Musculoskeletal:
* Hip dysplasia: A common condition in larger breeds, involving abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to pain, instability, and lameness.
* Cruciate ligament rupture: Tears in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) causing instability in the knee joint.
* Patellar luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, leading to pain and limping.
* Spinal problems: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spinal stenosis, or trauma can affect the nerves in the spine, resulting in hind-end weakness or paralysis.
* Fractures: Bones in the hind limbs can be fractured due to trauma, resulting in pain and lameness.
* Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease, causing pain and stiffness in the joints.
* Muscle strains or tears: Overexertion or injury can lead to muscle damage, causing pain and difficulty walking.
* Ligament injuries: Tears or sprains in ligaments around the joints, causing instability and pain.
* Tendon injuries: Inflammation or tears in tendons, impacting movement and causing pain.
Neurological:
* Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Herniated discs can compress spinal nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or paralysis in the hind limbs.
* Spinal tumors: Tumors in the spinal cord can affect nerve function, causing lameness and other neurological symptoms.
* Cauda equina syndrome: Compression of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, and incontinence.
* Polyneuropathy: A condition affecting multiple nerves, causing weakness and lameness.
* Stroke: Similar to humans, dogs can experience strokes, affecting neurological function and mobility.
Other:
* Infections: Infections in the bones or joints can cause pain and lameness.
* Parasites: Heartworms, for example, can affect the heart and lungs, causing secondary hind-end lameness.
* Pain in the tail: Tail injuries or inflammation can lead to hind-end lameness due to discomfort.
* Obesity: Excess weight can put stress on the joints, contributing to lameness.
* Age-related changes: Older dogs may experience age-related deterioration of joints and muscles, leading to lameness.
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific cause of hind-end lameness in your dog can vary. A thorough veterinary examination, including physical assessment, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI), and possibly blood work, is necessary to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.