Many mobility issues can cause a dog’s hind legs to suddenly collapse. For example, a dog’s hind legs may collapse due to injury, leg weakness in an older dog, arthritis, or a more serious health condition such as myelopathy. degenerative.
As dogs age, it’s natural for them to lose some strength in their legs, but old age isn’t the only cause of hind leg weakness in dogs. Here are some mobility conditions that can cause a dog’s hind legs to collapse:
1. Canine arthritis
Joint pain can make the shortest walk impossible for a pet. Likewise, severe arthritis the pain makes every step painful, often causing the dog’s hind legs to give way beneath them. An arthritic dog may become reluctant to walk, stop climbing stairs, and avoid any activity that could cause joint pain.
Arthritis occurs when a dog’s joints cannot be lubricated, resulting in joint pain with every step. Although there are stages of arthritis, your dog should be seen by their veterinarian if they have difficulty climbing stairs, have difficulty walking, or have noticeable weakness in their legs. posterior.
2. Hip dysplasia
![Hip brace for dog hip pain](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/niko_hipeez.jpg)
Hip dysplasia is the most common orthopedic pathology in companion animals. In the USA, 1 in over 74.9,000 dogs suffer from hip dysplasia. Additionally, a secondary diagnosis of osteoarthritis is common in dogs with hip dysplasia.
Both of these conditions weaken and deform the dog’s legs when walking. Although not reversible, the symptoms of dysplasia and arthritis are manageable with proper medical care.
3. Injury
A traumatic injury can impact a dog’s ability to support themselves, stand and walk. CCL tears or cross tears are common knee injuries that affect the strength of a dog’s hind legs, but they are not the only injuries that affect a dog’s legs. Symptoms include a sudden limp or the dog’s hind legs giving way. Any animal showing signs of injury, however minor, should be examined by their veterinarian.
4. Intervertebral disc disease
Most cases of IVID occur suddenly, often with a loud cry; after a lot of activity, a dog’s hind legs give out. When an IVDD dog’s spinal disc ruptures, it is painful and can paralyze the dog. The severity of the disc rupture, the location of the disc and how quickly the animal receives treatment are all determining factors in the dog’s prognosis.
5. Degenerative myelopathy
DM is a serious mobility condition; one of its first signs is weakening of the hind legs. dogs with Degenerative myelopathy will experience limb weakness and muscle atrophy as well as giving way in the legs. Although dogs with DM will not feel pain, they will lose leg strength and may have trouble keeping their legs under them when moving.
As the disease progresses, the dog’s symptoms worsen to paralysis of the rear and front legs. DM progresses at varying speeds depending on each dog. Degenerative myelopathy is a debilitating disease that affects all facets of a dog’s life and mobility.
Can a dog recover from hind leg weakness?
Many factors go into a dog’s ability to regain strength in their hind legs, including their diagnosis and treatment plan. However, recovery may be possible and some dogs manage to regain leg strength. With proper treatment and care, you can help a dog whose hind legs collapse under them.
How to Stop a Dog’s Hind Legs from Collapsing
Strengthen the hind legs
Regular exercise is essential for everyone, even dogs! However, the amount of daily exercise a dog needs can vary by breed, activity level, and overall health. Always work with your pet professional to choose the appropriate exercise program for your best friend. Structured exercise is especially important for animals suffering from loss of leg strength.
An animal diagnosed with a mobility problem should work with a rehabilitation specialist to improve strength, build muscle, and slow disease progression.
Provide support and assistance
![Dog wheelchair for severe hip dysplasia](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Kailua-4.jpg)
Dogs whose hind legs collapse under them need support for their hind legs. Fortunately, there are many mobility aids available to give your dog the hind leg support he needs to stay active.
Sometimes your dog needs a helping hand to maintain his balance or even a little nudge to climb the stairs. Lifting harnesses are a great way to give your dog the support he needs. There are a wide variety of support harnesses available, and each provides support in different ways. For pets in need of temporary support, an affordable rear support leash is a great way to help your dog get up off the ground or out to relieve himself. For pets with a chronic or worsening condition, choose a sturdy lifting harness that can attach to a dog wheelchair in the future.
A dog wheelchair is an ideal solution for a dog that needs more independence. Wheelchairs give pets the support they need to get up, run and play. A dog does not need to be paralyzed to benefit from the use of a dog wheelchair. A dog can still use its hind legs when in a mobility cart. They actively use their legs, which promotes leg strength and can help animals rebuild their muscles. When in a wheelchair, your dog can still go to the bathroom and exercise.
Regular visits to the vet
Annual examination and regular medical care of a dog is the best way to keep your dog healthy. During their annual vet visit, your vet will look for any changes in mobility, leg strength, and joint health. Spotting these signs early is the best way to help your dog live a happy and active life!