My dog can't walk, hind legs weak, and tail swollen. Is it serious?

Question

My 4 year old mastiff suddenly started having trouble walking and standing, his hind legs being the problem..it's almost like he's partially paralyzed, and obviously in pain. He is also swollen around the base of his tail. From what I've read online, it seems to be symptoms of both limber/cold/etc tail, and of gland issues, except the inability to walk properly. I'm freaking out. But if I took him to a vet every time I was freaking out, well.... How worried should I be? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 2 months old | 140 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

Difficulty walking is a situation that always warrants a visit to your veterinarian. We could have a musculoskeletal injury or a neurological issue, such as a herniated/slipped disk in the spine compressing the spinal cord. Your vet can do an examination to see if there are neurological deficits and may also recommend an x-ray to help determine the cause of the trouble walking, and if it is related to the swelling of the tail. Limber tail doesn't normally cause a swelling of the tail, but can cause the tail to be carried strangles, where it will stick out for an inch or two and then hang down limply. If the tail is truly swollen I would be more worried about an injury and x-ray may be needed.

My dog can't walk, hind legs weak, and tail swollen. Is it serious?

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