It’s possible? Prenatal Qi comes from the kidneys and is considered our animals’ genetics, i.e., what they are born with. She still has some weakness, but it's less than it was. Sign up for the Dogs Naturally Newsletter and get over 200 FREE Health Plans and Guides in 2020. Significant liver, kidney and heart organ disease can cause a dog’s back legs to collapse, but there are usually other symptoms, too. Her appetite is still strong. Heat in the mouth, a dry tongue, swollen throat, and a sore dry throat are also symptoms of kidney dryness. Hi Yash. Given his unknown history, it’s worth being careful and ask your vet for an opinion. He doesn’t seem to be getting better or worse. Muscle weakness, especially in the hind quarters, can be a sign of kidney problems. Originally my vet was concerned about the spine but he says it “looks good”. Symptom #5: Hind Leg Weakness. Only in such an extreme situation, you should seek an answer to when to put a dog down with Cushing's disease from your licensed vet. Degenerative myelopathy should not happen this quickly. Your email address will not be published. I have been giving her calcium carbonate and Vitamin D with her meals and she is starting to improve. Provide him with his favorite blanket and toy. I think it’s essential to get a check up (and even advanced imaging if sons allow) but in the meantime keeping her from slipping, running and jumping as much as possible is very important to hopefully prevent relapse. This can occur even if a horse is not drinking excessively. Hind End Weakness Liver Blood/Kidney Yin Vacuity Disclosure PawHealer® (what we want you to know): Hind Leg Weakness: When Your Dog’s Back Legs Give Out. I was informed he was very much the runt of the litter and his litter mates were twice his size when young. We are going to take her to a vet for her 6 month visit soon, but is this something we should be more concerned about? Through the processes of the spleen’s digestive functions and the lungs’ oxygenation functions, postnatal Qi is supplemented daily. I would be thinking about one of the other diseases on the list. The Qi of our animals’ bodies consists of a combination of prenatal and postnatal Qi. He seemed to be getting better and hadn’t shown any more symptoms of pain but He wobbles a bit and he wants to jump onto things as always but cant anymore. What is wrong with her ? From what I have read, this is more common in cats with CRF and somewhat rare in dogs. Hi. The issue is most apparent when he defecates, he has normal stool but often times in that position he kind of just wobbles and falls over or stumbles. Therefore, it’s also worth visiting these three pages too: These causes are listed in order of how commonly we see them in Australia. As our animals age, their marrow depletes, leading to changes in memory, dizziness, vertigo, dementia and other diminishing mental capacities. She is very happy but is tenuous with her movements. What makes the condition truly frightening is that the condition cou… A canine herbal supplement containing 100% natural organic ingredients with herbs that tonify Yin. We have all her papers the breeder has never had this happen before either. I adopted him when he was 5 1/2 months old and he had gone through 2 homes before I got him (COVID-19 issues). And as our animals age, the flame of life tends to dwindle. 3 weeks ago he was Chasing a ball in the garden and started yelping horrifically and was unable to weight bare On his hind leg for a few hours, took him to the vet that day and they treated him with anti inflammatories and suspect muscle strain. He runs but really can’t jump more than 10 inches. The kidney is the energy to the body. Recently he fell backwards on his own poop! Cushing’s disease in dogs can prove to be fatal if proper care is not taken. If the problem is not worsening, it may have to remain a mystery. Hi Rebecca. Next is vertebral instability (“wobbler syndrome”), in which “the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the nerves affecting hind limb motor function,” says Dr. Benson. Dogs with DM tend to show gradual hindquarter ataxia (unsteadiness) and weakness that can either wax and wane or become progressively worse over time. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can influence veterinary medicine and change current vaccine, food and preventive health practices. In many older animals diagnosed with kidney issues, whether it be kidney insufficiency, kidney failure, chronic or acute, elevated BUN or creatinine, there is almost always some indication of diminishing Kidney Qi prior to the diagnosis or prior to the failure of the kidney itself. Ferret hind limb weakness is badly misunderstood and most information online is highly inaccurate. I think that arthritis is the "go … If you’d like more on how we use your information, just check out our Privacy Policy. Even being in the same room will be soothing to him. I was gone 22 days, and when I got home last night, I could tell that she’s losing the use of her hind legs fast. Could this be a temporary issue to the anesthesia ? You are right in your suspicions. All the vets are closed today (26 of Dec) and tomorrow. Owners find it difficult to keep … A Heartbreaking Cause of Weakness in Dogs Read More » Yang is function, so when the hind-legs begin to weaken we look to the TCM Kidney system. Rear limb weakness causes problems in large breed dogs when it restricts their ability to walk on their own. Another possible cause of sudden back leg weakness in a dog is intervertebral disc disease, says Dr. Benson. Thank you for your work in the world! I’m not aware of any drugs that can cause permanent paralysis. I rescued an 8 yr old Havenese a few months ago. Why Aren’t There Enough Vets In Australia? The senior dog’s teeth are less white almost cream colored with some opacity. Allergy Relief For Dogs: DIY Remedies That WORK, Arthritis In Dogs: 3 Simple Natural Solutions. The content on this website is not meant to replace veterinary advice. Sick. They did x-ray her and didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary… except the fact that she shows no signs of arthritis…pretty odd for a 15.5 y.o. She was upset and hiding but didn’t seem to be in tremendous pain although typically, she doesn’t show pain. We are distraught. He had no issues at all before the injury. We took him to the vet all blood work and xrays came back fine. When the kidney is aged and the kidney Qi is decreased, the kidney doesn’t have the strength to pull lung Qi downward and this is heard as labored breathing. The marrow of kidney manufactures blood and dominates bones. I thought she was just having an allergy issue, because she was chewing her back end. The kidneys are unable to warm the lower parts of the body. He is 17 pounds. Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a big sign, but if you dog also has a poor coat or her belly is round, I would definitely have this test done as those are also signs of Cushing's. Hi. Dog hind leg weakness can be caused by a number of things including injury, arthritis and degenerative myelopathy. DNA tests say his 25% miniature poodle, 25% lab, 25% chow chow, and 25% undefinable terrier spaniel mix. Any ideas? She often sits on one leg. But dont throw in the towel - you can give your buddy some help. Hi Marie-Emmanuelle. My 2 month huskys back legs weak and shape change . Changes in activity or a lack of interest in the things the dog used to enjoy are signs that they could have Cushings and a vet visit is highly recommended. Does your dog show any of the following signs? Have you ever wondered why so many older animals seem to suffer with kidney issues? Candie is a beautiful precious dog that has a wonderful life. It sounds like you’re doing the right thing – good luck. You can change your mind and unsubscribe anytime. Kidney Qi is manifest in the hair coat so a dog with a thick vibrant coat is considered to have good kidney Qi. No! Hi, I was playing ball with my little chihuahua she’s only 5years, as she went too retrieve the ball she left the ball and started walking on only 3legs, her left leg was extended out she was having a hard time getting her leg too do anything for her,there is no pain anywhere around the area,No bones broken not swollen,went too bed hoping she just pulled a muscle or something But after a night of rest she got up and was still favoring that same leg,like I said no matter what pressure I put on it she doesn’t have no pain,please help,thank u. Hi Harris. I would guess either IVDD or lumbosacral stenosis. Hi Deb. Although kidney deficiencies may be a chronic part of the aging process, it is to be fought every step of the way. Hi Angelina. Back injuries, including slipped discs, are not uncommon in cats and can occur at any age. How long does degenerative myelopathy usually take to set in? Logic would say that there should be an equal representation of all five major organs. At this age there’s no easy answer. Most affected dogs lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years after onset. What we think, he has paralysis on his back legs. Chose this formula when there is hind- leg weakness for the more cold and tired pet. Here you’ll find a lit of the possible causes. The kidneys are unable to warm the lower parts of the body. By Andrew Spanner BVSc(Hons) MVetStud, a vet in Adelaide, Australia. This is sudden. Loose teeth or poor quality teeth are also a reflection of the balance of kidney. Make sure your dog's resting area is quiet, warm and cozy. Animals with chronic kidney failure will also develop anemia from decreased red blood cell production. By Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS Aug 1, 2019 May 31, 2020. We took to the VET but it didn’t say much. With this formula, she shows more strength and stamina in her hind legs. Euthanizing your dog should be the last resort. For example: one fifth of the senior animals should pass due to heart conditions, and one fifth of senior animals should pass due to liver issues and so on. She came home from breeder fine within 5 days has developed a high fever and a bit of weakness in back legs. However, this rarely happens. Because