How to treat a puppy's hind legs can't walk. A dog's hind legs are lost: causes and treatment. Video. Paralysis of the hind legs in dogs: causes and treatment

Weakness of the dog's hind legs. Why? What to do?

Dog owners quite often come to us at the Vitus veterinary clinic with complaints of weakness in the hind limbs of their pets. Different people describe the signs of the disease in different ways: a wobbling gait, the dog drags its paws, paralysis of the hind legs, lameness, hunched back, etc.

There is no single cause for the problems described. Therefore, qualified diagnostics is very important for effective treatment. In this case, you cannot do without a visit to the doctor.

In this article we will try to provide general information on possible reasons weaknesses of the hind limbs in dogs, and also briefly outline general principles diagnostics and treatment of relevant diseases.

There is a breed and age predisposition to certain pathologies. Thus, Pekingese, Dachshunds, French and English bulldogs, poodles and pugs are predisposed to displacement and destruction of intervertebral discs (discopathy, disc herniation). This pathology poses a serious threat to life and can even lead to the death of the dog. When a disc slips, it compresses the spinal cord. Outwardly, this is manifested by repeated attacks of severe pain: the dog freezes in one position (usually with with an outstretched neck and hunched back), severe trembling, shortness of breath, hind legs weaken, weaken. With less pronounced compression of the spinal cord, only weakness of the hind limbs is clinically observed - the dog seems to be dragging them, tries to shift the body weight mainly on the front legs, cannot jump onto the sofa (chair, armchair), cannot bend over to the bowl or the floor. If discopathy is suspected, it is necessary to immediately carry out a qualified diagnosis and take effective measures, including surgical intervention, since compression of the spinal cord 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. The occurrence of these diseases is influenced by many factors, in particular, an unbalanced diet, overweight of the puppy, slipping of the paws on the floor, heredity, etc. When the hip joints are affected, most often signs of limb weakness appear after rest (in the morning, when getting up) and decrease during physical activity. In addition, damage to the hip joints is rarely symmetrical, and the dog initially “falls” on only one leg. You can read more about the pathology of the hip joints in our article “Dysplasia...”.

Middle-aged dogs may suffer from muscle inflammation, myositis, the day after unusually heavy physical activity. 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 spinal cord damage.

In older dogs, hind limb weakness may be central in origin, i.e. associated with brain dysfunction. According to our observations, various vascular problems most often occur, and less often - volumetric processes (brain tumors). In this case, competent treatment can significantly improve the dog’s condition and significantly prolong its life.

Kidney disease in dogs CANNOT cause weakness of the hind legs and hunched position of the body, unless we are talking about an extreme degree of exhaustion and autointoxication (however, in this case, the weakness extends to all muscles).

A common mistake that owners make is to independently “treat” their dog with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). Clinical improvements with the use of these medications are exclusively 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 raising puppies of large breed dogs.
Plan:
1. Introduction.
2. Main problems:
1) VKG;
2) Fractures;
3) Hip dysplasia;
4) Valgus deformity;
5) Osteochondrosis.
3. Conclusions.
Introduction.
Any dog, regardless of breed, needs strong, properly developed bones, reliable and functional joints. However, for large, heavy animals this is especially important. Various pathologies of skeletal development in a dog can not only be a disqualifying sign, but also cause pain and suffering in the animal. At the same time, many factors influencing 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 breed dogs are especially common in clinical practice. These include: secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (erroneously called rickets), traumatic and pathological fractures, hip dysplasia (both congenital, genetically inherited and acquired), hind limb valgus and osteochondrosis.
Secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (SCH).
First, a few words about rickets. Rickets is a disease of growing animals, manifested by impaired growth and bone development due to a lack of vitamin D in the diet.

Traditionally in Russia, rickets is the name given to any local thickening or curvature of 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 experiments.

Unlike rickets, secondary feeding hyperparathyroidism (SCH) occurs very often in puppies, and it is its manifestations that are usually called rickets.

The cause of ICH is insufficient intake of calcium into the body, often aggravated by excess calories in the diet. This situation occurs when the puppy is fed meat, fish, porridge without the addition of calcium-containing preparations. All types of meat (including offal), as well as grains, contain very little.

Consequently, home-cooked 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 ensure the necessary balance and the required 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 skeletal development are created by using ready-made balanced (dry or canned) food for puppies, which takes 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 from 4 weeks to 6 months, or Advance Growth, designed and taking into account the physiological characteristics of puppies of large and giant breed dogs.

