Dogs Back Legs Crossed When Walking: What You Need to Know

If your dog's back legs are crossed when walking, it can be a concerning sight. This gait abnormality can be a sign of underlying issues that need attention.

Dogs with crossed back legs often have hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly. This can lead to arthritis and pain.

Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers.

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Dogs with Wobblers Syndrome often exhibit a wobbly unsteadiness in their hind legs, which can spread to their front legs as the condition progresses.

This unsteadiness can be so severe that it causes the dog to fall over when trying to turn.

The early manifestation of Wobblers Syndrome can mimic other health problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or even an inner ear infection.

Wobblers Syndrome can be a challenging condition to diagnose, as its symptoms can be similar to those of other health problems, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

The symptoms of Wobblers Syndrome often begin with a mild, unsteady gait in a dog's hind legs, which can progress to the front legs.

In severe cases, a dog can become wobbly when walking and may even fall over when trying to turn.

The early manifestation of Wobblers Syndrome can be sudden, although this is unusual.

Wobblers Syndrome is a serious and progressive condition that results from an abnormality in the spine pinching the spinal cord.

It's rare enough that you or your veterinarian may not recognize its symptoms at first, especially if your dog isn't one of the breeds where Wobblers Syndrome occurs most often.

Since Wobblers Syndrome is due to a compressed spinal cord in the neck, x-rays may help with diagnosis.

A neurological exam may also be performed to help diagnose the condition.

While there is no simple cure for Wobblers Syndrome, catching the condition early can give you and your veterinarian a chance to discuss treatment or surgery options to slow down or stop its progress.

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If you notice your dog's hind legs crossing or becoming weakened, it's essential to talk to your Vet right away.

Your Vet will begin the process of ruling out a diagnosis until they can determine the underlying cause.

Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to address uncontrollable hind leg crossing in dogs.

Your Vet will work with you to identify the root cause of the issue, whether it's a medical condition or something else.

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Hind Leg Crossing is a symptom that can be concerning for dog owners. It's one of the early signs of neurological deficits in a dog's hind end.

Leg crossing is often caused by leg weakness, which can lead to muscles atrophying and weakening the muscles in the rear end. This can be a sign of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).

If you notice your dog's hind legs crossing or becoming weakened, it's essential to talk to your vet right away. Your vet will begin the process of ruling out a diagnosis until they can determine the underlying cause.

In some cases, hind leg crossing can be a symptom of Wobblers Syndrome, a serious and progressive condition where an abnormality in the spine pinches the spinal cord.

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If your dog's hind legs are crossing or becoming weakened, it's essential to talk to your Vet right away to rule out a diagnosis.

Your Vet will likely recommend rehab exercises to help strengthen your dog's legs, which can include physical therapy and possibly using a dog wheelchair for added support.

A dog wheelchair can act like a stand to support your dog's back legs and keep them upright during exercise, allowing them to stay active at home and on daily walks.

In some cases, the underlying cause of hind leg crossing may be Wobblers Syndrome, a condition that requires treatment to alleviate symptoms.

Treatment for Wobblers Syndrome can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, and may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, a neck brace to stabilize the spine, or surgery to fuse unstable vertebrae together.

If your dog is diagnosed with mild Wobblers, your veterinarian may recommend a wait-and-see approach, while more severe cases may require immediate treatment to prevent worsening of clinical signs.

In any case, your veterinarian will be able to help you determine the best course of action for your dog's specific needs.

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Dogs may cross their back legs when walking due to a condition called hip dysplasia, which can cause arthritis and pain in the hips.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing it to form improperly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

Some breeds, such as Labradors and German Shepherds, are more prone to hip dysplasia due to their genetic makeup.

A dog's weight can also exacerbate hip dysplasia, making it essential to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

In some cases, dogs may cross their back legs due to a condition called degenerative myelopathy, which affects the spinal cord and can cause weakness and paralysis in the hind legs.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive condition that can cause a dog's gait to change, leading to a distinctive "crossed" appearance in the back legs.

As a dog ages, it's not uncommon for its gait to change, and crossed back legs may become more noticeable.

Some dogs may also experience pain or discomfort in their back legs, leading them to cross them in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

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