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My dog can't use his back legs. Is it a tick bite or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 4 lbs

This is my dog Buster yesterday he stopped using his back legs he's 3 years old I'm thinking he got bit by a tick I'm not exactly sure what to do couldn't find it take and I can't find any sores on his feet or anything I'm not sure what to do with him he's eating and drinking just fine

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2017

Buster needs to see the veterinarian immediately. While tick paralysis does occur, the most common reason a dog will not be able to use its hind legs is a slipped disc compressing the spinal cord. If it is severe enough, the paralysis can become permanent and sometimes they will also lose to ability to urinate on their own. If the compression is severe enough to warrant surgery, the surgery is only successful if completed within 24hrs or less from the onset of signs. Get Buster into the vet ASAP to have him examined. If the compression is not as severe, medical management and cage rest may be able to reverse the damage. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Being unable to use the hind legs is considered a medical emergency and Buster should go in for a veterinary exam right away. While we can see conditions like tick paralysis cause an ascending paralysis of limbs, more commonly intervertebral disk disease, or a herniated disk compressing the spine, is the problem. The faster he has treatment the more likely recovery will be. The vet will do a neurological exam and may recommend imaging such as x-ray and possibly CT or MRI depending on the severity. Treatment can vary from medical management to surgery if that turns out to be he issue. In the meantime he should be strictly confined to avoid movement and further injury, but he should go to the emergency vet if your vet isn't open now.

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