The composition of these feeds fully takes into account the needs of the growing body for all nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

The diet granules are easily soaked, which is used for feeding the puppy during the adaptation period; when switching to a ready-made diet, it is introduced gradually over 5–7 days, starting with minimal quantities.

We do not recommend mixing balanced ready-made food 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 STRICTLY excluded.

If you are using a homemade diet to feed your growing puppy, be sure to adequately supplement it with minerals. Combined mineral fertilizers such as Slicks, Vetzyme, and Irish Kale are best suited for this. We do not recommend using domestically produced drugs and fertilizers. Mineral supplements must be dosed in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. However, even with the best supplements and quality foods, it is difficult to accurately balance your diet. We also do NOT recommend supplementing your homemade diet with vitamins A and D.

And if the puppy shows signs of so-called “rickets,” supplementing with vitamin D can only worsen the condition if calcium intake does not increase. Usually, to stabilize bone growth, it is enough to switch the puppy to ready-made food. If the curvature of the limbs and/or gait disturbance is severe, we recommend going to the clinic for examination (X-ray, consultation with an orthopedist).

Excess weight of a puppy can increase the manifestations of ICH, so the puppy should not be overfed; when using ready-made food, it is enough to follow the feeding rate indicated on the package. The growth potential is genetic and depends little on the feeding of the puppy, provided that the food is balanced. Therefore, a thin puppy has a better chance of developing normal bone structure.

In contrast to VKH, among the classic skeletal diseases associated with calcium deficiency with excess phosphorus, there may be cases where some owners allow excess calcium supplementation without proportionate inclusion of phosphorus in the diet. High calcium content increases its circulating concentration and, as a result, the secretion of calcitonin increases and disturbances in the production of PTH occur. In this condition, the activity of osteoclasts, which are extremely important for the proper formation of the skeleton during growth, decreases. As a result, premature closure of the growth zones of long bones may occur, which will lead to their underdevelopment.
Fractures.
Unfortunately, fractures of limb bones occur quite often in puppies of large dog breeds. At the same time, most owners consider injury as the only reason for the incident. In fact, in many cases, bone fractures in puppies occur with minimal external force. 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, fracture fixation plays only a SECONDARY role for recovery, the main thing is nutritional support.

Healthy animals with traumatic fractures are usually treated through the process of primary or secondary bone healing. Optimal condition is achieved by using prepared feeds with adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and D. Excessive doses of these substances have been shown to delay bone healing. Pain due to injury or surgical intervention 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 in other substances. In surgical patients, the period before and after anesthesia can be particularly detrimental. Therefore, it is necessary to use special dietary feeds designed for the needs of sick animals.

Hip dysplasia.

This is a common congenital disease of dogs, mainly large breeds (St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Labradors, etc.). Several studies have confirmed that puppies are initially born with normal hip joints. Dysplasia develops during the first 6 months of life as a result of disproportionate development of the 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. Bone formation and changes in the position of the femoral head depend on the process of endochondral ossification. When a dysplastic joint forms, a redistribution of the load occurs: more than half of the body weight during walking falls on the anterior-superior edge of the cavity. As a result, microcracks and deformations and erosion of cartilage are formed. Clinically, this is manifested by lameness and pain, especially when standing up.

As already mentioned, diet plays an important role in the development of dysplasia. Thus, several studies have established that long-term consumption of a diet with a HIGH calcium content leads to impaired bone formation, incl. and the head of the femur, which is manifested by deformation of both the bones themselves and the joints. With an excess intake of phosphorus in the diet, the normal absorption of calcium from the intestine may slow down due to the formation of non-absorbable compounds - phytates. Excess vitamin D in the diet causes delayed 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 your puppy a balanced food, such as Advance Growth, significantly reduces the likelihood of developing dysplasia. At the same time, it is very important not to overestimate the dose of food, because... Excessive energy intake into 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 record acquired post-traumatic deformities of the hip joints in puppies of large breed dogs, which can be regarded as dysplasia. Such damage occurs most often in puppies that are overweight, kept on home-cooked or mixed diets. Joint injuries occur when jumping or sliding unsuccessfully (especially on linoleum or parquet). With timely access to the clinic, effective treatment of such patients with good long-term results is possible.

If the deformity of the hip joint has already formed and a diagnosis of dysplasia has been established, both conservative and surgical treatment is possible. The method and tactics of treatment are determined by the doctor in each case individually.
Valgus deformity of the hind limbs.
In the canine community, the disease is called X-shaped hind limbs. Hallux valgus develops most often in rapidly growing puppies of large breed dogs. It is characterized by significant curvature of the bones of the thigh and lower leg, as a result of which the position of the hind limbs significantly changes.

