Why can't my senior dog walk, has weak hind legs, and is bloated?

Question

My welsh corgi all of the sudden cant walk. Her hind legs wont work, she is also very bloated. She was fine and then this evening it just hit. We didn't see her fall or anything that would cause an injury. She is 13 years old. we cant get her into a vet until morning. Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 30 lbs

Emily Fukuzato, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry to hear about Fiona. If she is dragging her back legs and/or cannot support weight on her hind limbs this is most likely from a spinal cord problem. When this happens to a dog it is very painful and their abdomen can become very tense, creating a bloated appearance. The other possibility is that Fiona's abdomen is truly distended with fluid or a dilated stomach (bloat - but very unlikely in a Corgi) and she is so weak that her hind limbs do not seem to be working. There could easily be too different scenarios happening here and it is very hard to say based on your description. Both are very painful and are a true emergency. Both of these circumstances can happen acutely without a particular injury or traumatic event. If there is an emergency doctor in your area, and you can get Fiona there tonight, that would be best. If not, try to keep her comfortable, avoid her walking or moving around at all, and have her seen first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Why can't my senior dog walk, has weak hind legs, and is bloated?

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