Why is my dog struggling to walk and get up, especially at night?

Question

My dog, off and on, would be lame in the hind end, worst on the right. Doctor said it was unstable tendons in right knee and to "baby" it, which we do. However, at night, she can barely move either hind leg and almost drags them on tippy toes, has difficulty getting up at all, will no longer go on furniture, or go for a car ride which she loves. She refuses to go out at times when she used to love going with her sister. Each year this has worsened. 6 yo Newf-Border Collie-Lab. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 2 months old | 85 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Karma! She is very cute! The most common reason for a hind leg lameness is an ACL (cruciate ligament) tear. They can tear the ligament in both legs which could be why Karma is having such a hard time getting around. Other causes for more than one leg to be lame are: lyme disease or other tick borne disease or immune joint conditions. Karma is still a young dog and it sounds like her quality of life is affected by her hind leg issues. I would be sure she has been lyme tested, have her rechecked by your Vet or seek an orthopedic specialists opinion to see if both her ACLs are torn and to discuss surgical correction. If surgery is not an option then she should be on an anti-inflammatory and a joint supplement. I hope this helps and I wish you and Karma the best!

Why is my dog struggling to walk and get up, especially at night?

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