Most probable cause today is improper feeding. Excess protein and energy in a 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 the loads of the developing skeletal system of the limbs.

If 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 calorie 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 biomechanical load. After the growth zones are closed, corrective operations on the bones can be performed, which significantly improves the quality of life of animals.
Osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology manifested by impaired mineralization of cartilage. The disease is widespread among various types animals, including dogs. In dogs, osteochondrosis is observed as a primary disease in large breed puppies (i.e., more than 25 kg of adult animal weight). Breeds at greatest risk: German dog, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler.

If the disease affects the articular cartilage, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) may subsequently develop. In OCD, part of the articular cartilage begins to separate and may become fragmented. 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. Thus, in Rottweilers, OCD lesions are more common in the elbow and hock joints. In most cases, lesions are observed from different sides.

Cartilage separation in osteochondrosis is most common 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 process from the ulna and supraglenoid process from the scapula.

It has been scientifically proven that long-term consumption excess quantity balanced food or food rich in calcium (regardless of other components) may cause an increase in the frequency and severity of signs of osteochondrosis in puppies of large breed dogs. Similar changes can be observed in puppies raised on a diet high in calcium.

There is a misconception that there is no such thing as too much calcium, and the puppy will absorb as much calcium from the diet as it needs. Experiments have shown that dogs fed foods high in calcium absorb significantly more of it.

In dogs with articular cartilage osteochondrosis without cartilage detachment, only nonspecific changes may be evident. Clinical signs. In cases where the cartilage begins to peel away, osteoarthritis and inflammation of the subchondral bone may occur. The result is lameness.

Measurement of circulating concentrations of calcium and phosphorus does not allow establishing the ratio in feed and absorption of these elements and cannot be used to support the diagnosis of osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of articular cartilage does not always develop into OCD. However, in cases where the cartilage begins to delaminate, surgical treatment is required.

If osteochondrosis affects the growth zone of the forearm bones, the so-called "crooked beam syndrome" In crooked ray syndrome, severe shortening of the ulna may be irreversible, as may abnormal development of the wrist and/or separation of the olecranon.

Nutritional correction in the early stages can have a positive effect on the spontaneous disappearance of cartilage lesions. Osteochondrosis of the articular cartilage and growth plates may resolve, but dietary changes may not help in cases of OCD where cartilage detachment has occurred or where severe radial curvature has occurred. 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 needs of the dog. Drug treatment of osteochondrosis in dogs is ineffective.

Not only its growth and development depend on how well the puppy eats.

Properly fed puppies have good immunity and are less susceptible to disease.

Adequate provision of all nutrients and proper care will help to fully realize the genetic potential and lay the foundation for a long, fulfilling and healthy life your pet.

Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian

Owners often come to the veterinary clinic complaining that their dog’s hind legs are being lost. Each of them describes the symptoms in their own way: the pet is limping, has a hunched back, drags its paws, and has paralysis.

Introduction

There is no single reason that can cause such symptoms. Dog veterinary evidence suggests that the first step in treatment should be qualified diagnosis. To know how to treat, you need to know what to treat. And you can’t do this without a trip to the veterinarian.

Individual pathologies when a dog loses its hind legs include age and breed predisposition. Thus, pugs, poodles, English and dachshunds and Pekingese have a predisposition to the destruction or displacement of intervertebral

Discopathy

This pathology is quite serious and can pose a threat to the life of a pet. As the disc moves, it compresses. Outwardly, this will manifest itself as periodic attacks of severe pain: the pet freezes in one position (usually with a hunched back and an elongated neck), shortness of breath appears, severe trembling, the hind legs weaken and give way.

Scientists have not yet fully identified the reasons why the strength of the intervertebral disc decreases in dachshunds. A genetic predisposition has been established in some dog breeding lines. Due to the mutual pressure of the vertebrae on each other, the nucleus pulposus moves into the thickness of the fibrous ring and subsequently leaves its limits, entering the paravertebral space. The fibrous ring on the side of the passing spinal canal has the least strength, and therefore parts of the destroyed disc are usually displaced in this direction. This causes compression of the spinal cord overlying it, as well as its nerves.

If the compression of the spinal cord is not so clearly expressed, then clinically it will only manifest itself in this way - the dog’s hind legs have failed. The pet drags them along, trying to transfer the weight of the body to the forelimbs. He tries to jump onto a chair (sofa, armchair), but he can’t. Can't bend over to the floor or bowl. If there is a suspicion of discopathy, it is necessary to go for a qualified diagnosis and prepare for treatment, including surgery. Compression of the spinal cord can cause irreversible changes in the body, when therapeutic measures are simply ineffective.

