Causes of lameness on the front or hind legs of a dog. Weak hind legs in a dog

One of the frequent complaints of dog owners with neurological problems is that both dogs fail. hind legs. In this case the dog:

Starts to move abnormally.
The hind legs seem to stop obeying and become weak.
Paresis or complete paralysis of the pelvic limbs develops.

More often this problem occurs in dogs of small and medium breeds that have a genetic predisposition to lesions intervertebral discs. These dogs include mainly dachshunds, in addition to all brachycephalic breeds - Pekingese, French bulldog, Brabançon and others. Typically, these dogs' hind legs begin to work abnormally between the ages of 3 and 8 years.

The first symptom of neurological disorders in the chest lumbar region spinal column, which lead to the dog beginning to lose its hind legs, is pain. Later, weakness appears, the inability to move the limbs, and last of all, pain sensitivity disappears.

These symptoms usually come on suddenly while walking or playing with other dogs, or without visible external reasons in a state of relative rest. Sudden movements can trigger the appearance of such symptoms, but are not their main cause. Many dachshund owners believe that the significant length of the spinal column plays a role in the development of the disease, but this is not true. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease occur all at once, but it also happens that in the morning the dog feels only pain, and by the evening paralysis of the limbs develops with loss of pain sensitivity.

There can be many reasons why dogs' back legs fail. And, of course, those owners who suddenly encountered this problem are lost and don’t know what to do. Just yesterday their pet was briskly jumping on the sofas and playing catch with neighbors dogs, and today he lies indifferently, unable to rise.

Cases of damage directly to the extremities include injuries (fractures, sprains and ruptures of tendons, damage to peripheral nerves), as well as arthritis and arthrosis of the joints of the extremities, tumors.

If the above diagnoses are excluded, then we are most likely talking about spinal pathology, that is, a violation of the innervation of the limbs due to any pathological influences on the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis of the hind limbs develop in case of damage spinal cord at the level of the thoracic and (or) lumbar spine.

Injuries

Refusal hind legs in a dog can occur as a result of trauma - with fractures, sprains and ruptures of ligaments and tendons, with damage to peripheral nerves, as well as due to diseases such as arthrosis, arthritis of the joints of the limbs, tumors, discopathy and hernia intervertebral disc. In addition to these diseases, spinal pathology is possible, in which the innervation of the limbs is disrupted due to the impact of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis are frequent accompaniments of spinal cord lesions in the lumbar and thoracic regions.

A common reason why the back legs of dogs fail is of a traumatic nature: car injuries, falls, blows, severe bites during fights. In some cases, such consequences can be caused by an unsuccessful sharp turn, jumping and slipping on an ice crust.

At the site of direct injury to the spine, the integrity of the spinal column (its structure) is disrupted, swelling occurs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and radicular nerves. Accordingly, the supply of blood with oxygen stops, and when prolonged compression nerve cells die, which makes it impossible for nerve impulses to pass through peripheral nerves. Strong traumatic injury leads to disruption of the integrity of the spinal tissue, and rupture of the spinal cord occurs.

Degenerative diseases of the spine

Refusal normal functioning hind limbs in dogs can provoke degenerative diseases of the spine, which are characterized by disruption of important metabolic processes in its tissues. So this leads to pathological changes structures of the spinal column.

Spondylosis

A dog’s hind legs may fail due to spondylosis – “local aging” of some vertebral segments. This disease progresses very slowly, and at most early stage practically not detected. First of all, the outer fibers of the fibrous ring are affected (the consistency of the nucleus pulposus is preserved), and then calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament begins. Osteophytes develop, which visually resemble beak-like growths.

Tumors in the spine

Tumor-like processes gradually developing in the immediate vicinity (or itself) of the spinal cord lead to pathological changes and fractures of the spinal column. With a sharp exacerbation of the process, swelling and compression of the roots and spinal cord occur, and the following symptoms can be observed in the dog: weakening or failure of the hind limbs, arched back, gait disturbance, when the dog’s body position changes, the dog yelps, comorbid disorders(violation of urination and defecation), in some cases, refusal to feed.

