My energetic dog is stiff and unmoving. What's wrong and what to do?

Oh dear! This is very concerning - stiffness and rigidity like this in the front legs can be caused by certain neurologic diseases, a herniated disc or spinal injury in the neck or back, or exposure to something toxic. This is an emergency, and I would recommend taking Monroe to the vet for an exam immediately - he/she can do x-rays or other testing if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

I would be worried about Spike. Things that come to mind are a disc that has ruptured into the spinal canal, a fibers clot, a blood clot, a tumor or somehow acquiring an injury. I would recommend to take him into the veterinarian's asap to get him checked out. The doctor may want to do an x-ray or may recommend referral to a neurologist based on what they find. Best of luck with Spike!

Hello, sorry to hear about Skittles. There are certainly several things that can cause dogs to have problems moving their legs. What you're describing however, seems to be more likely associated with an injury to her back. Most commonly in dogs, they may "slip" a disk which causes compression to their spinal cord. There are other injuries that are not compressive such as an swelling due to autoimmune disease in the spinal cord, a stroke to the spinal cord, or a fibrocartilagenous embolism which is more associated with larger breed dogs. Again their are other possibilities such as if she sprained a muscle or hurt her knees. Due to the concern for a potential back injury, Skittles should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly to ensure she does/does not have a back injury. There are 2 options if she does have a back injury, you may elect to treat conservatively with strict rest and at home medications for 4-6 weeks or you may elect to have a neurologist evaluate her. The neurologist may then recommend an MRI and surgery based on the MRI. I know this is a lot of information to understand/explain so shortly but I would start off by having her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. In the interim, keep her quiet and rested, (no jumping, running, rough playing), make sure she is urinating and defecating, and keep her low to the ground. Best of luck and hope this helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sparkle. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian as soon as possible. Not being able to walk is an emergency. This can be the result of orthopedic disease such as arthritis. It can also occur when there is neurological disease. The treatment is very different. He will be examined and x-rays taken of the hips and spine. Based on these results, treatment can be started. It is important to ensure that he is able to urinate. He will become even more sick if he cannot pass urine. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Poor Buddy! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. From your description, I would be concerned about a possible neurologic problem such as a stroke or brain tumor. He may also have severe arthritis issues, or may have a systemic illness of some kind or may have ingested something toxic. This sounds quite serious, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic this evening for an exam. The veterinarian there can do blood work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to help.

I'm concerned that Charlie is very unwell, and I highly recommend taking him in to a vet immediately, or getting a housecall vet to your home. Do not let your children be rough with him, as it may worsen his condition, and also is not safe for the children, as Charlie may feel forced to defend himself and accidentally injure them. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be prone to heart disease and also a condition called syringomyelia that can lead to neurological symptoms. He may also be dealing with infectious disease or trauma leading to his symptoms, but it is not possible to tell without having him examined by a vet, so I recommend having him seen by one right away. See the link below for more information: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952547

Poor Sparky is in pain if he's limping. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.