Why are my 7-year-old dog's back legs weak and causing pain?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Lhasa Apso | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs
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?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 10th, 2018
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.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 17th, 2018
Dogs can get back pain from a bulging intervertebral disc. This causes pain and sometimes weakness or paralysis in the legs. It common in small dogs and can be very serious. He also may have been injured and be bruised. As long as he can stand and walk you’re ok to wait until tomorrow to see if the pain improves. You can give aspirin with food, there is a section on this website that has information on common over the counter medications with dosages. If he’s still painful in the morning please take him in for an exam. They may do an X-ray to check his spine and hips. Then they can prescribe pain medication and discuss a treatment plan. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jack.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 21st, 2018
Poor Johnny! Given that he just stopped using his back legs, is panting, and having a hard time getting comfortable or lying down, I would say he needs to see a vet immediately. I'm not sure what kind of back issues he is having, but if he is suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), it could be that a disc in his back is pressing on the nerves leading to his hind legs preventing him from being unable to use them. That is a medical emergency, and something that needs to be treated now or he could potentially lose use of his back legs for good. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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