My dog struggles to walk but feels toes. Is it paralysis or treatable?

This sounds like a neurological problem affecting the spinal cord. Intervertebral disc extrusion and spinal cord infarct are most likely at this stage given initial pain and clinical signs. An immediate check up is needed ti confirm this suspicion and investigate and treat appropriately. 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's hard to tell based on your explanation, but my first guess is that he has [cerebellar hypoplasia](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/cerebellar-hypoplasia). Keep in mind, a full neurologic exam and some testing would be needed to get an actual diagnosis, so this is just a guess. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinary neurologist if you'd like additional information. You can locate a specialist in Internal Medicine or Neurology at [this website](https://www.acvim.org/).

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian right away if at all possible. The symptoms you have described can be the result of an intoxication, orthopedic pain such as arthritis or a neurological problem. An examination will be performed and x-rays may be needed to diagnose the problem. From there, appropriate treatment can be prescribed. I hope this information helps!

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. I'm sorry that Cheti is not feeling well. I suggest you take him to your vet for an examination. It sounds like he may have hurt his neck and/or back. Even if nothing seemed to have happened while outside he may have just turned his head wrong and pinched a nerve. The other thing that happens sometimes is that dogs start to get arthritis in their spine as they age and that may be acting up. Here is a link to an article about neck/back pain in dogs that may help you: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/neck-and-back-pain-in-dogs/ There is really no way for me to diagnose him over the internet, however. That is why a vet exam is important. He is obviously in pain and at the very least your vet can prescribe some pain medications for him. Hope this helps. Best wishes and I hope Cheti will be back to his normal self soon!

I am not sure of your location, but also make sure to check Dexter thoroughly for the presence of ticks. Tick paralysis can present in a similar fashion and is typically non-painful. Removal of the tick and supportive care results in a full recovery majority of the time. Another potential is coondog paralysis if Dexter has had any contact with a raccoon recently. As everyone else has stated, there is always the potential for an infectious or inflammatory CNS disease, trauma, or a congenital abnormality. He may need more advanced diagnostic imaging (CT scan, MRI) and CSF tap to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Most of these diagnostics are performed by board-certified veterinary neurologists.

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

I would take him to a rehabilitation veterinarian who can do acupuncture also. I see many paralyzed animals that recover with neurological retraining exercises, laser, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. The sooner he receives treatment the better the outcome. Even if he doesn’t get 100% better many animals can still live a happy life with proper care from the owners. Please take him in soon to give him a chance. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Reg.