What To Do With Dog Dragging Hind Leg

By Daniel Schmidt


The occurrence of hind leg weakness, nail scraping on the ground, bent toes or difficulty rising can all pose a cause for concern and must be investigated by a professional vet. Dog dragging hind leg is a symptom of rear end weakness including degeneration, compromised nerve health and injury. Learn of the reasons for this uncomfortable and restricting condition in your pet before it becomes problematic.

If you notice changes in the gait of your dog whether it happens gradually or within 24 hours, it is important to determine the underlying causes for these changes. The condition of myelopathy is one that leaves the spine degenerated, affecting the function of the nerves and regular movement of the rear legs. Canines can suffer from weakness in the limbs over a period of 6 months.

A dog presenting with myelopathy will show gradual signs of diminished strength in the hind legs from drags to difficulty rising after rest. This degeneration cannot be cured however, medications and supplements are available to strengthen the joints and provide much needed relief from any pain. The condition presents fully and within 6 months to a year, canines can experience paralysis on one or both limbs.

A common condition responsible for rear leg restrictions and weakness is hip dysplasia and is a common abnormality of the hips and joints in large breed dogs. It can affect canines at any age and stage causing imbalance and swinging of the hips while walking but also causing pain and lame legs. Hip and muscle strengthening exercises may relieve the severity of symptoms but in advanced cases, surgery is required.

Knees affected by a cruciate ligament injury will cause unstable movement and an inability to engage in healthy activities without experiencing limitations. The ligament is associated with the mobility and flexibility of the knee but when this becomes injured, it leaves dogs to drag and lift the affected leg. To improve this condition, surgery is performed on the impacted leg.

All dogs can suffer from soft tissue sprains and strains that occur during jumps, an improper twist of the leg or a severe slip. When canines re affected by torn and sprained muscles, ligaments or tendons, the leg cannot function optimally and is best kept rested with the slow introduction of exercise. Applying cold packs to swollen limbs and ensuring that all canines are recovered fro the proper muscle problems can deliver exceptional results.

Pets suffering from a bacterial infection or poisoning may show signs of hind limb dragging and weakness. When pets are extremely ill, they will begin to drag one or both limbs and eventually will not be able to stand at all. If your canine companion is no longer interested in food, appears lethargic, and is soiling in unusual spots, it could be a sign of a system shut down.

Simple irritations such as a thorn or a small sting could be irritating the underside of the foot causing your pooch to drag the hind leg. Careful inspection of affected limbs and monitoring your pets for signs of changes are important steps to managing their long term well-being. The correct practices and procedures will deliver the healthiest disease prevention and management solutions.




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