Dogs suffer from weakness in their legs due to a variety of causes. It's important to diagnose the reason for your dog's weakness as the first step toward treating your pet.
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Spinal Cord Problems
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Spinal cord problems and injuries such as damage to intervertebral discs can cause weakness in the rear legs, according to Vetinfo.com. The most reliable test for diagnosing the cause is an MRI.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
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Cauda equina, or lumbar sacral syndrome, occurs when the nerve roots and spinal cord are compressed at the part of the spine near the hips. X-rays might be able to locate the problem, but a CT scan or MRI may also be necessary.
Degenerative Myelopathy
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Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disease that starts with rear-leg weakness, then advances forward until it reaches the brain stem.
Response
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If your dog has trouble walking, promptly take him to the vet for an examination. Many problems can be treated better if they're diagnosed early.
Treatment
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Surgery isn't always necessary to fix your dog's legs. Joint supplements can help some dogs, while others claim that acupuncture is a reliable treatment method. In some cases, getting your dog to lose weight is enough to fix the problem.
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