How long can dogs live with weak back legs?

Sometimes, a dog may slowly lose the use of her back legs, eventually resorting to dragging herself around using her front limbs. Depending on the cause of paralysis, your canine may respond to rehabilitation, remain stable, or continue to lose the use of his limbs. Often, paralyzed or partially paralyzed dogs are still perfectly capable of living a comfortable, happy life. Dogs experiencing rear limb weakness or who need rehabilitation after surgery are best suited to our rear support wheelchair, which is designed to hold the back in alignment, reducing stress, aiding in recovery, and helping to prevent further injury. With a few lifestyle changes, most paralyzed dog can regain some or full mobility. Your dog could very clearly have plenty of energy and excitement left in him, and the only thing holding him back is his paralysis. Overall, it’s very possible for a paralyzed or partially paralyzed dog to continue to live a full, happy life. Mobility aids like dog wheel chairs and handheld slings can allow paralyzed canines to regain mobility, improving their mood, returning their independence, and ultimately giving them a new lease on life.

A dog with DM may start to stumble as its hind legs gradually fail. There’s no cure, though therapy and supplements can help with pain management and to maintain quality of life as much as possible. IVDD isn’t restricted to older dogs — it can occur in relatively young pups, from three to seven years of age. Arthritis affects many dogs — one in five canines are thought to live with the condition — especially as they grow older. Arthritis can be a cause of a dog’s back legs not working. Your veterinarian should diagnose arthritis, which can’t be cured but can be managed with NSAIDS, physiotherapy and potentially a revised diet to keep weight down. Osteosarcoma is a form of cancer; a bone tumor that affects the legs and is more commonly seen in large dog breeds. It’s serious and aggressive, and appears as a swelling in a dog’s leg, so could be a reason for a dog limping on its back leg. Treatment can include chemotherapy, if started early enough, and potentially surgery. If, suddenly, your dog is limping on its back leg, it could be because of an injury or trauma rather than a longer term condition.