Why are my 7-year-old dog's back legs weak and causing pain?

Question

My 7 year old Lhasa apso all of a sudden has trouble using his back legs. Now he walks with a hunch back and his back legs cross as he walks. He can use his hind legs they’re just weak. If he’s standing still he ends up falling over because of his back legs. And when he goes to lift his leg to use the bathroom his foot buckles under him and he ends up standing on the knuckles/top of his foot. He shakes sometimes from pain. What do you think is wrong? Should we take him to the vet or wait it out? Pet's info: Dog | Lhasa Apso | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

This is most likely from a bulging intervertebral disc pressing on the nerves to his legs. I recommend a veterinary exam and spinal X-ray to be sure. Then as long as he’s walking I recommend pain medication, muscle relaxers and I treat these dogs with laser and acupuncture. He needs to rest, no running or jumping and short slow leash walks for three weeks. Usually this will improve with treatment in three to four weeks. He also could rupture the intervertebral disc and become paralyzed. That is a medical emergency and he may need surgery by a specialist so he could walk again. Please take him in soon and get treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Armor.

Why are my 7-year-old dog's back legs weak and causing pain?

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