Comments on: Causes Of Ataxia & Weak Back Legs In Dogs

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 07 May 2021 20:27:43 +0000

In reply to Kate. Hi Kate. Until proven otherwise, the most likely explanation is osteoarthritis. It should respond well to treatment if so.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 07 May 2021 18:09:11 +0000

Hello
I have a ten years old mix of a terrier and maybe poodles
For the past few months He’s been refusing to go up and down the stairs and his legs his back legs are giving out. He would be standing on tile to eat and slowly the legs start to come out the sides and he ends up all splayed out on the floor. Any suggestions?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:10:10 +0000

In reply to Sean. Sorry Sean, there’s not enough information here to comment further. If you’re worried, check again with your local vet who knows more about the case.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 06:14:15 +0000

Hi my 7 year old Chihuahua has had a high temp with the vet prescribed antibiotics yesterday. She’s still shaking on her back legs when I stand her up. I concerned that she’s not been out for wee yet.

By: Rick Silver

Rick Silver — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:14:49 +0000

My 12 year old Aussiedoodle had sudden onset paraplegic yesterday, while admitted in Vet Clinic.
He has been loosing hair, muscle mass (same weight), and dysrexic, starting just over a month, refusing his usual dry food and some treats, seemed to chew oddly . Having a history of dental issues, he had a dental cleaning and extractions as needed.
After 3 weeks home recovery, he became more dysrexic, treated with Entyce, but that only increased thirst, not hunger or food acceptance.
Eventually he refused all food 4 days ago, brought to Vet who drew labs and inserted nasal feeding tube. We delivered several liquid feedings, but tube did not stay in, then syringed food in mouth.
Labs revealed pancreatitis, elevated liver enzymes, elevated BUN & creatinine but ratio WNL. CBC only had elevated H/H (likely hemo-concentrated); WBC slightly up.
Admitted 2 days ago to the vet clinic hospital for IV therapeutics, including anti-nausea meds and antibiotics.
Was walked outside several times yesterday, then hours later unable to stand on rear legs, or move them at all. Did not ask if responsive to pain.
Decompensated through the day, labored breathing, seizure.
Sadly, his immediate family was with him today as he went to the meadows just before “The Rainbow Bridge”.
Explanation for sudden onset paraplegic likely a spinal cord stroke, possibly a blood clot.
For Big Picture, Vet suggested a malignant tumor or Hyper-aggressive Pancreatitis as primary diagnosis, I am a physician, and agree.
Brick was the best dog companion I ever had, taught me how to play, followed me to every room in house, watched TV and reacted to every 4-legged animal, especially running dogs, enjoyed local & long car rides, including the last Solar Eclipse, 9 hr drive each way from home.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:07:20 +0000

In reply to Connor R.. Hi Connor. That sounds like a muscular weakness, and it will definitely require a vet to work out. As rare as it is, the way he fatigues after exercise sounds most like myasthenia gravis. However, odds are it’s something much more common so please post back here once you have an answer.

By: Connor R.

Connor R. — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:36:45 +0000

Hello all,
I have a 6 month old pug. Keep in mind as he has been growing he has become very tall like if that makes sense. So tall legs but looks very skinny like he doesn’t put on weight. But, the last 2 weeks or so (maybe longer) he has been having these episodes where he starts walking but then his back legs start shaking slightly then eventually either buckles or he ends up laying down wherever he is. It takes a few mins before he can try again and can walk. But this seems to be happening more frequently (like when he eats or attempts to go to the bathroom he struggles as his back legs give out and he ends up having to lay down again). He is coherent the whole time and he doesn’t seem to be in pain. I was able to set something up at a vet but it isn’t for another week. Hoping someone can help to see if I need to get him to someone sooner than that. Thank you in advance for any advice on this.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:48:16 +0000

In reply to Cris and Abby. Hi Cris and Abby. It’s a reasonable option to keep such a dog on prednisolone if it’s working, and yes you can use it long term. Visit this page for more about prednisolone use in dogs. Of course, the gold standard is to investigate via advanced imaging but that isn’t always possible.

By: Cris and Abby

Cris and Abby — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:23:13 +0000

I have an 11 year old 5.5 pound yorkie. a few moths ago I noticed intermittent front paws knuckling. Mostly when she was laying down. Sometimes when she walked, but would straighten them out . Last week she had weakness in her right hind leg. I took her to the vet and they did an xray. Showed narrowing between C vertebrae. She took prednisone and some SX got better. Her back leg is back to normal. Her front paws still bend sometimes. She eats fine, tries to run after squirrels and does not seem to be in any distress. Vet said prob herniated disc. Can dogs be on permanent prednisone? I know that is bad for humans. Is there other non invasive treatments I can do or NSAID?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:21:09 +0000

In reply to Sherri Cornelius. Sorry Sherri, it's hard to say. Please post back here for others once you find out the cause.