the horse's kidneys are not functioning properly, she is unable to conserve water. If true, strict rest is essential until you can see a vet. Tonifying the kidney through acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help to strengthen the lower back. She’s peeing and pooping normally. I am seriously worried about her. I originally thought this was a muscle development problem as before he came to me he was crated A LOT. Low back pain, weak legs and cold sensations in the lower back are all caused by Kidney Qi Deficiency. As the flame of life depletes, so does the ability to hear. Due to the loss of balance and stability common with most neurological disorders, boots can be helpful. Hi, I have Dachshund that sudden can’t walk with his back legs. Hi Sarah. Ways to help include: Spend as much time as possible with your dog. He seems fine but his breathing is louder and more labored than it was when he was young. Have you seen your vet yet? The lung takes in oxygen from the air he breathes and the kidney pulls lung Qi down to cover the body and oxygenate all of his tissues. Kidney Disease in Cats. There are things you can do to help keep your dog comfortable during the final stages of kidney disease. My 5 year old yorkshire suddenly lost all the movements of his hind legs. The first initial night he was in pain so I took him to the vets the next morning and they gave us pain med and an antibiotic. He does not feel any pain at all, he enjoys extending legs and hips, never is stiff and never seems to feel any discomfort at all. The vet was looking her over, and suspected arthritis issues. There are three main types of kidney deficiency issues seen in dogs including kidney yin deficiency, kidney Qi deficiency, and kidney yang deficiency. © 2021 Dogs Naturally Magazine Inc. She is an older dog with arthritis and a heart murmur, but treated for both, and this literally happened overnight. Hence the reason so many older animals develop kidney issues. The digestive functions need good kidney Qi to warm the gastrointestinal tract so it can digest food properly. The acupuncture, herbs, and foods chosen should be warming to replenish Qi. There are many diseases that do this, not just degenerative myelopathy. Diseases marked with an asterisk (*) usually begin in the back legs but progress to involve the forelegs, and even respiratory muscles if not controlled. She needs help getting down the steps to go outside, she’s having trouble standing up, she’s wobbling. I ordered a radiograph and no bone problems. When function of the lower back, hind legs, and knees start to weaken, it is attributed to a decline of Yang-Qi. Spinal injuries can be especially dangerous in cats because some felines will try … It’s been happening for about 3 weeks now. Causes Of Back Leg Weakness In Dogs. Be careful that she is on a balanced diet. Neurological and Spinal Conditions. I only hope she responds to treatment. He keep urination, he is exactly can’t stop urinating. I might have kept him longer if I had known. Thanks! A colleague at work suggested asking for Fortekor as his dog was on it for kidney problems, my vet agreed to this mainly to appease me I think as it wasn't approved for kidney treatment in dogs. It sounds very concerning. The original owner fed him only chicken and rice (not dog food) until he was a little over 4 months old. He runs normally. Great Danes are known for wobbler syndrome but it is not normally seen at this age. Sometimes he knuckles his back paws a bit but not a lot. He actually runs better than he walks. There isn’t much to go on here so I would follow their advice. Hi, our 15.5 y.o. When I search most things, it does not come up as common in younger dogs. It’s also important to stress that even vets get fooled at times by non-neurological hind leg lamenesses like hip dysplasia or severe arthritis. In a Chihuahua I would suspect either medial patella luxation or a cruciate ligament injury. It’s certainly unusual, and given what you have already done, I doubt that there is a simple answer. Good luck. Kidney Qi is also responsible for regulating water circulation and metabolism, and its deficiency may cause water retention, which can give rise to changes in urination. Dog’s back legs weak? There is also no effective conventional treatment, though holistic medicine provides herbal substances that appear to relieve symptoms. I appreciate your page – you have more information than anyone else I could find. Also sometimes when she is laying down, if we touch near her hips area she will make a painful yelping noise and seems to be in pain for a few moments afterwards. Compare the beautiful white teeth of a young dog to the teeth of a senior dog. The symptoms to identify this presentation, kidney yin deficiency, include fatigue, general dryness, low back pain, anxiety, frequent urination, increased thirst, dry coat, vertigo, hearing loss, marginal vision, soreness and weakness of the lower back and hind limbs, panting at night, and marginal kidney function with mild elevation of BUN and creatinine levels. This includes conditions like cerebellar, vestibular, and sensory ataxia and can cause symptoms like swaying, a general lack of coordination and weakness. Degenerative myelopathy is not a painful disease, but dogs with DM eventually lose their mobility. Dana Scott is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Dogs Naturally Magazine and CEO of Four Leaf Rover, a high end natural supplement company. He has no trouble climbing steps but has some difficulty going down steps. There are of course many possible congenital nerve and muscle defects. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been widely used by veterinarians to preserve kidney function. Kidney disease may cause your horse to urinate much more than the normal one to three gallons excreted by a healthy horse each day. Are your dog’s back legs weak? Hi Kathy. So, if your cat’s back legs are weak, the problem should be checked by a vet. medium sized dog. In this case, back leg weakness is a term that is often used to refer to Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a disease of the spinal cord. When kidney Qi depletes, so does yang. This could cause a root signature and lameness in a forelimb and ataxia in the hindlimbs. She can jump up on the bed again! I know she has has hip displacia but I believe from when I adopted her they were fused, her front legs have been bowed since I have had her but they have never been an issue. His hind legs started giving out as he was walking . One proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. Causes: Weakness in the Hind Legs. I’m absolutely certain that your vet fully understand the problem and knows exactly what to do, so if it wasn’t clear, get back in touch with them immediately. [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/d5ebc782e5241584136416-Ear-Drops.png"], [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/50c975d7b7d11585953588-d5ebc782e5241584136416-Ear-Drops.png"]. I would consider having your vet run an ACTH stimulation test to check for Cushing's disease. She gets very shakey which I think stems from the back legs and ends up laying down and the shakes will stop. We’ve all heard the wonderful older dog making his way down the hall of his house with louder harsher breathing. She doesn’t seem in any pain at all. This warmth allows the conversion of food to post natal Qi. Postnatal Qi comes from the lifestyle our animals lead. Subscribe via email here to never miss a story!Have something to add? The most extreme form of Kidney Qi Depletion is where the depletion has progressed to depleting the yang. Dogs with kidney Qi deficiency may drink too much and urinate too much. Ideally, a cat in normal conditions should be walking upright and with ease. He pants all the time, and now his hind legs are losing muscle tone and getting weak. I took him to my vet when he was about 7-8 months old and after a series of spinal x-rays and hip -rays, there seems to be no apparent reason for it. Arthritis. Again, diagnosis is hard, and can take your vet a number of different procedures to pin it down. This progression has all been while I was gone for only 22 days. It could also be a sign that your dog hit their leg at some point during their daily play, and it is just a minor injury that they will shake off with a bit of rest. I bought rugs and runners and he has made a significant improvement, but he still sways when he walks and occasionally one of his hind legs will give out. As the prognosis varies greatly depending on the diagnosis and speed of treatment, it’s essential to see a vet as soon as possible. It is not normal for cats to drag their back legs. They recommended a neurologist. But that doesn’t happen. However recently she will whimper in pain when climbing into our couch or bed. The ear is the sensory organ that belongs to the kidney and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and deafness may occur as a result of kidney deficiency. If your puppy has been running around the house all day long, then fatigue or soreness in their hind legs is natural. So all was fine. I have a 8 week old Great Dane. From the TCVM prospective, the kidney is the foundation of life. I would only expect these to be caused by anaesthesia if it happened in the last three days. One of the toughest things dog owner can experience is watching a beloved poochs hind legs grow weak. Thanks for any suggestions. My senior has just developed this when walking and is having trouble sitting down, she is panting a lot because of it. I just wanted to post a note in case there are others dealing with this disease. He is 8 years old, his weight is 11 kg, it is overweight. Instead, it is a common response of ferrets to any serious illness.Therefore, to treat back leg problems in ferrets you need to … Dog Dementia: Does Your Dog Have Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Is he still able to have a long life? It is common in large breed dogs, especially the German shepherd, in their later years. It turns out that hind end weakness is a symptom of kidney disease and treated with calcium. It