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I have a 9 year old miniature daschund that is slightly overweight but still active. This evening she was running up the drive toward the house with seemingly no problem. Then, inside the house she was halfway up the stairs and froze and started whining (not yelping). She never has any problem with the stair case. We brought her up stairs and she was content to move her front torso but leave her back legs on the ground. She doesn't seem to have any discomfort when we pet her, but she doesn't seem to want to move her back side. She will swivel with her front legs. She had spinal ablasion surgery several years ago and has had absolutely no complication with that.

Submitted: 60 days and 6 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: 9

Already Tried:
we are just keeping her comfortable on a pillow

Accepted Answer

Hi,

From your description of the events, it's possible that your dog has a heart condition called cardiomyopathy, which can cause a blood clot to form in the main artery supplying blood to the hind legs, and cutting off circulation. This is called a 'saddle thrombus', and causes paralysis and pain.

http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/heartfailure.html

Due to the sudden onset of this symptom, it would be a good idea to have your dog evaluated by a vet, immediately; if it's now after hours for your regular vet, please bring her to the nearest ER vet center.

I hope all will be well with your dog, once she's definitely diagnosed and treated.

Cher

Accepts:
Expert:	Cher
Pos. Feedback:	99.5 %
Answered:	9/22/2009

Dog Caregiver--Extensive Experience

Extensive Experience Caring for Canines; Specializing in behavior and health concerns.

60 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

Can swollen anal glands also cause this, she doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort and my Golden Retriver seems to be interested in her back side as well.(yuck)

Posted by Cher 60 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Hello again,

Swollen, infected or impacted anal glands would cause pain and discomfort, and she'd most likely be licking there excessively. However, if she is unable to move her hind legs, this is not normally associated with swollen anal glands. From: http://www.familyhomesnetwork.com/pet/doghealth.html

"On either side of the dog's anus are glands called anal glands, which secrete a foul-smelling lubricating fluid intended to be emptied into the anus each time the dog passes a motion. In many dogs the anal glands have outlived their usefulness, as modern feeding patterns result in motions too soft to require the special fluid. Unfortunately, changing the diet to help the glands may make the dog constipated. The result is that the glands fill and become impacted. The impaction can become infected, forming an abscess which can recur constantly. The first sign of trouble comes with the dog dragging its hindquarters over the grass or the carpet (`scooting').

In other cases, the dog may be lying quietly when it suddenly squeals and rushes forward. Sometimes the dog may lick the anal area. suddenly looking at the tail base and putting the tail between its legs as though stung. In a simple case of impaction. all that is required is to squeeze the glands by pressing them upwards and forwards, to evacuate the contents. In some dogs the glands may require attention every three or four weeks. If the condition persists and causes the dog continual trouble, the glands can be removed surgically.

If an abscess forms in a gland. the dog shows signs of acute pain, especially when attempting to pass a motion. It may squeal or bite when its tail or hindquarters are handled. If the tail is elevated, a large, painful-looking swelling can be seen on one side of the anus. Sometimes the dog's temperature is elevated to about 40°C. In these cases the inflammation is so painful that any attempt to empty the glands by pressing them will be unsuccessful. The abscess will either have to be treated by antibiotics for a few days or lanced surgically. This is a job for the vet."

Cher

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