Hind leg weakness in young dogs: Causes and treatment options

There are many potential reasons why a young dog may have difficulty walking on their hind legs. Weakness, collapse, limping, and other clinical signs share characteristics but are caused by different health issues. Any mobility issues in the back legs warrant veterinary attention, even if the dog appears otherwise healthy. If your young dog is having difficulty walking or standing on their back legs, read on to learn about:

• Symptoms that affect a young dog’s mobility
• Potential causes of a change in gait in a young dog
• How difficulty walking is diagnosed and treated in young dogs

Some conditions affecting the hind legs are more common in young dogs, such as injury, infectious disease, toxin exposure, and developmental issues. Because there are so many potential causes for changes to the back legs, an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian is needed to determine an effective treatment plan. Depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms, treatment options may include medication, supportive care, or even surgery to fix the condition, reduce pain, or improve quality of life.

There are many clinical signs with a similar appearance, all of which may present like a dog having difficulty walking. These are:

• Weakness: Moving slowly, difficulty walking or standing from rest
• Limping: Change in gait or walking unevenly
• Paralysis: Decreased or lack of sensation, and inability to move one or more limbs
• Collapse: Falling to the ground and being unable to stand
• Ataxia: Poor coordination, loss of balance
• Paresis: Partial paralysis of a limb

These symptoms can appear similar and look like a dog’s back legs are weak or collapsing. Conditions that cause difficulty walking in young dogs may have additional symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

While many conditions that cause difficulty walking are more common in senior dogs, there are many health issues that can affect younger dogs and puppies. Some conditions are more common in young dogs compared to middle-aged and older dogs.

Injury

Injuries to any part of the spine, back legs, feet, or hips can lead to a change in gait. Examples include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments
• Spinal trauma

Toxin exposure

Exposure to various toxins can lead to weakness and ataxia (poor coordination), affecting a dog’s ability to walk as well as other bodily systems. Common toxins for dogs include:

• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in human foods, including chewing gum and toothpaste)
• Macadamia nuts
• Human and animal medications
• Antifreeze
• Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides
• Fertilizers
• Cannabis
• Raw dough
• Moldy food

It’s important to seek veterinary care right away if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, even if they aren’t showing symptoms.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Young dogs can have various disorders of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to limping in the hind limbs, such as:

• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
• Developmental disorders

Hip dysplasia is a very common condition, especially in certain larger dog breeds. Dogs with hip dysplasia often show symptoms by one year of age.

Neurologic conditions

Neurologic conditions can lead to weak hind legs, ataxia, and difficulty walking. Examples include:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Vestibular syndrome
• Developmental disorders of the nervous system and spine

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common cause of gradual or sudden hind leg weakness and paralysis, especially in breeds with long torsos and short legs, such as dachshunds and corgis. Dogs with IVDD can show symptoms even at a young age.

Various health conditions affecting the vestibular system can be seen in dogs of any age, but ear infections and infectious disease are the most common in younger dogs.

Systemic disease

Systemic diseases are diseases that affect multiple organs or even the whole body. These can occur in puppies and young dogs, but puppies who aren’t fully vaccinated are especially susceptible. Systemic diseases that can affect the mobility of young dogs and puppies include:

• Viruses, such as canine distemper
• Tick-borne diseases
• Conditions causing anemia
• Fungal infections
• Bacterial infections, such as toxoplasmosis

When a dog presents with clinical signs such as weakness, lameness, paralysis, and other mobility issues, diagnostic tests may be recommended to determine the underlying cause. Tests may include:

• Physical exam
• Neurologic exam
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, as many conditions can cause loss of mobility in young dogs, and effective treatment options can vary. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan may include:

• Medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers
• Surgery
• Toxicosis treatment
• Supportive care
• Physical therapy

Surgery may be recommended to improve quality of life for dogs with conditions such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease. Serious conditions requiring surgery may be referred to a specialist, such as a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.

“Seek veterinary care if your dog is having difficulty walking or has changes in their gait, even if they seem otherwise healthy,” states Dr. Jamie Lecky, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “This may look like difficulty standing from rest, wobbly gait, or limping.”

If your dog appears weak or has other signs of illness, such as lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, prompt veterinary attention is warranted. Seek emergency care in cases of:

• Paralysis or paresis of one or more limbs
• Collapse or sudden inability to walk
• Potential toxin exposure
• Traumatic injury

If you’re unsure if your dog’s gait is normal, connecting with an online vet is an excellent way for a veterinarian to observe your dog’s walk in their home where they feel safe and are more likely to show symptoms.

What causes hind leg weakness in young dogs?

Health conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and traumatic injuries are common in young dogs and affect their ability to walk normally. There are many other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get a definitive diagnosis from a veterinarian before pursuing treatment.

Why is my dog losing balance in their back legs?

Loss of balance in a dog’s back legs may appear as ataxia (wobbly gait), weakness, or partial paralysis of the hind limbs. Many health issues can cause these symptoms, such as vestibular disease, spinal conditions, toxin exposure, and others. Any change in a dog’s normal gait warrants veterinary attention.

Why is my young dog having difficulty walking?

Some medical conditions that lead to difficulty walking are common in young dogs, such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, neurologic conditions, and various infectious diseases. It’s important to talk to a vet if your dog is walking abnormally, even if they seem otherwise healthy.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.