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Dachshunds have poor hind legs. The dachshund's paws failed: what to do, the necessary treatment

Taxi is 5 years old. On a walk, he arched his back, hind legs weakened, tail tucked in, shaking. The second day he sits or lies, his appetite is good. Help me please.

Answer

Every owner wants a pet full health. But it is not easy to protect an animal from diseases. Do not panic in critical situations, all difficulties are fixable.

Why does the disease develop?

There are several reasons why a dog's paws weaken. The owner is able to recognize them in the case when the situation that led to the disease is clearly understood.

Veterinarians identify three common causes of paw weakness:

  • Spinal injury, displacement intervertebral discs. Pekingese, dachshunds, pugs, bulldogs and poodles - small breeds - suffer more often.
  • Large breeds have difficulty with the pelvic and hip joints. The disease manifests itself in puppy age because it is often inherited. But an adult dog can also get sick.
  • Myositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue, usually found in adult animals. Muscles become inflamed after a strong, uneven and unusual load.
  • Education malignant tumors, including in the brain.


Self-diagnosis will only cause harm. Do not jump to conclusions, consult a veterinarian.

Causes of diseases

  • The dog is obese, possibly overfed.
  • The animal is lazy, inactive.
  • Paws slide on excessively slippery floor.
  • Genetics.
  • Infection.
  • Injury. recent skirmish with street dogs, overload during training leaves unpleasant consequences.

How to treat

So, the dog walks with difficulty, shaking, whining. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Complex treatment determined by the diagnosis. In addition to medicines, additional measures will be required. Drugs reduce the level of pain, but rarely cure the disease.


In especially serious cases - the formation of a tumor, displacement of the intervertebral discs, surgery is often required. After surgery, the dog will need increased attention, prolonged rehabilitation period leaks harder to treat. Without rehabilitation, the disease will return. A smart owner listens to the vet.

What happens if you don't get treated on time?

If you do not go to the veterinarian in time, the pet's life will turn into a pitch hell. Plus, the consequences that will not please the owners: damage to the spine leads to dysfunction of the spinal cord, the dog lives with potential paralysis.

Forewarned is forearmed. Monitor the health of the dog, pay attention to the little things, regularly consult with the veterinarian.

It manifests itself as a slight change in gait, and a complete physical incapacity of the paws. The last symptom indicates the presence of a serious pathological process that can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the dog. When a dachshund's limbs fail, it is urgent to identify the cause and promptly begin treatment of the hind legs.

The paws are controlled with the help of the spinal cord, therefore, violations of the integrity of the vertebrae lead to backfire. Changes in the area of ​​bone tissue are often diagnosed, since the specific structure of the skeleton of the dachshund makes this breed vulnerable to the appearance various lesions spine.

If the dachshund's hind legs have failed, it is necessary to identify the cause of this pathology as soon as possible.

Musculoskeletal diseases

Degenerative diseases of the spine are more often diagnosed in dachshunds at an advanced age, at which cases are most common. pathological changes V spinal column animal. Before deciding on help and doing anything, it is necessary to identify what was the culprit of immobilizing the pet.

Possible reasons:

  • rheumatoid lesions;
  • displacement of the vertebrae;
  • hernia;
  • discopathy;
  • spondylosis.

Important. X-ray examination will not be able to detect a herniated disc in an animal.

Traditional Treatments

There are several methods for treating dachshund paw immobility.

Conservative (medication)

Medicines may be prescribed to restore lost functions. by drip(Piracetam, Cerebrolysin or Metipred) for 5 days, as well as Gliatilin, Actovegin. In addition to this list, Milgamma injections and Prednisolone are prescribed. To suppress inflammation and pain relief, Previvox is taken, which is available in the form of tablets.

Purpose of vitamins:


These vitamins are considered the most effective in the event of paralysis of the limbs. After a course of treatment, which lasts from 2 weeks to 3 months, mobility should fully return.

Surgical intervention

This method of correction is indicated only if conservative treatment has not given positive results. Urgent surgical intervention is indicated in the presence of a serious injury, for example, discopathy caused by a rough mechanical impact on the spinal region.

Immediate surgery is also indicated for the so-called class 5 spinal cord injury, in which there is absolute paralysis of the legs, and deep sensitivity damaged areas absent. The operation is performed with the introduction of an anesthetic substance into the blood.

Rehabilitation funds

Dachshunds, who have irretrievably lost the mobility of their legs, acquire wheelchairs for their hind limbs. The adaptive product helps to keep the dog active during walks and prevent further trauma to the lumbar region.


Dachshunds, who have irretrievably lost the mobility of their legs, get wheelchairs.

After the conservative treatment the mobility of the animal is limited slightly, but after surgical intervention doctors advise avoiding excessive and prolonged mobility.