Spondyloarthrosis

The consequence of static loads in osteochondrosis of the spine can be spondyloarthrosis (deforming arthrosis of the joints of the spine). Uneven loads on the spinal column can also lead to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the pathologically altered fibrous ring. This phenomenon is called a vertebral hernia. Protruding towards the spinal cord, the hernia causes compression of the radicular nerves and (or) the spinal cord.

Discopathy

Neurological lesions of the pelvic limbs are most often based on diseases of the intervertebral discs (discopathies). In this case, the altered disc substance penetrates the spinal canal and pinches the spinal cord or roots spinal nerves, which manifests itself as a neurological deficit. Often a large dog's hind legs fail, and this problem has its own characteristics. Similar lesions are observed in older animals of large and giant breeds: German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Great Danes and others. As a rule, this group of dogs develops clinical symptoms progresses slowly over several months or even years. In this case, we can assume lesions of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine or at the level of the lumbosacral junction, as well as lumbosacral stenosis.

Discopathy is very common in dogs - French bulldogs. This is due to anatomical structure animal, when, as a result of artificial selection, the spine has become elongated, and now undergoes more heavy loads than the spine of “normal” dogs. The distance between the vertebrae has become significantly greater than normal. This is due to genetics and is inherited. Disc prolapse can occur not only during active movements and jumping, but even at rest, when the dog is sleeping or lying quietly.

Dysplasia

Very often, owners of dogs of heavy breeds (St. Bernard, shepherd dogs, Labrador retrievers, Great Danes, etc.) encounter diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common condition in puppies is hip dysplasia. This disease is hereditary and appears most often between the ages of 4 and 10 months during intensive growth. First there is a problem when getting up, especially after sleep. The dog limps, then straightens up and walks normally. Further without treatment, symptoms may intensify, up to complete refusal dogs from walking. If you notice such signs, you need to take your dog to the vet and get an x-ray.

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis of the spine is considered the most severe form of damage; this disease is based on degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs (discopathy), often involving the surrounding vertebral bodies, as well as changes in ligamentous apparatus And intervertebral joints.

The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis can be:

Genetically determined developmental defects causing vertebral instability.
Rheumatoid lesions.
Spinal injuries.
Impaired microcirculation leading to disruption of disk nutrition.
Autoimmune processes.

Spinal pathology is also possible, which arises from the influence of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Frequent companions of spinal cord lesions in the thoracic and lumbar region are paresis and paralysis. Most often, dogs' paws suffer from falls (especially in small breeds), car injuries, impacts and strong bites during fights.

Even an unsuccessful jump, a sharp turn, or a dog slipping on an icy crust can lead to paw failure. At this moment, at the site of spinal injury, the integrity of the structure of the spinal column is disrupted, swelling occurs, which compresses the radicular nerves and the spinal cord.

Of course, the answer will be to contact a veterinarian, preferably specializing in neurology. If you notice your dog pain reaction if there is a change in body position, a tense gait, a reluctance to walk, especially on stairs, do not wait until her hind legs give out - immediately show the animal to the doctor, then the treatment will be more effective. If the problem with your hind legs has already happened, you shouldn’t wait any longer.

If the animal has suffered a spinal injury, try to get it to the doctor as quickly as possible and in an immobilized state (secure the animal on a board using bandages or straps). Do not use painkillers until you see a doctor. Pain limits the animal's activity, which helps avoid further displacement of the vertebrae during a fracture.

It is possible to notice the onset of the disease and urgently contact a specialist, but most inexperienced owners do not attach importance to such important symptoms How:

Anxiety.
The dog hides and squeals when someone touches its back.
The dog is passive when other dogs are frolicking.

However, in most cases, the alarm begins to sound when the dog’s hind legs partially begin to fail, or paralysis develops. And here it is necessary to differentiate such a disease as radiculitis. An incorrectly prescribed treatment (for example, massage instead of maximum immobilization of the animal) will waste valuable time and aggravate the situation.

The sooner help is provided to the dog, the better the prognosis for its recovery. In any case, you shouldn’t despair, because there are known cases when completely immobilized dogs were put on their paws and returned to active life. Depending on the diagnosis, it is prescribed drug treatment in the form of injections. A more radical case in the case of spinal diseases is surgery, after which treatment also continues.

