My senior dog's hind legs are weak. How can I support her mobility?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | 14 years and 3 months old | 35 lbs
My 14 year old Staffordshire bull terrier is losing the function of her hind legs. What can I do to make her better
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 25th, 2018
Poor Abby! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. Rear leg issues in an older dog could be caused by an orthopedic problem like arthritis or hip/knee abnormalities, or a neurologic problem such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or degenerative myelopathy. Treatment recommendations will depend on what the underlying problem is, and none of these things can really be treated at home without prescription medications, so I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam. He/she can take x-rays of her hips and spine if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to treat it.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 21st, 2019
Poor Shep! It could be related to severe arthritis but a neurologic condition is also possible. Shep needs to see her veterinarian who can prescribe medications for arthritis that will increase her quality of life. The doctor can also determine if a neurologic component is present. Physical therapy can often help these pets maintain more balance and also maintain a higher quality of life as well. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 17th, 2017
I'm sorry tou and Shiamsa are dealing with this. It is definitely concerning that she is losing the use of her back legs. Given her breed and size there are several different things that could lead to loss of strength in the back legs. These include: hip dysplasia/arthritis, degenerative myelopathy (condition where dogs will progressively loose feeling and function in the back legs), intervertebral disc disease (they can get pain and inflammation affecting the spine from a "slipped disc"). I would have her evaluated by her veterinarian to sort out which problem could be going on. There are a lot of pain management options available that could really help if this were arthritis or even a disc issue. So to answer your question, it is bad news of course but there may be medications your vet can prescribe that help her significantly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 22nd, 2019
That depends on why it is happening. Severe arthritis does benefit from exercise but she needs medications to keep her comfortable and support exercise. Neurologic condition can benefit from strengthening but this needs to be done slowly and carefully. If Sammy has not been to the veterinarian recently and gotten a diagnosis for the condition, I recommend to have her examined before starting any exercise routine. The doctor will be best able to advise you on how long, how much and how strenuous. She may also be able to provide you with medication to keep Sammy comfortable. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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