Hind Leg Weakness

by Jessica H
(Endicott, NY)

Is hind leg weakness in a puppy serious?

My pitbull is a 4mth female and the runt of the litter. In the last 1-1/2 mths she is having trouble keeping her balance and walking straight. Actually her balance has alwas been alittle off, bumping into things and she can't control her weight. She not oversized. Shes just very clumsy...

I also noticed that her back legs give out on her when she runs or walks, which makes her clumsy. It seems as if her back end is going to fast for her front.

Is this something that is natural and she will grow out of as she gets older or should I be worried? Are the diseases that pitbulls have, that are the cause of her having no control of her back end and the weakness?

Gale's Reply

Hi Jessica

Your puppy definitely needs to be seen by a vet. I am not a vet. But what you're describing does not sound normal at all.

You asked if there were genetic diseases that are common in pit bulls that might account for this. Hip Dysplasia is not uncommon. BUT I'm not sufficiently informed in this area to tell you whether it would manifest in the way you've described in a 4 month old pup.

Ear infections can cause balance problems. But then there's the weakness in her back legs which could be any number of things. She needs to be examined by a professional.

Honestly, I'm wondering what caused you to wait 6 weeks. If finances are an issue, some of the larger humane societies have vet clinics within their facilities that charge less than regular vets.

You might also want to consider signing up for the Pet Assure program. This would give you 25% off your vet bill at participating veterinarians.

Good luck and feel free to post back and let us know what you find out about your puppy.