Dysplasia

Pets of giant and large breeds (Labrador, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Great Dane, St. Bernard, German shepherds 4-12 months old) also have their own predispositions to the disease when the dog’s hind legs fail. This lesion The occurrence of this pathology can be influenced by many things: heredity, overweight of the puppy, unbalanced diet, etc.

Causes of dysplasia

There have been many scientific debates regarding the causation of this disease. And so far, two theories have been formed about the heredity of this pathology and the mechanism of inheritance.

Many geneticists advocate the theory of additive inheritance. That is, the disease develops due to the action of genes that are involved in the final formation of the hip joint.

The second theory is based on the assumption that these same genes influence each other, and their interaction is combined in various ways. This means that the defect has a much more complex hereditary nature than is shown by the first theory.

There is a third theory in the world of geneticists. It combines the first two. According to it, the action of the genes responsible for the creation of joints can be summed up, and individual genetic pairs influence each other in different ways.

The general conclusion of experts: disease is a classic example of a quantitative trait, which is influenced by many genes (polygeny), and in this case there are many factors environment have their impact on the final formation and manifestation of symptoms. Clinical manifestation dysplasia, when a dog loses its hind legs, does not occur in all animals. But this does not mean that a pet at risk is not susceptible to this pathology if there are no pronounced symptoms. When choosing a partner for mating, you should study the pedigree for the presence of ancestors with dysplasia. It should be noted that the disease can be transmitted to descendants through fourteen generations.

Swedish dog veterinary medicine has clearly proven that dysplasia is associated with heredity and is inherent in certain breeds. And if the breed is characterized by a powerful physique and large mass, then the likelihood of disease is very high. The dog carries a huge load. It gives the body a pushing force from the hind limbs when moving. And during this push, the joint extends and moves the head of the femur along the entire acetabulum. Particularly high friction occurs in the joint when the animal, standing on its hind legs, jumps or walks.

If the hip joints are affected, then weakness of the hind legs will appear immediately after a period of rest (during the morning rise) and will decrease with physical activity. Also, this lesion is rarely symmetrical; the dog will begin to “fall” on only one paw.

Myositis

Middle-aged dogs may develop muscle inflammation called myositis the next day after exercising too much. Due to overexertion, tearing, rupture, disintegration of muscle fibers and hemorrhage into the thickness of the muscles can occur. Due to damage, traumatic swelling develops, and with significant rupture of muscle fibers, a scar forms and the muscle shortens. This leads to myogenic contracture of the corresponding joint. If pathogenic microflora gets into the affected muscle, purulent myositis will develop.

One of the symptoms of this disease will be a “stilted gait” or weakness of the hind limbs; the dog will limp on its hind leg. Treatment of dogs with such a disease will not cause great difficulties, but only

Osteochondrosis

Another disease that can cause your pet to have problems with its hind legs. The main reason is a violation of cartilage mineralization. Typical for large breed puppies. Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial disease. Nutrition and genetics play key roles. Cartilage separation in this pathology is most often observed in the joints subject to the greatest load (hip). The result will be lameness, the dog will be limping on its hind leg.

Fractures

This pathology is often found among large breed puppies. And many owners consider injury to be the cause. The dog clenches his back paw and cannot lean on it. Reacts painfully to touch. In most cases, a fracture occurs with minimal outside influence. This type of injury is called a pathological fracture and indicates low mineralization of the skeleton. Causes: low intake of calcium or vitamin D, high intake of phosphorus.

For recovery in this case, it is not enough to fix the fracture. The main thing is to appoint proper diet. The best option is to use ready-made feed, balanced in the content of phosphorus, calcium, vitamins D and A. An excess of these substances will delay bone healing.

Old age

Older dog falling on his hind legs? This may be due to a malfunction of the brain. According to the observations of veterinarians, this most often happens due to various vascular problems, less often - the reason is the presence of brain tumors. Proper treatment in this case can significantly improve the pet’s well-being and prolong its life for years.

What should be distinguished from

Kidney problems cannot be the reason why a dog loses its hind legs and has a hunched body unless the pet is extremely malnourished with autointoxication. But in this case, the weakness will spread to the entire muscular system.

What not to do

The most common mistake owners make when identifying hind limb weakness is self-treating dogs with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, indomethacin, aspirin, etc.). Clinical improvements observed by owners following the use of these medicines They are only temporary in nature, but they hide the underlying disease well, which significantly complicates the correct diagnosis of the disease, due to which the dog’s hind legs are lost. Also, medical anti-inflammatory drugs have a number of serious side effects for pets, including ulcers on the walls of the stomach and bleeding in it.

