My dog's back legs sometimes give way. Worrying.

[ThespianTendencies]

He is a 7 year old lab x (7 last week) and is really healthy and strong. He loves his walks and is very keen to run and get out and about. However, recently, when he gets up from a nap or when I call him to go out for a wee after he has been laying for a while his legs are wobbly as if he has pins and needles. Once has has taken a couple of steps he seems fine again. Should I be worried? Or is this normal? Thank you

[DontBuyANewMumCashmere]

I have a mongrel who tore his cruciate ligament 2 or 3 yrs ago, and now his back legs (particularly the side he injured) collapse when getting up, and when he's walked for too long.
The vet said it's normal for his age, he's 13, and having had his injury, but prescribed some tablets called YouMove to help with the joint pain.

I would have thought 7 was young to go through this, but I'm also aware pedigrees get 'old' younger, and that labs commonly get hip/joint problems.

I'd get a check up with the vet.
Hope your DDog feels better soon.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

I think honk he’s a bit young for this. Is he overweight?

Any other symptoms?

Have a chat with the vet, maybe some hydrotherapy to keep his back legs strong. I would be checking this out.

Good luck.

[ThespianTendencies]

Hi, he's not a pedigree DontBuyANewMumCashmere - he is a rescue. I got him at 11 weeks. he doesn't seem to be in pain but it kind of looks the way I get up when I have been sittng on my feet too long. he is OK once he is up and walking about but he seems to struggle to get up a bit.

[ThespianTendencies]

Chardonnay No, not overweight, he is physically very fit, lean and healthy.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

Do you have wood floors, they can make it harder on the back legs?

[ThespianTendencies]

No, Have carpets!

[ThespianTendencies]

Funnily enough, he loves the sea (I live a the coast and he was in the sea yesterday and today.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

Well, that’s all my theories shot down.

[ThespianTendencies]

Hahahah Nice try Chardonnay - appreciated regardless.

[CuriousMama]

My lurcher's back legs were giving way at times and I got him some YuMove tablets. He hasn't had a problem since. He's 12.

I would maybe try them for a couple of weeks and if no joy go to vets?

[Polomintini]

I was going to say cruciate ligament too. My lab was 7 when hers went and she also started to get arthritis around this time. However. She was operated to replace the ligament and put on medication for the arthritis and she had a very happy and active life to 13.5 years, don’t despair!

[ThespianTendencies]

Thank you Polomintini encouraging words :-)
Curious Where do you get YuMove tablets?

[CuriousMama]

Amazon

[CuriousMama]

I honestly can't believe the difference. A friend is a home boarder for dogs so meets lots of 'parents'. That's where I got the recommendation. He'd heard such good reports.

[CutsAndSnoozes]

I know it's not cheap, but if you're able to speak to your vet then I would.
Ours is online and you can ask their facebook page questions, and email them. Often they'd want to see the pet, but there is sometimes other advice they will share.
In this instance, I would want my dog seen.
Ours is super old and sort of fell down the last step outside this week. He just missed totally faceplanting the pavement. But we know his legs are old and prone to doing that sometimes, he also hasn't got full eyesight.
I hope there's nothing seriously wrong.

[Jouska]

Not not normal (but common in large breed dogs). 7 is quite young to be showing the signs though.

You need to a vets appointment to confirm what is going on. It could be spinal issues or issues with the leg or joint issues.

Once you have a diagnosis then you can get on the right treatment path to help improve the situation