Knuckling in dogs is usually fairly easy to recognize but can signal a variety of conditions. Integrative veterinarian, Dr. Buzby, discusses the five most common reasons for a dog to start knuckling on a front or back leg and shares some advice about caring for affected dogs.
Lameness or trouble walking is one of the top ten most common reasons why dogs are taken to see their veterinarians. When I see these patients in practice, most of them are limping or seem painful. Some dogs make it obvious which leg is affected. They might put a little bit of weight on their leg or none at all.
But plenty of my patients tend to “play it off” as nothing by the time their owner gets to the hospital. It’s almost as if they are trying to say, “No, mom, I’m fine! Really!” However, it’s a lot harder for my patients to hide their problem when they are knuckling over on one or more legs. Let me tell you a story about one of my patients to help make my point.
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Meet Marie
Marie was a seven-year-old German Shepherd dog who presented one day for limping on her right hind leg. She lived on a large property and absolutely loved to run the big border fence with her older brother, Charlie. Marie’s mom would always tell me stories about Marie’s excellent stride and graceful sprinting. So she was very concerned about her pup on this particular day.
On physical exam, Marie seemed normal except for mild limping on the right hind limb whenever Marie took a step forward. It seemed like she was dropping her hip as she stepped. However, her hips flexed and extended well during my orthopedic evaluation.
After gathering more information, I recommended X-rays for Marie. Thankfully, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. I didn’t notice any signs of hip dysplasia in dogs or bone tumors. Her knees were also healthy so a torn ACL in dogs seemed less likely. I recommended an anti-inflammatory medication for Marie and talked to her mom about restricting Marie’s exercise for a week or two to help facilitate healing.
By the time Marie came back for her progress exam, she wasn’t any better. In fact she was worse. She was still limping on the right hind limb but also seemed to be losing feeling in her leg. Her right paw was now knuckling and she was starting to show similar signs on the left hind leg. She was also wobbling when she walked. Marie’s mom mentioned that Marie seemed a little more lethargic. The big question in my mind was, “What is going on to cause the knuckling and rapid progression of signs?”
What is knuckling in dogs?
When a dog’s foot rolls under as he or she stands or walks, we refer to this a knuckling. Because the dog may end up dragging the foot, paw knuckling can cause physical injury to the top or sides of the foot. Overall, knuckling is far less common in dogs than limping, but it is still important to recognize.
Why might a dog knuckle?
In some cases, paw knuckling occurs due to a problem with the dog’s nervous system. Normally, receptors in the tendons, muscles, and joints of the leg send signals through the nerves in the leg to the spinal cord and brain. This input is used to determine the position of the dog’s foot—is it upside down, right side up, placed under the dog, sticking out to the side, being held up, etc. The term conscious proprioception describes the nervous system’s coordination of signals to indicate the position of a dog’s limb.
If something interrupts the signaling pathway, the dog will not know where the limb is in space or how it is positioned. This causes proprioceptive deficits, such as:
- Knuckling
- Placing the foot abnormally when standing
- Dragging a foot
- An uncoordinated gait (a dog that is wobbly and off balance)
Alternatively, other dogs may have a normal neurologic system but knuckle because their ligaments, tendons, or muscles are weak and cannot support their weight. This tends to occur more often in puppies or dogs with nutritional issues. However, frail senior dogs may also knuckle occasionally due to weakness.
What causes knuckling in dogs?
Now that we have discussed some general reasons a dog may knuckle, let’s move on to some of the specific conditions your vet may consider if your dog is knuckling. This is not an exhaustive list but is meant to cover the more common problems.
1. Spinal stroke (Fibrocartilaginous embolism or FCE)
Many individual bones known as vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord. Cartilaginous discs sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers and to give the dog’s back and neck the ability to flex, extend, and move side to side. These discs are great when they are healthy but can create quite a problem if they rupture.
Sometimes a small piece of a ruptured disc enters the blood stream and obstructs one of the small vessels that supplies blood to a certain part of the spinal cord. This is known as a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) or spinal stroke in dogs. FCEs are more common in young giant and large breed dogs. However, they may also occur in some small breed dogs, especially Shelties and Schnauzers.
Affected dogs may suddenly cry out when running, jumping, or playing then immediately become weak or paralyzed. They may knuckle on one or more limbs, have an uncoordinated gait, and sometimes be unable to walk at all. After the initial moment of pain, dogs with a FCE are generally non-painful. This is one of the things that may make a vet suspicious of a FCE (rather than a different cause of spinal cord trauma) during the physical exam.
Your veterinarian may recommend X-rays, which are usually normal in cases of FCE. Definitive diagnosis requires an MRI. This usually means referral to a veterinary neurology specialist. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment except for supportive care and time. Some dogs may recover over several days to weeks but in other cases they remain permanently paralyzed.
2. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Remember how we talked about the discs that sit between the vertebrae? In addition to causing a FCE they can also cause intervertebral disc disease( IVDD) in dogs, which is divided into two types. In type I IVDD, the disc acutely ruptures into the spinal canal, and in type II IVDD, the disc degenerates over time and begins to bulge. Both of these situations put pressure on the spinal cord, which sits just above the disc. While IVDD can occur anywhere in the spine, it happens most often in the cervical (i.e. neck) or thoracolumbar area (i.e. mid-back near the junction of the last rib and the first few lumbar vertebrae).
Affected dogs may become weak or paralyzed in their rear limbs (if the problem is in the thoracolumbar region) or all four limbs (if the problem is in the neck). They are often painful in their back or neck and may knuckle or drag their feet. Severely affected dogs may be paralyzed and in some cases are unable to urinate on their own.
