2 year old dog with weak back legs. What could it be?

[Unshifted]

My dog is 1.5 to 2 years old. He's about 16.5lbs and 11 inches from paw to shoulder, just to give you an idea. He doesn't seem to have a ton of energy, which is fine and what we wanted. But it seems like he gets tired out really easily. It's not that he pants or anything, but he'll spend some time out in the living room with us, get a little excited and play a tiny bit, and then go lay down and sleep for a while in our bedroom. He sleeps a lot.

It also seems like his back legs are a little weak. He sits funny...like, with his back legs spread out almost, like this: (this is not my dog, just an example)

But it's not just when he lays down, it's also when he sits. I've never seen a dog sit like that before. Laying, yes. But not when just sitting.

He also walks a little funny. It's not really noticeable unless you're looking for it, but he shakes his butt almost like a woman trying to walk in a sexy way That's the only way I can think to explain it.

The other reason why I'm worried about his back legs is that when we're outside, he'll sniff around for a bit, walk a little and then sit down. Now, let me say that I just got him and he was terrified when we first got him. I've been getting him to go outside more and more, but when we first got him (on Sunday) he would flop down like a lump and wouldn't move when I put his leash on. Now he'll go outside and sniff around a bit, but he always sits down. Not in a scared way or anything though. It's just like he's tired of walking almost.

We're taking him to the vet for just a regular checkup, but we can't really afford tons of tests. I'm not even sure if he *needs* tons of tests. This could just be how he is. Maybe he's still just getting used to everything. But I'm scared he has arthritis already or something. Is that even possible at his age? If not, what else could it be?

I'm such a neurotic dog owner! I just got him and I'm already picking him apart and finding things to worry about. I'm just scared he might have something wrong.

Any help would be really appreciated

 

[MicksMom]

My first thought, based on his size was that he had something wrong with his knees. But after reading your whole post, I'm now wondering if he has something going on with his hips. Could be arthritis, too, from a previous injury. The only way to tell, tho, is to have your vet look at him.

 

[Unshifted]

Ugh.

I am so upset about this. We spent tons of money on my other dog when he was dying. I spent so much time and money watching my other dog die. We really don't have the money for surgery and lots of vet visits.

I really, truly don't want to have to give him up! We just started bonding. My mom told me to just give him up but I'm already attached. Who says the next dog won't have another problem that needs attention?

ugh I don't know what to do. I'm going to take him to the vet and hope for the best. I am just really dreading it because I don't have a lot of money to spend on vet care.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

I strongly recommend you take him to the vets and get blood tests and an X ray. It is possible he broke it and it didn’t heal properly. These two tests should not be too much and ask your vet if he accepts payment plans. But in owning an animal comes responsibility when they are ill. You always need to take into consideration if you can afford them if you get any kind of animal. Tell your vet about your situation and most will be willing to work with you.

I strongly recommend you have an emergency account. Tuck some money away each month for this.

My dog Rocky has serious eye issues and I have spent thousands of dollars on her and I have an emergency account set up for this reason and it puts my mind at ease. I have 10 animals so I need that emergency account.

 

[colliewog]

If he were a puppy, I'd say it could be a growth stage, but since he's an adult, it should be checked out. Go with the most you can afford now - a comprehensive vet exam, where he/she can rotate and palpate the hip joints/knees/etc. would be a good place to start. It will tell the vet if there's an obvious problem that needs a further look, or maybe something that isn't painful and can be checked out as soon as you can save the money.

FWIW - laying with the legs like that is not necessarily a sign of a problem. I had an OFA Excellent dog that would "frog out" his back legs when he lied down.

 

[bubbatd]

I personally am happy to see the frog position . I don't think that a dog with hip problems can do it comfortably .

 

[Labyrinth]

I personally am happy to see the frog position . I don't think that a dog with hip problems can do it comfortably .

Good point. The dog probably wouldn't be able to lay like that if his hips were hurting. Do have the vet take a look, but one of my dogs lays down like that all the time and she has no issues.

 

[Unshifted]

Thank you guys so much.

I have an appointment for today so I'll let you know what the vet says. That's a good point about a dog whose hips hurt wouldn't really really want to lay in the frog position.

I'm going to explain it all to the vet and see what he/she says. I really would like an X-ray and blood work, just to be safe. Plus I haven't had him for a long time so I'd like to make sure everything is fine with him anyway.

Thanks again!

 

[Unshifted]

The vet examined his legs and said everything looks and feels fine so that's a huge relief

 

[Labyrinth]

I'm glad to hear he's okay

 

[bubbatd]

Great news !!!

 

[mrose_s]

Great news, I was a bit worried when I read that he kinda swaggers when he walks, our boy harry has pretty severe HD and he does that, its more comfy for him to just throw his rear legs one in front of the other than actually lifting them.

Fantastic news