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Why is my dog's front paw shuffling worsening after a recent incident?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 9 years and 10 months old | 14 lbs

My dog is shuffling her front feet. She was in a fight where I had to use my feet to get them apart. I think I kicked her into the cabinet. My vet said crate rest and meds for 2 weeks. The thing that is concerning me is she is shuffling her front feet more than she was. Any ideas what might cause this?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2017

I'm sorry about Brownie. I would be concerned about a neck injury, potentially with a neurologic component if she is shuffling her front feet. Dachshunds are especially predisposed to disc injuries which can cause compression of the spinal cord and cause weakness or even paralysis. If she is not improving she should see your vet again soon as she may need to be referred to a neurologist. They would potentially recommend an MRI to determine if and where there may be spinal cord damage.

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