In parallel, the dog is prescribed a massage, swimming is recommended during the recovery period, and exercises with the dog upon return to it motor activity. All dog owners should remember that it will not be possible to help a paralyzed dog at home. You must definitely see a doctor, undergo all the prescribed examinations to make an accurate diagnosis and start timely treatment.

First, the doctor will conduct an examination and evaluate general state, will provide emergency assistance and make a primary diagnosis. If we are talking about spinal pathology, the doctor:

Check the preservation of sensitivity (tactile and pain) of the limbs.
Checks the integrity of the reflexes.
Check availability pain syndrome in the spine area.
Will appoint X-ray examination.
Myelography may be performed, that is, an X-ray will be taken after a special X-ray contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal. This is done to identify the slightest violation, not noticeable on a regular image, as well as to determine the exact localization of the process. If necessary, he will prescribe blood and urine tests to identify concomitant pathologies (pyelonephritis, kidney, liver, heart failure, etc.).

The conducted studies will help the doctor assess the extent of the lesion, give a prognosis of the disease and make a decision on treatment. Perhaps the doctor will give you a choice between surgical and therapeutic methods of treatment, perhaps he will insist on one of them.

We take it for granted when our dog, while playing, tirelessly runs and jumps, as if not feeling tired. And this makes the owners happy. This behavior, in addition to aesthetic pleasure, gives an understanding that the pet is completely healthy. It is a different matter when weakness of the hind limbs develops in dogs. Sometimes it is so strong that the animal literally crawls, pulling itself up on its front legs, towards bowls of water or food. Why does this happen?

This is the name of a disease of an atrophic-degenerative nature that usually affects older dogs.(but this does not at all exclude the possibility of illness among “young people”). It all starts between the ages of 8 and 14 years. At first, everything looks relatively harmless: the first signs of the disease appear in the form of mild ataxia (poor coordination of movements). At first, owners may not even pay attention to how their pet stumbles during play, or his legs begin to tangle. Note that in classic cases of myelopathy clinical manifestations visible on one limb, and subsequently the disease affects both hind legs of the dog. At about the age of ten years, the symptoms become obvious: the dog often lies down, often when trying to get up, its legs fail, it falls or cannot get up at all. After some time, the pathology progresses to such an extent that the dog basically no longer gets up and cannot walk.

It is believed that approximately six months pass from the moment of obvious manifestation of symptoms to complete paralysis of the limbs, but this period is very relative. Cases are different, the progress of the pathology depends on many factors. The worst thing is not even the loss of coordination and ability to move: myelopathy is very often accompanied by the development of urinary and fecal incontinence what turns beautiful dogs into a ball of fur covered with sewage.

Read also: Hepatosis in dogs: an overview of the disease

Causes

To this day there is no definitive answer to such important question was not received. Some researchers suggest that the issue is autoimmune pathologies, others adhere to the hereditary theory (i.e., the disease, in their opinion, is inherited). It is likely that the development of the disease is facilitated by strong mechanical injuries backs, which damage the spine and may affect the spinal cord. But still the prevailing theory is genetic predisposition and hereditary transmission of the disease.

It all starts in thoracic region spinal cord. On sections of white matter obtained during autopsies of dead animals, large areas destruction and degradation of nervous tissue. What does this mean? The whole problem is that it is thanks to the white matter that neuromuscular impulses are transmitted from the brain to the dog’s limbs. If something happens to this “overpass,” the impulses cannot pass, and therefore the muscles of the limbs “do not understand” what is required of them. We emphasize that with degenerative myelopathy with muscles in your pet, everything is in in perfect order! Only after some time (due to lack of physical activity) do they begin to atrophy. But what causes the degradation of white matter in a dog’s spinal cord?

The problem is demyelination (loss of membranes) of oxons ( long shoots neurons). And why this happens, veterinarians do not yet know exactly (we have already talked about several theories). Over time, fibers that have lost their protective shell simply “dissolve.” Recent French studies, by the way, have established for certain that approximately 70% of sick dogs have a gene that causes the development of pathology. But why it appears in the remaining 30% of animals is a mystery.

Read also: Symptoms of rabies in a domestic dog

Diagnostics and differential diagnosis

And one more bad news for dog owners. It is almost impossible to make a diagnosis with 100% probability in a living pet. Such techniques simply do not exist (and it is unlikely that they will exist - after all, it is necessary to examine the spinal cord tissue under a microscope). It is highly advisable to give the dog an MRI. If this is not possible (as a rule), the diagnosis is made by exclusion. If all other causes are completely excluded, only degenerative myelopathy remains.

