My 12-year-old beagle can't use her back legs. Is this an emergency?

Poor Turbena! I'm afraid this is very concerning. Loss of function in the rear legs is most often due to a "slipped" or herniated disc in the spine, but could also be due to some other neurologic problem or illness. This problem needs immediate treatment for the best chance of recovery, so I would recommend taking Turbena to the vet now. He/she can do a complete neurologic exam as well as x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment right away.

Not being able to walk all of a sudden is an emergency and you need to take Paris to your vet now. If this is caused by a prolapsed disc, then time is of the essence, ie treatment with NSAIDs, pain medication and strict cage rest as early as possible increases the chance of recuperation. There can be other reasons for not being able to walk, and only a hands-on exam will facilitate a diagnosis. Your vet will want to do radiographs, possibly blood tests and do a thorough orthopedic and neurological exam.

Oh dear! This is a very serious problem - I'm afraid she really has to see a vet right away. She may have a herniated disc in her back causing the paralysis, or some other neurologic problem affecting her spinal cord. She may be in pain, or she may have no feeling at all in her rear legs - it's impossible to say without an exam. She needs immediate treatment to have a reasonable chance of regaining function in her rear legs, I'm afraid there's nothing you can do at home that will help her. If costs are a concern, you can see if there is a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help. You could also apply online for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most vet clinics: www.carecredit.com

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Phoebe! If Phoebe suddenly is unable to use her rear limbs this is an emergency. I doubt it is from the mass and could be from a slipped disk in her back. This is painful and can have neurologic signs: walking drunk, dragging legs, paresis or paralysis. If she loses deep pain in her legs the prognosis for return of motor function decreases. I recommend that Phoebe go to an emergency hospital or your Vet if open as soon as possible. I hope this helps and I wish Phoebe the best!

Spinal cord infarct and slipped disc (intervertebral disc extrusion) may be most likely differentials considering the description of the signs you provided. This clinical status require and immediate check up and neurological and physical examination. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It sounds like Bella may be in pain. If she doesn't want to go upstairs, I suspect she may have pain in her back, hips, or hind legs. Rest her tonight, and have her seen by a vet in the morning. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. If she is in pain, thee vet can prescribe her safe pain medication.

Charlie needs to see the veterinarian today. Losing the usage of the hind legs is serious and can indicate many conditions like compression of the spinal cord, cancer or a blood clot. This can effect the ability to voluntarily urinate long term and needs to be addressed asap otherwise there can be permenant damage. The damage can occur in as little as 24 hours. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.