Any self-respecting dog breeder knows everything or almost everything about dysplasia, as he himself believes. And a veterinarian who has seen an X-ray machine at least once in his life may make a mistake in another diagnosis, but he is able to “identify” dysplasia even with eyes closed. Why then won’t the controversy around everyone calm down? known pathology?

True hip dysplasia is a developmental anomaly, which has a hereditary factor among the main causes; according to statistics, it is most often found in German shepherds, Labradors, golden retrievers, Rottweilers and mastiffs.

Since 1994, we have X-rayed over 500 (!) dogs with hind limb lameness, and only about 15 animals were diagnosed with “congenital dysplasia.” If dysplasia was suspected, in most cases of lameness on the hind legs we observed, unilateral or bilateral synovitis of the hip joints (sometimes with subluxation of the femoral head) was diagnosed. The most typical patient with this diagnosis is a Rottweiler (or any other large breed) 5-9 months of age of average or above average fatness with unilateral lameness on the hind leg. The cause of this disease is chronic injury to the hip joint, usually when slipping (“the paws move apart”) on a smooth surface. If synovitis progresses, excess joint fluid pushes the head of the femur out of the joint (into a state of subluxation), and when it moves, it breaks the edges of the glenoid cavity, which ultimately leads to ACQUIRED DYSPLASIA. Other, less common causes of lameness in the hind limbs observed in practice are fractures, myositis, arthrosis, arthritis, as well as pathology of the spine, etc.

Some practical advice specialist:
1. Typical manifestations of hip joint pathology are difficulties when standing up; lameness that worsens after a period of rest (in the morning) and goes away or decreases during physical activity (while walking).
2. Clinically, i.e. Without x-rays, the diagnosis of “hip dysplasia” can be made ONLY PRESUMMATORY.
3. A high-quality and informative x-ray of the hip joints if dysplasia is suspected is performed ONLY UNDER ANESTHESIA with the animal lying on its back with the hind legs extended back.
4. Medicines for the treatment of joint diseases should be used with extreme caution. Yes, according to modern ideas INTRA-ARTICULAR ADMINISTRATION of glucocorticoids (kenalog, hydrocortisone, dexafort, etc.) IS NOT ACCEPTABLE: this leads to irreversible changes in the cartilage under the guise of temporary clinical improvement. And from the group of medical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which includes aspirin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc., only KETOPROFEN (ketonal) can be used in dogs. Other drugs in this series can cause serious gastrointestinal complications in dogs - gastritis, erosion, ulcers and even bleeding. It is safer to use special NSAIDs intended exclusively for dogs: VEDAPROFEN (quadrisol) and CARPROFEN (rimadyl). Various chondroportectors such as chondroitin sulfate and collagen preparations (Gelacan, etc.) DO NOT actually RESTORATE articular cartilage and are of dubious value in the treatment of joint diseases. At all, drug treatment articular pathology (excluding septic inflammatory processes) allows only to temporarily improve the clinical condition of the animal.
5. Regulation of physical activity plays a vital role in the treatment of dogs with joint diseases. Canceling the load in the acute stage and a competent approach to training is a prerequisite for obtaining good treatment results.

Surgical treatment of both congenital and acquired dysplasia of the hip joints at the Vitus clinic is carried out using the method of double pelvic osteotomy with temporary fixation metal plate and screws. The excellent results we obtained in the surgical treatment of dysplasia suggest that the technique used is promising. Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian

Weakness of the dog's hind legs. Why? What to do?

There is no single cause for the problems described. Therefore, qualified diagnosis is very important for effective treatment. In this case, you cannot do without a visit to the doctor.

In this article we will try to provide general information on the possible causes of hind limb weakness in dogs, and also briefly outline the general principles of diagnosis and treatment of the corresponding diseases.

There is a breed and age predisposition to certain pathologies. Thus, Pekingese, Dachshunds, French and English bulldogs, poodles and pugs are predisposed to displacement and destruction of intervertebral discs (discopathy, disc herniation). This pathology poses a serious threat to life and can even lead to the death of the dog. When a disc slips, it compresses the spinal cord. Outwardly, this is manifested by repeated attacks of severe pain: the dog freezes in one position (usually with an elongated neck and hunched back), severe trembling occurs, shortness of breath, the hind legs give way and weaken. With less pronounced compression of the spinal cord, only weakness of the hind limbs is clinically observed - the dog seems to be dragging them, tries to shift the body weight mainly on the front legs, cannot jump onto the sofa (chair, armchair), cannot bend over to the bowl or the floor. If discopathy is suspected, it is necessary to immediately carry out a qualified diagnosis and take effective measures, including surgical intervention, since compression of the spinal cord 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 of the hip joints. The occurrence of these diseases is influenced by many factors, in particular, an unbalanced diet, overweight of the puppy, slipping of the paws on the floor, heredity, etc. When the hip joints are affected, most often signs of limb weakness appear after rest (in the morning, when getting up) and decrease during physical activity. In addition, damage to the hip joints is rarely symmetrical, and the dog initially “falls” on only one leg. You can read more about the pathology of the hip joints in our article “Dysplasia...”.