Let us emphasize once again that 100% accurate diagnosis can only be based on microscopic examination spinal cord tissue received from dead dog. It is quite possible that because of this we know nothing about the real extent of the disease. It is very likely that many owners have no idea why their beloved old dog actually died.

What needs to be distinguished from degenerative myelopathy What else can cause weakness in the hind legs? In principle, there can be many reasons for this condition: any disease that in one way or another affects the spinal cord is fraught with the development of weakness and even paralysis. Given that many of these pathologies are normally treatable, one of the veterinarian's main tasks is to conduct comprehensive diagnostic work. It is very important to rule out all possibilities. In particular, in an elderly dog, “problems” with the hind legs may well arise due to intervertebral disc herniation. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, which play a shock-absorbing and protective role. Due to a hernia, the spinal cord or its processes may become compressed, which will lead to negative consequences. Owners of other dogs with elongated bodies and short legs need to be very careful, since they are the ones who most often suffer from intervertebral hernias.

Lameness in a dog is a functional change in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. First of all, the step function is disrupted. The movements of a healthy animal, regardless of its physique, are free and springy. It rests on all limbs. An unhealthy animal moves stiffly and guards itself. This means that walking does not involve any one limb or even several limbs. An attentive owner cannot help but notice that any dog’s gait has changed, it is limping or dragging its paw. The veterinarian is most often asked the question why a dog is limping on its front leg. The front paw is the support paw; the animal injures it most quickly when jumping - it gets twisted, dislocated, cut on glass, or sprained when landing on a slippery surface.

The question of why a dog is limping on its hind leg is a little less common. But the hind limbs also suffer - they are pinched, damaged in fights, and damaged in the hock joint. It is important for the owner to understand that lameness is not a disease. This is a symptom of many diseases, so it is eliminated in accordance with the diagnosis.

Possible causes of lameness in dogs

Mechanical

TO mechanical reasons include injuries of various etiologies. The dog could get into a fight and in the fight get bitten by another animal (if the fight was with a cat, then the cat’s claws could severely scratch the dog’s paw and cause an infection in the wound). Fight small dog with more large dog leads to obvious injuries, but a skirmish large dog with a small dog is usually ignored by the owners. Therefore, they do not always associate the pet’s health problems, in particular lameness, with past “showdowns.” Meanwhile, even Yorkshire Terrier or the miniature pinscher is capable of biting through a muscle or tendon of a large opponent, which subsequently leads to lameness.

An unsuccessful jump leads to fractures, sprains, dislocations, and cracked bones. An animal falling from a height has similar consequences. There are breeds for which jumping is contraindicated, and falls are often fatal for them. These are heavy type dogs short legs- pugs, french bulldogs, Bullies, as well as dogs with thin fragile bones - Russian Toys, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds. Dogs with an elongated body - dachshunds, basset hounds, Skye terriers, Welsh corgis - are also susceptible to diseases of the back and paws; if not properly maintained and overexerted, they meet their mature years with lameness, numbness of the paws, and sagging backs.

Someone could have kicked the dog or hit it with some object, or it could have gotten under the wheel of a car or bicycle and been bruised. The bruises are not dangerous, but the pain at the site of the impact causes the animal to limp and take care of the affected limb for some time.

IN summer time The cause of lameness is often the bite of an insect, especially one with a sting: wasps, bees, bumblebees. These bites are dangerous because they can cause severe allergic reaction and even lead to tissue necrosis at the site of the bite. The same goes for snake bites. Tissue damage is caused by the bite of any snake, including non-venomous ones.

Another summer nuisance is particles of the empty oat plant (popularly called oats, oats, ustyug, ustyuk, etc.). These particles go deep into the tissue and cause abscesses.

Medical causes of lameness

Under medical reasons refers to genetic (congenital) and acquired diseases.

Genetic diseases of the musculoskeletal system include hip dysplasia (Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Mountain Dogs and other large breeds), knee dysplasia with possible dislocation kneecap(Labradors, Spitz, Griffons), ataxia (Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels). These diseases are not treated, only the symptoms are relieved and the pet’s suffering is alleviated. The only prevention genetic diseases is to conduct genetic testing breeding animals and exclusion from breeding of individuals with a tendency to genetic defects.

