm him.
Sometimes owners of pet dogs face a serious problem - the dog's paws are taken away. This is often due to an accident or other accident, but some breeds have a genetic tendency to develop hind limb paralysis.
Most often, misfortune happens suddenly and greatly shocks the owners. Therefore, they must definitely know what to do if the dog's hind legs fail.
Causes
All pet owners need to understand why the dog's hind legs fail, and what to do in such a situation. Doing something on your own can be dangerous for the dog: if the spinal cord is damaged, this can provoke paralysis and even death of the animal.
Therefore, if signs of problems with the limbs are noted, or the dog’s paws have already been taken away, it is necessary to take the animal to a veterinary clinic. Sometimes just instantly decision can save a dog's life and keep it healthy.
The reasons why a dog's paws can be taken away are quite diverse:
- Genetic disorders inherent in a number of breeds that have undergone the most intense human impact. This is especially common in breeds with an excessively long body and short legs. During selection selection, individuals with a deformed body were selected; when the trait was fixed, the animals also inherited the accompanying defects - pathologies of the spine and structure of the pelvic bones, which eventually lead to various diseases.
- Arthritis is a common cause of limb mobility disorders. Especially often the old dog suffers from this. Worn joints cause severe pain, which makes the paws weak and painful for the animal to stand up. When moving, nerve endings may be infringed, so the dog is lame, or its hind legs may give way, partially or completely not work.
- Tumors that develop in close proximity to the spine, pelvic bones, and hip joints can grow and physically impede mobility or cause entrapment of the nerves that control leg movements.
- Injuries of various kinds - falls, unsuccessful movements, sharp turns on the run, jumps, bites of other animals, falling under a car, accompanied by fractures, sprains, tendon ruptures, can also cause complete paralysis or partial immobility of the hind limbs. The most common reasons why a dog becomes disabled are accidents involving motor vehicles. Chasing something or someone, the dog can get under the wheels. Injury to the spine or pelvic bones can cause paralysis of the limbs or parts of the body.
Any suspicion of problems with the spinal cord that threaten paralysis requires a medical consultation and a full examination in a veterinary clinic.
Symptoms of the disease
If the animal's hind legs fail after an accident or any other injury, the owners are in principle ready for the complications that occur. Another thing is when outwardly the disease does not manifest itself in any way. Problems appear like thunder from a clear sky.
The animal's legs simply give way, it staggers, trying to get up, whines, suffers, and the owners cannot understand how this happened. Sometimes the dog cannot stand on its hind legs immediately after sleep, in other cases everything happens against the background of complete well-being.
It can be very difficult to notice a problem until the animal begins to limp or simply cannot move. Sometimes the disease begins with soreness with sudden movements, which turns into severe sharp pain. The animal suffers when moving, so it tries to limit its mobility.
Owners can detect the disease by changing the behavior of the dog - it lies a lot, stops running, playing, reluctantly and slowly rises and goes to the call of the owner. The dog's gait becomes shaky, uncertain, he moves with obvious difficulty, he can drag his paw or limp.
Heavy, "raw" St. Bernard-type dogs often suffer from hip dysplasia. A characteristic sign of the disease is stiffness of movements after sleep or a long rest, then during the day mobility is restored, and the next day everything repeats.
Paralysis rarely develops in the front half of the body; in most dogs, arthritis, spondylosis, osteochondrosis, and other spinal problems are more often diagnosed in the thoracic and lumbar regions.
Sometimes the paws of an animal can give way immediately after an unsuccessful jump, turn. This does not mean that it was the awkward movement that caused the paresis or paralysis. Most likely, the disease had been latently developing for a long time, and the sudden movement simply became a catalyst that accelerated its manifestation.
What measures can be taken
Only an experienced veterinarian can treat the disease. This is a very complex pathology that requires accurate diagnosis. Injuries may require urgent surgical intervention, especially if the animal has a broken leg or suspected damage to the pelvic bones or spine.
Treatments for animals with joint, spinal, pelvic, and spinal cord disorders are similar to those used for humans with the same problems. But it can be very risky to use "human" preparations for dogs, especially small breeds, on your own.
Only a veterinarian who is well acquainted with such a problem can choose the drug and the correct dose. Sometimes inept treatment can only cause more harm. Especially dangerous in this regard can be massages and thermal treatments without the permission of a doctor.
Treatment will be especially effective if you have time to see a doctor before the development of paresis and paralysis, while the dog suffers only from pain. At this time, the body is still sensitive to the action of drugs, and this can prevent the onset of irreversible changes.
Painkillers should not be given before a visit to the doctor, as they can distort the picture of the disease. In case of injury, the animal must be taken to the veterinary clinic in such a way that it is unable to move. Otherwise, under the influence of pain, the dog can further aggravate his condition, causing the displacement of broken bones, damage to the nerves or ruptures of blood vessels, which threatens to bleed.
Because of the lost limbs, the dog experiences severe anxiety, is nervous and squeals in pain if the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe body is touched. It is necessary to provide her with complete rest, and the doctor will take the necessary measures after the diagnosis. It may include an x-ray of the damaged area of the body, ultrasound of the internal organs if the animal was injured in an accident, myelography, blood and urine tests, and other procedures as prescribed by a specialist.
The paws of the dog may be taken away soon after the onset of pain. If the process has just begun, there is hope that the immobility will be temporary. Do not give massages or try to force the dog to walk, this can aggravate his condition. The old animal often has problems with the legs.
They demand complex treatment, changes in nutrition, special devices for complete paralysis, as well as in the presence of injuries of the spine and pelvis with damage to the spinal cord.
The treatment of such diseases is long and complex, always complex. It depends on the age of the animal, the severity and extent of damage, the presence of other diseases, especially chronic ones, that can aggravate the lesion. Usually, several different drugs are prescribed, the list of which includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory, vitamin, immunomodulatory and other drugs.
When surgical interventions, severe injuries with bleeding, fractures and tissue bruises, antibiotics, hemostatic, antihistamines and other agents can be used.
It is necessary to pay attention to the diet of a recovering animal. It should be balanced, high-calorie, rich in calcium to accelerate the healing of damaged bones, but at the same time easy enough for sick animals to digest.
Severe diseases in pets are a serious test for their owners, but you should not euthanize your four-legged friend just because of paralyzed hind legs. If the doctor gives a favorable prognosis, he has a chance for a completely normal life.
Even with completely paralyzed hind legs, sick or injured dogs move cheerfully in special wheelchairs and do not feel inferior in any way. They are just enjoying life.
How to avoid back leg problems
If neurological or joint problems have a genetic basis, the owner is unlikely to be able to do anything, at least if the dog is already paralyzed. But, being warned about the possibility of paralysis of the limbs, the owners will be able to recognize the disease in the early stages, take action in time and seek medical help.
Knowledge will help avoid bitter regrets when, looking back, the owners realize that they had a chance to protect and save their pet.
In the event of injury or paralysis due to tumor formation, early treatment can save the life of the animal. Sometimes problems with the hind legs can appear in a dog due to slippery floors in the apartment, dangerously located decor items that the dog can drop on itself.
A good owner will try to minimize the risk to the health of the dog, remove dangerous items, put a special rubber pad under the carpet and make sure that the animal is walking in the safest possible conditions.
Quick and thoughtful actions, even in case of illness, can protect the animal from complete paralysis, if you are very lucky, then keep it mobile. The dog will live, and this is the highest reward for the owners.
