The short version
Paralysis of a leg often results from damage to the peripheral spinal nerves. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the neck or shoulder, injury to the network of nerves found deep in the armpit (brachial plexus), or injury to the radial, median, musculocutaneous, or ulnar nerve in the leg. Paralysis of a hind leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the lower back or tailbone, the network of nerves located between the spinal cord and the hind leg (lumbosacral plexus), or the femoral, sciatic, peroneal, or tibial nerve in the leg. Trauma is the most common cause of sudden limb paralysis.
Leg paralysis, dog
If an abnormal eye condition known as Horner syndrome (pupils small, eyelid partially closed, and third eyelid elevated) is present on the same side of the body as a paralyzed front leg, then the nerve roots have likely been torn and the chances for recovery are minimal. If Horner syndrome is not present with front leg paralysis, the outlook for recovery may be better.
Applying heat, performing massage, and stretching tendons should be done as directed by your veterinarian to keep muscles, tendons, and joints of a paralyzed leg healthy while the nerve is regenerating. A light, but not tight, bandage may prevent damage to the foot from dragging. If the leg drags on the ground, it can be held up with a sling or amputated to prevent damage to the paw. Three-legged dogs generally have a good quality of life.
No specific therapy is available to help nerve regeneration, but laser therapy and acupuncture may help recovery. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help if swelling is present. If voluntary movement, pain sensation, and spinal reflexes improve over 1 to 2 months, the outlook for recovery is good. An Elizabethan collar may be needed to prevent the dog from chewing on its leg. If the nerve injury is suspected to be permanent and the animal is chewing the leg, amputation may be the best option. However, it is best to wait 3–6 months to amputate to see whether any regeneration will occur.
Paralysis from Tumors
Tumors affecting nerves can cause a chronic, often painful lameness or weakness of a front or hind leg that worsens over time. Tumors can be identified using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Surgical removal or biopsy of the tumor is necessary to determine the diagnosis and the chance for recovery.
Nerve sheath tumors are common in dogs, and they often affect multiple nerves. These tumors are difficult to completely remove, even with limb amputation. The outlook for recovery is usually poor, but radiation therapy may help.
Frequently asked questions
Leg paralysis dog?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Paralysis of a leg often results from damage to the peripheral spinal nerves. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Leg weakness dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Paralysis of a leg often results from damage to the peripheral spinal nerves. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Paralyzed leg dog?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Paralysis of a leg often results from damage to the peripheral spinal nerves. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.