Inflammatory diseases of muscles, ligaments, and joints also cause the animal to limp. Neurological problems in animals - paresis, paralysis - often lead to lameness. These diseases affect the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord (about concussion).

Various types of problems with blood vessels - thrombosis, for example - disrupt blood circulation in the extremities, impair tissue trophism and cause lameness due to weakening of ligaments.

Lameness is caused by poor quality nutrition, poor in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Due to a deficiency of these microelements, animals develop seizures. Painful muscle contractions, even after relaxation and return to normal, still remind of themselves for some time. aching pain in the limbs, which can also cause the dog to limp.

Causes the same problem tumor diseases, especially osteosarcoma, muscle fibroids and others. Firstly, the tumor disrupts normal structure bones or muscles, impairs their nutrition, causes discomfort and pain at the site of formation. Secondly, the tumor changes the functionality of the limb, growing into different parts of it.

Veterinary

It happens that a dog limps on its hind leg after an injection. She may be in pain after administering the medication incorrectly—too quickly or too slowly—or the drug may cause painful sensation at the injection site, or an inexperienced specialist hit the periosteum.

Also, the dog limps on the front leg if he goes on IV drips. She usually has a catheter placed and secured to her paw with duct tape. The catheter causes discomfort to the animal and slightly interferes with movement. Even when it is removed, the animal limps either from discomfort at the attachment site or out of habit. IN severe cases sometimes a nerve is affected, in which case specific treatment is required neurological treatment. Muscle contracture is also possible due to the local toxic effects of the drug.

Psychological

Dogs, of course, should not be humanized and ascribed qualities and abilities that are unique to humans. But you shouldn’t underestimate them either; they are very smart and cunning creatures who perfectly know how to manipulate both people and other animals. It is cunning that determines psychological reasons some cases of lameness in these pets.

The dog may be limping if

Previously, he was sick, limped, underwent treatment and was released from training at the training ground. Thus, he wants to avoid another training and habitually demonstrates the behavior that he needs in order not to train.
He once ran, limping, into the ring with a handler and was taken out of training or removed from the exhibition. Since handling and performance in the ring are not interesting to the dog, he will remember how to avoid them.
He is younger than other dogs I know. Then, in the event of the slightest manifestation of aggression on the part of adults, the young dog may limp, fall on his back, whine, in every possible way showing that he is smaller and weaker.

What an owner should do if a dog has lameness

What to do if the dog is limping? Definitely take him to the veterinarian or call him to your home. In the first case it is possible immediately full examination dogs, in the second the dog does not bother his sore paw with walking and feels better in a familiar environment.

The veterinarian will manually and visually examine the paw on which the dog is limping, take a blood test, and, if necessary, urine. You will also need to do x-rays in several projections. Ideally shown ultrasonography joint and adjacent tissues. It is advisable that the results of analyzes and studies be studied by an orthopedist or traumatologist. But in principle, the surgeon will handle the diagnosis and prescription of treatment.

Veterinary clinics in large cities have installed equipment for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. If you have the opportunity to conduct such an examination for your pet, you should not neglect it. It's on this moment most accurate and safe method diagnosing various health problems. the only drawback of this study is its high price.

Before the dog gets an appointment with a veterinarian, it is necessary to immobilize its paw, place the animal in a cage, carrier or tie it up, limiting its mobility. A small dog It is best to carry it in your arms.

Treatment of lameness in dogs

Treatment for lameness will depend on what diagnosis the veterinarian makes based on the examination completed. If the dog is in pain, he may be prescribed a painkiller. But if it is necessary for treatment purposes to keep the animal at rest, then the painkiller is not administered to it. After all, with the disappearance of pain, the dog will again run, jump, play, disturbing the sore paw and preventing healing.

If the x-ray reveals a crack or fracture, then a splint is put on the limb or otherwise immobilized. Inflammatory process removed non-steroidal drugs. Steroids are prescribed if the first ones are ineffective.

What do you prefer to feed your pets?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Almost every owner dreams of his puppy and adult four-legged pet being healthy and happy. And noticing that the dear barking family member begins to drag his hind legs, walks unsteadily or trembles, the owner begins to panic and does not know what to do. You should not try to diagnose your dog yourself; it is best to seek help from a veterinarian.