Middle-aged dogs may suffer from muscle inflammation, myositis, the day after unusually heavy physical activity. 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 spinal cord damage.

In older dogs, hind limb weakness may be central in origin, i.e. associated with brain dysfunction. According to our observations, various vascular problems most often occur, and less often - volumetric processes (brain tumors). In this case, competent treatment can significantly improve the dog’s condition and significantly prolong its life.

Kidney disease in dogs CANNOT cause weakness of the hind legs and hunched position of the body, unless we are talking about an extreme degree of exhaustion and autointoxication (however, in this case, the weakness extends to all muscles).

A common mistake that owners make is to independently “treat” their dog with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). Clinical improvements with the use of these medications are exclusively temporary and mask the manifestations of the underlying disease. In addition, medical anti-inflammatory drugs have serious side effects in dogs, including stomach ulceration and gastric bleeding.

Kuznetsov V.S.
Veterinarian

GASTRITIS AND OTHER VARRIES OF YOUR DOG'S STOMACH

Most dog breeders know firsthand about stomach problems: stomach diseases are very widespread among our four-legged friends. Meanwhile, in many cases, dog owners underestimate the seriousness of some digestive disorders and, guided by established erroneous opinions, take effective and sometimes harmful measures for the animal.

Perhaps a specialist’s opinion will help you navigate correctly and avoid some stereotypes regarding “stomach upsets.”

Modern research shows that stomach diseases in dogs are much more common than previously thought. Acute and chronic gastritis, ulcers and erosions of the stomach and duodenum can be found in every eighth dog.

Clinical research methods do not allow an objective assessment of the condition of the stomach. Only the use of endoscopy and a complex of x-ray examinations gives the maximum full information about the involvement of the stomach in the pathological process. Thanks to fibrogastroscopy, it is possible to diagnose most stomach diseases at the earliest stages, and it becomes possible to remove foreign bodies and take fragments of the gastric mucosa for analysis in doubtful cases. X-ray examination, especially with the use of contrast agents, is the main one for identifying disorders of the contractile function of the stomach and the patency of the gastrointestinal tract.

How can one suspect a particular stomach pathology at home?

You need to know that the main signs of stomach diseases are refusal to feed and/or vomiting. However, these same signs can be a manifestation of many other diseases. Contrary to popular belief, unpleasant odor from the mouth is in rare cases associated with damage to the stomach, but most often it is a consequence of diseases of the oral cavity. The admixture of bile in vomit has absolutely no connection with liver pathology, but arises due to functional disorders in the functioning of the stomach and intestines and is very often a sign of inflammation of the stomach. Stomach ulcers are quite common in dogs as a result of stress, poor nutrition or improper use of anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, paracetamol, diclofenac, etc.). Bleeding from an ulcer, which can be suspected if the dog is vomiting “coffee grounds” or has black stools, can lead to the death of the animal within 1-2 days.

Different forms of gastritis and gastric ulcer require different treatments. Therefore, without a clear diagnosis, the use of medications can be ineffective and even dangerous. In particular, the use of enzyme preparations (Festal, Panzinorm-Forte, etc.) is completely unjustified if there is no laboratory confirmation of enzyme deficiency: “treating” a dog’s stomach with vodka does not stand up to criticism at all - this is simply ignorance. Fasting for 24 hours, on the contrary, is the safest and most necessary measure for an animal with an upset stomach. As a rule, drinking saline solutions (Regidron, Citraglucosolan) has a beneficial effect on the condition of the stomach; will not cause harm, and in many cases will help Activated carbon(5-20 tablets depending on the size of the dog) 1-2 times a day. If the dog’s condition does not improve within 24 hours, a visit to the doctor is essential.

One of the frequent complaints of owners of dogs with neurological problems is that both hind legs fail. In this case the dog:

• Starts to move abnormally.
• The hind legs seem to stop obeying and become weak.
• Paresis or complete paralysis of the pelvic limbs develops.