may develop gradually over a period of months but sometimes it comes on suddenly. Yang is the opposite of yin and is seen as heat within the body. Kidney Qi is also responsible for regulating water circulation and metabolism, and its deficiency may cause water retention, which can give rise to changes in urination. Have a look at this page of the causes of limping on the back leg. To find a holistic or homeopathic vet near you or to find one who will do phone consultations, visit The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy. Depletion of spinal cord marrow is certainly seen in older dogs as weakness to the hind limbs. Without doubt, the TCVM approach can improve quality of life and preserve kidney yin and Qi. Most often the back legs appear wobbly or buckle unexpectedly underneath your cat. He has a vet appointment tomorrow, but this has been going on since the last week in August. Good luck with the vet tomorrow. Hi Randall. At this age I would be looking for other causes than those found on this list and would be seeing a vet as soon as possible. As dogs age, they slowly but surely develop hearing loss. My last dog had kidney disease, and was very weak in his hind end. An internal branch of the kidney meridian connects to the throat and reflects the clinical manifestation of a dry raspy cough in kidney yin deficient dogs. Many owners dismiss these as normal signs of aging, but they are classic symptoms of Cushing’s disease, which affects an estimated 100,000 dogs in the U.S. every year. Any idea of what could be happening and whether or not we should follow up with a physical exam by a vet very soon if possible? There are a number of disorders that affect the brain which can cause hind end weakness in dogs. Lower back pain and weakness are commonly seen in the older pet. My beagle had this and died very suddenly. Mobility Assistance for Dogs with Neurological Disease Pet Boots. There’s a brief description next to each disease, but you’ll find more at the links (where present). The end result is a sort of abnormal movement we call ataxia. She’s on antibiotics but I cannot tell if the weakness is related to an infection or just being malaise from feeling. With the additional traction provided by pet boots, you can prevent slip and fall accidents caused by slippery surfaces. The Outbreak Of Ehrlichia In Australian Dogs. It will be worth investigating to manage him better in the future. The majority of older geriatric patients seem to develop kidney issues and it may eventually be the “thing” that takes them. Dog boots also help to protect your dog’s paws from scraping wounds caused by dragging feet. Hi Russ. There is currently no definitive test for DM until after a dog has died. There’s a brief description next to each disease, but you’ll find more at the links (where present). Lola has hind end weakness from a neurological condition called Laryngeal Paralysis. It’s important not to deplete the kidney prematurely and to support it to thrive throughout a long and healthy life. Yin Deficiency may have indications such as dry skin, thirst, night sweats, or symptoms that worsen at night.. You should mix these herbs with fresh liver or peanut butter to make in to a High Value Dog Treat Additive Recipe Here These blogs are from a series regularly posted on email and Twitter. If you notice that your dog’s back legs go weak suddenly, or that your dog … Our previously bouncy little mini foxie/chihuahua x has very suddenly got very weak hind legs, she can’t walk up even one step, and her legs slide out from under her when she stands on the wooden floor! Due to the risk of IVDD, the most important thing is that until you can see your vet again, to keep him as still as possible. The Kidneys house the essence (jing), think of the word vitality. I have a German shepherd that is wobbly when she walks and drags her back paws and her nails scrap on the floor saw d at times her back legs cause her to fall when working. female toller was in excellent shape until this morning when her hind legs started to give out and be wobbly and uncoordinated. The best way to do this is confinement in a very small area without steps or furniture, or even in a crate. It’s so sad to see him struggle. Recently he had his back left leg give out twice in about 6 weeks. She also breeds award winning Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix. Visit this page on degenerative myelopathy. The animal with Kidney Yang Deficiency is cold to the touch, listless, fatigued, has a lack of spirit, poor appetite, has difficulty controlling urine, dilute urine, increased urinary frequency, has end stage kidney failure and in general is lethargic and fragile. Kidney is the source of all yin or fluids in the body. The acupuncture, herbs, and food chosen would be yin tonifying to nourish the yin. Affected dogs may have laryngeal paralysis as one of … She seems to be losing control over them? I still not sure what is going on with my dog. Hi, I have been trying to do research on possible causes of my adolescent (9 month old) puppy hind leg wobbliness.