My dog is a 13yr old yellow lab...He is having trouble with his back legs dragging behind him.?

Question

It is like he has no strength in his back legs...he is gettig pretty old mybe just his age that is his problem.Thanks

Answer 1

I have two eleven- year-old, unrelated chocolate labs with "hind end" problems so this question is right up my alley. As a matter of fact, one of my dogs has severe hip dysplasia, and one does not, yet it is this second one who has been having more acute diffulty with lameness and leg dragging. I have just had a one hour consultation with an excellent canine orthopedic specialist from Cornell and I would be glad to share what he said to me about labs, as well as what I have learned over the years.
Although labs are prone to hip dysplasia as well as knee ligament issues (unlikely in your case since both sides are dragging) they also can develop other conditions with age. Your dog may have arthrititis of the spine which is interfering with muscle control and strength in his legs. Another less likely possibility is a neurological condition which is interfering with his mobility. If the condition is arthritic, there are a number of drugs that might really help him. My dog has responded really well to low doses of prednisone for what is likely arthritis of the spine, although a neuromuscular degenerative condition has not been ruled out (in which case steroids are not a great idea). You definitely should have your dog looked at by a specialist-- he is in the last years of his life but he might regain a lot of function with the right meds and the right exercise. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a 17 yr old Rottie mix and she has arthritis in her hips. She isn't to the point where she is actually dragging her back legs, she does have trouble getting up and if you accidently bump into her rump, she will fall over.
The vet can give your dog something for pain, but in all honesty, if your dog is to the point where he cannot walk. You need to think about his quality of life. And, not to be mean, but the best thing for the dog would be to put him down. Hard decision to make, but your dog will let you know when it is time. I know when that time comes for my girl, I will let her go.

And.....it may not help a whole lot now, but if you feed a food with Glucosimine and Chondrotin (sp), or a suppliment of those, that is real good for the bones, joints and arthritis. I have been supplimenting this into my dogs food for 7 yrs now and I really think that has helped get her this far.

Answer 3

Sorry to say, BUT this is something that is normal for older and pedigree dogs. Most do have hip problems as they get older. Some dogs are worse off than others. But it is one of the downsides of pedigree dogs. Sorry, But have your vet check the dogs out. Good Luck

Answer 4

Sounds like he needs to go to the vet right away.It could be serious or it could even be his hips but it sounds more serious than that 13 for a lab is good you must have taken good care of him. Good luck

Answer 5

Probably old age. Hip dysplasia turns up earlier. I have a 12 yr. old doberman, and she particularly seems to "skid" on the hardwood floor. Although I haven't done it yet, my vet recommended glucosamine/chondroitin.

Answer 6

Definately take it to the vet as soon as possible. Your dog could be in pain and suffering. It could be something simple and they give you some medicine for him but do be prepared for other problems that aren't so easy.

Answer 7

Take your dog to the vet and ask about adequin. It's a muscle and joint rejuvinator. With it, I was able to keep my doberman another four years.

Answer 8

sound like hip dysplasia, a lot of big dogs get it, you could check with your vet to see if an aspirin a day would help.

Answer 9

my 8 yr old dog was doing that, we took her to the vet, and they didnt know what was wrong with her, but they gave her steroids now she walks like a drunk.....

Answer 10

Go to the VET and TELL them. We cant help u there bebe!