Of course, it is best to find out in advance what can lead to a violation motor function at the dog. Yes, this knowledge cannot protect the animal, but it can help the owner notice in time that something is wrong with the pet. And if the puppy is sick, then timely treatment will help make the future life easier for the baby.

Causes of weak hind legs in dogs

Destruction or damage/displacement of intervertebral discs. Pekingese, pugs, bulldogs (both French and English), dachshunds, and poodles most often suffer from these diseases. Damage/displacement/destruction of the intervertebral disc is dangerous for the life of the animal, since the spinal cord is compressed and injured.
Hip diseases are the most commonly reported disease in dogs. large breeds(for example, in a Rottweiler, Alabai, Caucasian, German Shepherd and others). Moreover, a puppy (aged from four months to a year) often suffers, less often an adult animal. In addition, almost always we are talking about acquired diseases, extremely rarely congenital pathology.

What can cause damage to the hip joints in a dog? This and excess weight(unbalanced or excessive feeding is especially often to blame, or rather, obvious overfeeding, lack physical activity), and slippery floors (when the animal’s paws constantly move apart), and heredity, and infectious diseases, and injuries.

And too active training of a dog (especially if it is a puppy) will not lead to good if its musculoskeletal system has not yet fully developed. Jumping from heights, over barriers, running long distances on poor surfaces - all this will cause irreparable damage to the joints.

Another cause of weakness in the hind legs of a dog of any breed (be it a dachshund or a mastiff) can be myositis, an inflammation of muscle tissue. It develops after severe physical activity, but not immediately, but the next day. In addition, adult animals most often suffer from myositis.
Brain damage can also affect the firmness of an animal's gait. These include tumors and vascular pathologies (which, by the way, are recorded much more often than neoplasms). Without additional examinations in veterinary clinic Even the most experienced doctor will not make an accurate diagnosis.
Injuries. Spinal bruises (and more serious injuries) can lead to the puppy and adult dog There will be a shaky gait and your legs will be weak. Therefore, if the puppy fell, was hit, or was hit by a car, immediately contact the clinic without waiting for clinical signs. Sometimes, due to shock, symptoms do not appear immediately.

Symptoms of weak hind legs in a dog

If the reason that a dog (whether an adult pet or a puppy) has weak hind legs is due to damage to the intervertebral discs (including compression of the spinal cord), then the animal will show “bright” signs of severe pain. Therefore, the dog spends almost all the time in one position (hunched over, but with his neck stretched out), because any movement causes sharp pain. Trembling and shortness of breath are noticeable (it is noticeable that the pet “uses” fully only its front paws and cannot jump onto the sofa). With mild compression of the brain, the symptoms are not as pronounced, but it is still noticeable that four-legged friend unable to live full life(even bending over to the bowl is difficult).
If a puppy or an adult dog has weakness in the hind legs in the morning (or immediately after rest), and after some time after walking it disappears, then most likely the pet has problems with hip joints. And it is not always dysplasia, as the owners think. In addition, it is extremely rare that both joints are affected at the same time, so the puppy limps on only one leg. As soon as you notice something like this in your pet, do not delay a visit to the veterinarian.
With myositis, the animal develops not just weakness of the hind legs, the dog moves as if on stilts. If you notice that your pet's gait has changed, be sure to consult a specialist!

Treating a Dog with Hind Leg Weakness

The main rule is never start treating a puppy or an adult dog on your own, without consulting with veterinarian! Such self-medication can kill the animal. Especially if you decide to use “human” medicines, and even make the diagnosis yourself.

Therefore, if you see that your German Shepherd puppy, say, or an Alabai, or a terrier (no matter what breed), suddenly begins to “possess” worse hind limbs, then the first thing you should do is contact a veterinary clinic.

Don’t ask for advice on forums on what to give your dog, don’t ask your neighbors what could be wrong with your pet, but run to the doctor! He will prescribe additional examinations (ultrasound, x-rays, blood tests, etc.), based on the results of which a diagnosis will be made. And only after this should treatment be prescribed.