More often this problem occurs in dogs of small and medium breeds that have a genetic predisposition to lesions of the intervertebral discs. These dogs include mainly dachshunds, in addition to all brachycephalic breeds - Pekingese, French bulldog, Brabançon and others. Typically, these dogs' hind legs begin to work abnormally between the ages of 3 and 8 years.

The first symptom of neurological disorders in the thoracolumbar spine, which lead to the dog losing its hind legs, is pain. Later, weakness appears, the inability to move the limbs, and last of all, pain sensitivity disappears.

These symptoms usually occur suddenly while walking or playing with other dogs, or for no apparent external reason in a state of relative rest. Sudden movements can trigger the appearance of such symptoms, but are not their main cause. Many dachshund owners believe that the significant length of the spinal column plays a role in the development of the disease, but this is not true. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease occur all at once, but it also happens that in the morning the dog feels only pain, and by the evening paralysis of the limbs develops with loss of pain sensitivity.

There can be many reasons why dogs' back legs fail. And, of course, those owners who suddenly encountered this problem are lost and don’t know what to do. Just yesterday their pet was briskly jumping on the sofas and playing tag with the neighbor's dogs, but today it lies indifferently, unable to get up.

Cases of damage directly to the extremities include injuries (fractures, sprains and ruptures of tendons, damage to peripheral nerves), as well as arthritis and arthrosis of the joints of the extremities, tumors.

If the above diagnoses are excluded, then we are most likely talking about spinal pathology, that is, a violation of the innervation of the limbs due to any pathological influences on the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis of the hind limbs develop in the case of damage to the spinal cord at the level of the thoracic and (or) lumbar spine.

• Injuries

Failure of a dog's hind legs can occur as a result of trauma - with fractures, sprains and ruptures of ligaments and tendons, with damage to peripheral nerves, as well as due to diseases such as arthrosis, arthritis of the joints of the limbs, tumors, discopathy and herniated discs. In addition to these diseases, spinal pathology is possible, in which the innervation of the limbs is disrupted due to the impact of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis are frequent accompaniments of spinal cord lesions in the lumbar and thoracic regions.

A common reason why the back legs of dogs fail is of a traumatic nature: car injuries, falls, blows, severe bites during fights. In some cases, such consequences can be caused by an unsuccessful sharp turn, jumping and slipping on an ice crust.

At the site of direct injury to the spine, the integrity of the spinal column (its structure) is disrupted, swelling occurs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and radicular nerves. Accordingly, the supply of blood with oxygen stops, and with prolonged compression, the nerve cells die, which makes it impossible for nerve impulses to pass through the peripheral nerves. Severe traumatic injury leads to disruption of the integrity of the spinal tissue, and the spinal cord ruptures.

• Degenerative diseases of the spine

Refusal of the normal functioning of the hind limbs in dogs can provoke degenerative diseases of the spine, which are characterized by disruption of important metabolic processes in his tissues. Thus, this leads to pathological changes in the structure of the spinal column.

• Spondylosis

A dog’s hind legs may fail due to spondylosis – “local aging” of some vertebral segments. This disease progresses very slowly, and at most early stage practically not detected. First of all, the outer fibers of the fibrous ring are affected (the consistency of the nucleus pulposus is preserved), and then calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament begins. Osteophytes develop, which visually resemble beak-like growths.

• Tumors in the spine

Tumor-like processes gradually developing in the immediate vicinity (or itself) of the spinal cord lead to pathological changes and fractures of the spinal column. With a sharp exacerbation of the process, swelling and compression of the roots and spinal cord occurs, and the following symptoms can be observed in the dog: weakening or failure of the hind limbs, arched back, gait disturbance, when the body position changes, the dog squeals, concomitant disorders occur (impaired urination and defecation) , in some cases, refusal of food.

• Spondyloarthrosis

The consequence of static loads in osteochondrosis of the spine can be spondyloarthrosis (deforming arthrosis of the joints of the spine). Uneven loads on the spinal column can also lead to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the pathologically altered fibrous ring. This phenomenon is called a vertebral hernia. Protruding towards the spinal cord, the hernia causes compression of the radicular nerves and (or) the spinal cord.

• Discopathy

Neurological lesions of the pelvic limbs are most often based on diseases of the intervertebral discs (discopathies). In this case, the altered disc substance penetrates the spinal canal and pinches the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots, which manifests itself in the form of a neurological deficit. Often a large dog's hind legs fail, and this problem has its own characteristics. Similar lesions are observed in older animals of large and giant breeds: German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Great Danes and others. Typically, in this group of dogs, the development of clinical signs progresses slowly over several months or even years. In this case, we can assume lesions of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine or at the level of the lumbosacral junction, as well as lumbosacral stenosis.