Treatment at home

To restore the mobility of the paws, treatment with known folk remedies, which will provide additional recovery and support to the pet:

  1. Massage. Inactivity of the muscles leads to their atrophy, so the use of massage helps to prevent their reduction in size. Improving microcirculation improves oxygen access and nutrients to tissues. The most effective kneading and stretching.
  2. Gymnastics. In the prone position, the mobility of the animal in the problem area is simulated. It is carried out for the purpose of kneading the muscles.
  3. Swimming. Having drawn water into the bathroom, the owner lowers the pet to force the dachshund to tighten its muscles. This therapy helps to minimize pain during movement and resuscitate the mobility of the limbs.

Use therapy at home should be only after passing tests and talking with a veterinarian. As an ambulance people's councils ineffective and sometimes even dangerous.

We offer you to watch a short video in which the veterinarian talks about the problem of hind leg failure in dogs.

Many dogs are prone to developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Cases when their hind legs fail are not uncommon. There are several reasons for this condition.

Which breeds most often fail hind legs?

Usually owners of dogs of small and medium sizes face this problem.

Dachshunds have a predisposition to damage to the hind legs.

Some breeds have a genetic predisposition to lesions of the intervertebral discs. Specific Symptoms seen in:

  1. Tax.
  2. Brabancon.
  3. French bulldogs.
  4. Pekingese.

The dysfunction of the hind limbs is observed at approximately 3-8 year of pet's life .

The main causes of pathology

This symptom is often observed against the background of a violation of the innervation of the paws.. The provocateur may be a lesion of the spinal cord at the level of the lumbar or thoracic spine.

The development of arthritis can cause hind leg failure.

But also the hind legs may fail due to development:

Discopathy is often seen in Basset dogs.

Features of dysplasia

This pathology is very difficult to treat.

Dysplasia often occurs in dogs of the Great Dane breed.

Often dysplasia passed down genetically to dogs . Therefore, when buying an animal, you need to ask for both documents and tests for this disease of his father and mother.

Features of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis in a dog in the picture.

Conditional "continuation" of discopathy is osteochondrosis.

main reason this serious illness considered to be impaired cartilage mineralization. It hardens rapidly, which contributes.

Osteochondrosis dangerous because, if left untreated, the hind limbs of the animal gradually fail.

Features of arthritis and arthrosis

Arthritis and arthrosis are more common in older dogs.

These pathologies are most often diagnosed in severe dogs, large breeds. The main difference between arthrosis and arthritis is the absence of inflammation. There is a rapid change in cartilage, which is soon destroyed. Inflamed with arthritis joint bag. This disease occurs in older animals.

Symptoms

First specific sign is pain syndrome. A little later, the dog becomes weak, lethargic. It is difficult for her to move her paws. Pain sensitivity disappears last.

Pain in limbs is main symptom diseases.

These signs may appear while playing with other animals.

  1. If the disease is started symptoms appear even when the dog is in a state of relative rest.
  2. Sometimes all the signs of the disease appear at once . Often in the first half of the day there is a pain syndrome, and in the late afternoon paralysis of the paws develops.
  3. Most insidious disease is spondylosis . At first it proceeds slowly and is not detected on early stages. When the pathology progresses, the development of osteophytes is observed. Visually, they resemble beak-like growths.
  4. Tumors in the spine also do not manifest themselves at first. . When the process escalates spinal cord squeezed. This leads to arching of the animal's back and disruption of its gait.
  5. Getting up and sitting down, the pet may squeal in pain . Sometimes there is involuntary urination. In some animals, the act of defecation is disturbed. A weakened dog may refuse to eat.

How can you help a dog?

Finding in a dog at least one of anxiety symptoms, need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible specializing in neurology. To establish primary diagnosis doctor:

  1. Schedules x-rays.
  2. Checks for pain in the area of ​​the spine.
  3. Clarifies the safety of reflexes.
  4. Checks for pain and tactile sensitivity.

If you notice alarming symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Sometimes a sick animal is assigned to undergo a myelography. The conducted studies help the veterinarian to assess the stage of the lesion and determine the therapeutic tactics.

When diagnosing, it is very important to differentiate sciatica. Wrong treatment contributes to the aggravation of symptoms.

Medical treatment

If the dog's condition is characterized as acute, she is prescribed the use of steroid hormones:

  1. Solumedrol.
  2. Metipred.
  3. Dexamethasone.
  4. Prednisolone.

Solumedrol is used for acute course diseases.

At the end of this course, the dog is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Pet recommended admission Rimadila, Quadrisola .

"Human" NSAIDs should not be given to animals.

This leads to the discovery stomach bleeding. Often there is a fatal outcome.

To improve nutrition nervous tissue, the dog is assigned B vitamins injections . The metabolism of oxygen and glucose in the affected tissues is activated by Actovegina. Prozerin is recommended for resuscitation of neuromuscular conduction. It can be combined with other anticholinesterase drugs.

When the pathology is acute phase, Prozerin not registered. It is important to remember that these injections are painful.

