Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 5/4/2009

Question
We have a 12 year old female lab who, just today, has been sleeping a lot. We
cam home from being away a couple of hours and went to take her on a small
walk. She could not get up on her own, I helped her stand, she walked
outside slowly, pottied and then laid in the grass. This is unusual behaviour.
She seems to be favoring her back legs, especially her left rear leg. Not
limping so much as not really lifting it or putting a ton of weight on it. It is
almost as though her left rear foot does not pick up fully and kind of folds
under her. She is breathing fairly hard when she tries to move. She has not
been diagnosed with hip problems yet, is on thyroid medication, and had ACL
surgery almost a year and a half ago on her right rear leg. Any ideas what I
could be looking at? I am so worried!

Answer
Heidi -

You should have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, I am unable to diagnose your dog's condition, but based on the info your have provided, it seems as though she needs to have a thorough geriatric workup - including chest radiographs and bloodwork.  Heart disease is common in older pets; her leg weakness may be an indication that her heart is weakening. A visit to her veterinarian will hep to determine why her legs are weak.

Best Regards,


Charlotte Sherrell, DVM