Discopathy is very common in dogs - French bulldogs. This is due to the anatomical structure of the animal, when, during artificial selection, the spine became elongated, and now undergoes stronger loads than the spine of “normal” dogs. The distance between the vertebrae has become significantly greater than normal. This is due to genetics and is inherited. Disc prolapse can occur not only during active movements and jumping, but even at rest, when the dog is sleeping or lying quietly.

• Dysplasia

Very often, owners of dogs of heavy breeds (St. Bernard, shepherd dogs, Labrador retrievers, Great Danes, etc.) encounter diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common condition in puppies is hip dysplasia. This disease is hereditary and appears most often between the ages of 4 and 10 months during intensive growth. First there is a problem when getting up, especially after sleep. The dog limps, then straightens up and walks normally. Further without treatment, the symptoms may intensify, until the dog completely refuses to walk. If you notice such signs, you need to take your dog to the vet and get an x-ray.

• Osteocondritis of the spine

Spinal osteochondrosis is considered the most severe form of damage; this disease is based on degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs (discopathy), often involving the surrounding vertebral bodies, as well as changes in the ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral joints.

The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis can be:

• Genetically determined developmental defects causing vertebral instability.
• Rheumatoid lesions.
• Spinal injuries.
• Impaired microcirculation leading to disruption of disk nutrition.
• Autoimmune processes.

Spinal pathology is also possible, which arises from the effects of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Frequent companions of spinal cord lesions in the thoracic and lumbar region are paresis and paralysis. Most often, dogs' paws suffer from falls (especially in small breeds), car injuries, blows and severe bites during fights.

Even an unsuccessful jump, a sharp turn, or a dog slipping on an ice crust can lead to paw failure. At this moment, at the site of spinal injury, the integrity of the structure of the spinal column is disrupted, swelling occurs, which compresses the radicular nerves and the spinal cord.

Of course, the answer will be to contact a veterinarian, preferably specializing in neurology. If you notice a painful reaction in your dog when changing body position, a tense gait, a reluctance to walk, especially on stairs, do not wait until its hind legs give out - immediately show the animal to a doctor, then the treatment will be more effective. If the problem with your hind legs has already happened, you shouldn’t wait any longer.

If the animal has suffered a spinal injury, try to get it to the doctor as quickly as possible and in an immobilized state (secure the animal on a board using bandages or straps). Do not use painkillers until you see a doctor. Pain limits the animal's activity, which helps avoid further displacement of the vertebrae during a fracture.

It is possible to notice the onset of the disease and urgently contact a specialist, but most inexperienced owners do not attach importance to such important symptoms How:

• Anxiety.
• The dog hides and squeals when someone touches its back.
• The dog is passive when other dogs are frolicking.

However, in most cases, the alarm begins to sound when the dog’s hind legs partially begin to fail, or paralysis develops. And here it is necessary to differentiate such a disease as radiculitis. An incorrectly prescribed treatment (for example, massage instead of maximum immobilization of the animal) will waste valuable time and aggravate the situation.

The sooner help is provided to the dog, the better the prognosis for its recovery. In any case, there is no need to despair, because there are cases where completely immobilized dogs were put on their paws and returned to active life. Depending on the diagnosis, drug treatment in the form of injections is prescribed. A more radical case in the case of spinal diseases is surgery, after which treatment also continues.

In parallel, the dog is prescribed a massage, swimming is recommended during the recovery period, and exercises with the dog upon return to it motor activity. All dog owners should remember that it will not be possible to help a paralyzed dog at home. It is imperative to consult a doctor, undergo all prescribed examinations to make an accurate diagnosis and begin timely treatment.

First, the doctor will conduct an examination, assess the general condition, provide emergency assistance and make a primary diagnosis. If we are talking about spinal pathology, the doctor:

• Check the preservation of sensitivity (tactile and pain) of the limbs.
• Checks the integrity of the reflexes.
• Check for pain in the spine.
• Order an x-ray examination.
• Myelography may be performed, that is, an X-ray will be taken after a special X-ray contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal. This is done to identify the slightest abnormalities that are not noticeable on a regular image, as well as to determine the exact localization of the process. If necessary, he will prescribe blood and urine tests to identify concomitant pathologies (pyelonephritis, kidney, liver, heart failure, etc.).

The conducted studies will help the doctor assess the extent of the lesion, give a prognosis of the disease and make a decision on treatment. Perhaps the doctor will give you a choice between surgical and therapeutic methods of treatment, perhaps he will insist on one of them.