Surgery

The main goal of the operation is to eliminate compression of the spinal cord. Surgery is scheduled only after comprehensive examination dogs.

Surgery is prescribed to relieve compression of the spinal cord.

During the operation, the veterinarian removes the vertebral arches. After surgery, the doctor advises the owners of the dog regarding the rehabilitation period.

What is the prognosis?

Severe swelling contributes to the compression of the nervous tissue. Against this background, there is a deterioration in blood supply. The access of oxygen to the affected tissue is impaired, and nerve cells are dying.

The prognosis depends on the degree of compression. The larger the area of ​​damage to the nervous tissue, the worse it is.. If the animal has impaired defecation, there is no pain sensitivity, the prognosis worsens.

Therefore, it is very important to notice the onset of the disease. Contact immediately veterinary clinic needed when the dog:

  • very worried;
  • hiding from the owner;
  • squeals when her back is touched;
  • refuses to play with other animals.

Preventive actions

It is better to take a puppy of any breed in your arms when descending.

Sooner or later, any dog ​​will have problems with the limbs. The task of the owner is to reduce the risk of developing dangerous diseases. To do this, follow the preventive recommendations.

Puppies of heavy breeds should be given chondroprotectors. Until the age of 12 months, this should be done constantly. dachshunds and large dogs up to 10 months you can't jump. Games with large adult animals are undesirable.

Before reaching six months old puppies of any breed should be carried on your hands during the descent.

  • They rise on their own. This helps to strengthen the muscles .
  • Animals prone to dysplasia are shown periodic x-ray examination . This will help to detect the disease in a timely manner.
  • It is important to provide your pet enough level physical activity . Their excess is just as harmful as the lack of activity.
  • Dog nutrition should be balanced . Until the age of six months, the animal should be given special food for young dogs. The pet's diet should be saturated with vitamins and other substances necessary for the body.
  • It is important to protect your dog from drafts. Otherwise, there is a risk of catching a cold of the spine.
  • It is desirable to minimize the risk of injury. This will avoid the development of dangerous pathologies.

Keep your dog away from drafts.

Video about hind leg failure in dogs

Due to the special elongated shape of the body, the dachshund may have problems with the spine and limbs. If the dachshund's hind legs failed, the cause of this may be illness musculoskeletal system, diseases internal organs, injuries, etc. Problems can manifest themselves as various symptoms such as: tremor (trembling) of the paws, lameness, dragging of the limbs, paralysis or complete immobility. If such signs are found, it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinarian, as delay can lead to irreversible consequences.

Causes of failure of the hind legs in a dachshund

The normal functioning of the limbs is provided by the spinal cord, so any violation of the vertebrae and bone tissue can lead to the fact that the dachshund's hind legs are taken away.

The main causes of limb dysfunction are:

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (discopathy, osteochondrosis, arthritis, articular dysplasia, etc.).
  • Spinal injury.
  • Diseases of the internal organs

ODS diseases that can cause paw failure

Pathological changes in the bones and joints of the spine, due to which the work of the limbs may be disturbed:

  • Discopathy. Intervertebral hernia arising from damage to the vertebral discs and penetration of the disc substance into the spinal cord. Squeezing occurs nerve endings, because of which the dog's hind legs may fail.
  • Osteochondrosis. pathological disease joints, mineralization and cartilage destruction. Lesions can also extend not only to cartilage, but also to joints and ligaments. Manifested in the form of dragging paws, lameness.
  • Arthritis, arthrosis. Diseases of the joints that can affect not only the hind legs, but also the front ones (on this basis, other pathologies are often immediately excluded). These types of pathologies cause in dogs pain when walking.
  • Articular dysplasia. Destruction or change in the structure of the articular tissue, the main cause of which is heredity.

Consequences of injuries

Limb problems can also result from traumatic injury spine or paws.

A dog can be injured from a fall from a height, getting stuck in a door, during a fight with other dogs, or from a blow to the back.

Most dangerous consequences can be provoked by fractures and ruptures of tendons, nerve damage. In such situations, it is very important to provide a pet qualified assistance without delay. Self-medication or neglect can lead to the formation inflammatory processes and exacerbation of pathologies.

Diseases of the internal organs

If the dachshund lost its paws, then possible cause such violation may be various diseases internal organs. Sudden significant loss of paw functionality may indicate a stroke. Requires urgent intervention, treated by long-term complex therapy with the use of drugs to restore the nervous system.

Animals can form benign tumors, which appear as growths on the bones of the paws. When the tumor grows, it begins to cause pain to the pet, although it does not cause complete failure limbs. This pathology is eliminated only by surgery.

Gait disorders can be caused by obesity ( excess weight- a real problem for dogs of the Dachshund breed). In such cases, the pet is prescribed a strict diet, which can be supplemented by taking vitamins and supplements. mineral additives, medicines.