Not always effective drug therapy. Agree, if the puppy congenital pathology joints, then the use of drugs will only make the animal feel better and “remove” the symptoms, but the problem will not disappear. The same can be said about displacement of intervertebral discs, hernia. Therefore, what to do in a given situation is best decided by the veterinarian, but the owner is required to follow all the specialist’s recommendations.

Some owners decide that if they gave the animal a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, then the dog recovered, because it felt better. But you shouldn’t do this, because this “relief” is temporary, and very quickly for a puppy or an adult dog everything will return to normal. Trust your veterinarian to select effective scheme treatment that will put both a shepherd puppy and an adult Pekingese on their paws.

There are stories that touch the soul so much that, having settled in the heart, they awaken the conscience for a long time, reminding a person of his purpose. Very often dogs become the heroes of such stories. And after hearing these stories, you can’t help but think: what hierarchical level are you and I at, and what are they at?

In this article I want to tell the story of an amazing two-legged Labrador Chow who learned to walk upright. This dog, named Faith, lives in America with her owner, Jude Stringfellow.

Vera was born in December 2002, she actually had 3 legs, but her left front leg was severely deformed and ugly. 3 weeks later, she showed up at Jude's house. Jude's son, Ruben, took his friend away from the dog when it tried to strangle him; apparently the dog realized that her puppy was not viable.

When the puppy was shown to the veterinarian, he advised him to be killed so that he would not suffer. But Ruben did not agree with this and took the puppy home. So Vera appeared in Jude’s house. There was only compassion and a desire to help the baby in some way.

The little defenseless creature, from the first minutes of its appearance in the house, showed such touching devotion, it had so much lively energy that the young student and his mother Jude immediately had a little faith that the puppy would be able to somehow adapt to the surrounding reality. Therefore, there was no question of choosing a nickname. The puppy was named Faith, which later acquired a common meaning.

For a dog, the front pair of paws is the supporting leg. It is anatomically designed in such a way that it “bears” 60% of the weight. Any extra load on the back pair of paws can cause severe pain in the hip and knee joints. And Vera had one, not fully developed, front paw, and even that had to be amputated at the age of seven months, when it began to atrophy.

Under these conditions, incredible efforts are needed on the part of the owners and the animal’s great desire to live a full life. This is not at all beautiful words. It has long been proven that dogs have basic intelligence and a highly developed psyche.

Reuben and Jude began teaching the puppy to walk on its hind legs, using a spoonful of peanut butter as a reward for any achievement, no matter how small. And on March 22, 2003, Vera took her first independent steps. Every day she walked faster and more confidently. And even in the most seemingly incredible situations, she maintained her balance. Now one could proudly say that Vera is a dog that walks on two legs.

To devote more time to her beloved, Jude decided to quit her job. Together with Vera, they began to visit hospitals and boarding schools where disabled people are treated or live, people to whom the thought of dying always comes to them at least once.

One day on the street a woman drove up to Vera in a wheelchair. She was desperate. She was overwhelmed by thoughts of leaving this life. But by chance seeing Vera, she realized that life goes on and the world around is still as bright.

Nature gifted, and the owners developed in Vera such a cheerful disposition that when visiting, for example, hospitals for military personnel, she runs around the wards, joyfully barks and tries in every possible way to cheer up those who are left without arms or legs. And this helps people overcome that terrible barrier within themselves behind which life continues.

Joyfully wagging her tail, jumping on curbs and benches, she caresses passers-by, causing a surge of the kindest heartfelt feelings in them. She pokes her nose into everything she examines so funny that it is simply impossible to remain indifferent. And I think: how wrong people are when they call a callous and soulless person a dog. How often it is these animals that teach us to be human!

Vera's life is full of events. She went on a charity tour with Ozzy Osbourne. She is a frequent guest on television, every day she appears on email more than 200 letters arrive, she has her own website (faiththedog.info), which is designed to serve the same purpose to which Faith’s life is dedicated. She was also awarded the rank of honorary sergeant in the US Army for inspiring war veterans.

Jude Stringfellow wrote three books about her pet and what became the meaning of life for her. Thanks to Vera, Jude organized charitable foundation, which helps disabled people.

You can say beautiful and correct words every day, or you can just live, inspiring others. This life amazing dog teaches people to overcome themselves. No matter what, she enjoys life. Faith gives people faith!