If your dog develops signs of IVDD, your veterinarian may recommend an X-ray to look for signs of a ruptured or mineralized disc. Sometimes, a veterinary neurologist may inject dye around the spinal cord then take an X-ray (i.e. perform a myelogram) or use an MRI or CT to find the area(s) of compression.
IVDD treatment
Some dogs with IVDD can recover without surgery after strict rest, medications and supportive care (more on that later). However, others will need IVDD surgery for dogs to remove the ruptured portion of the disc and take pressure off the spinal cord. For a paralyzed dog, emergency back or neck surgery gives the best chances of walking again. Without surgery, paralysis may be permanent. Sometimes even after surgery, some degree of weakness or paralysis may persist with severe spinal cord injuries.
3. Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a chronic disease of the spinal cord that causes progressive paralysis. It starts out looking like arthritis or hip dysplasia, which makes it difficult to diagnose right away. Dogs may initially just be limping on one of their hind limbs but otherwise appear normal.
However, as the disease progresses, it affects the other hind leg and causes a dog to be weak, have a wobbly gait, and knuckle on one or both rear legs. Eventually, the dog becomes completely paralyzed and unable to control his or her bowels or bladder.
Degenerative myelopathy affects middle-aged and older dogs. It is most common in German Shepherds, Huskies, Retrievers, and Corgis. The exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown. However, there is a mutated gene known as SOD-1 that puts dogs at high risk for developing degenerative myelopathy.
There is no definitive test for degenerative myelopathy. Blood testing can look for the presence of the mutated gene. The presence of the gene plus signs consistent with degenerative myelopathy make it the most likely diagnosis.
Unfortunately, clinical signs can progress over the span of a few weeks to several months in most cases. Occasionally a dog may defy the odds and make it a year or more. But overall the prognosis is poor because there is no cure. Therapy with aminocaproic acid, n-acetylcysteine, prednisone for dogs, and vitamin supplements may possibly help slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy.
Back to Marie
Unfortunately for Marie, she ended up having degenerative myelopathy. When I talked to her mom about the condition, she agreed that this sounded exactly like what Marie was experiencing. We decided to submit a blood sample for gene testing, and it came back positive for the SOD-1 mutation. Marie’s mom made sure to keep her comfortable and spoiled for the following two months of Marie’s life.
4. Wobbler Syndrome
This condition gets its name from the wobbly gait that most affected dogs exhibit. The exact cause is still under investigation, but it is possible that it may have a genetic basis since it is most common in Great Danes and Dobermans. Dogs with wobbler syndrome typically have spinal cord compression in their neck from either an abnormally narrow spinal canal plus intervertebral disc herniation or narrowed spinal canal due to changes to the surrounding bone. In addition to compressing the spinal cord, these changes may also put pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal cord.
Dogs with wobblers tend to have an unsteady gait which is more pronounced in the rear legs. They may also knuckle their paws, have difficulty getting up, or appear weak. Nerve compression can cause significant pain and affected dogs may walk with their heads lowered. Signs tend to show up in Great Danes around the age of three years and Dobermans around six years.
If your vet suspects your dog may have wobbler syndrome he or she will most likely start by taking X-rays to look for any bone changes or signs of other conditions. Then he or she may refer you to a veterinary neurologist for advanced imaging such as a myelogram, CT, or MRI.
Some dogs with wobblers will do well with medications, supportive care, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding leashes that go around the neck. Other dogs may benefit from surgery. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association demonstrated that the average survival time for dogs with wobblers is approximately four years regardless if they had medical or surgical management.
5. Carpal flexural deformity
This condition is a bit different than everything else on the list because it doesn’t come from a problem with the nervous system. The exact cause is unknown. However, researchers believe it may result from some combination of genetic predisposition plus nutritional factors in rapidly growing puppies. It is thought that a diet with excess protein and few other core elements like carbohydrates can cause painful growth spurts that result in this condition.
Carpal flexural deformity mostly affects large and giant breed puppies, usually younger than four months of age. As the name indicates, it affects the puppy’s carpus (i.e. wrist—the joint on the front leg between the elbow and the foot). The puppy may have hyperextension, hyperflexion or general laxity (i.e. looseness) of the carpus. Additionally, the carpus could be bowed inward (i.e. varus deformity) or outward (i.e. valgus deformity). This combination of changes may make the carpus appear to be knuckled over.
The good news is that most affected dogs improve within one to three weeks of diagnosis. Sometimes a diet change (i.e. to a balanced or energy restricted diet) and/or soft splints to support the legs may be beneficial during the recovery period.
How can I help my dog who is knuckling?
As you can see, there are many reasons a dog may be knuckling. Some may resolve with supportive care and time while others may require surgery. And still others may never go away. There are many ways you can support your dog after he or she is diagnosed with a condition that causes knuckling.
1. Give the gift of traction
My signature product, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips, can work wonders for dogs who have an unsteady gait and are knuckling, prone to slipping, or weak. They can help your dog regain traction and walk with confidence on slippery floors that otherwise might pose a mobility problem.
Plus, ToeGrips somehow seem to provide feedback to the brain and spinal cord to help enhance a dog’s conscious proprioception. If you remember from the beginning, conscious proprioception is the nervous system’s way of telling where a dog’s limbs are in space. Dogs who are knuckling usually do so because they have altered conscious proprioception. ToeGrips may help them by reminding the dog’s brain to pick up the paws, thus improving the dog’s gait.
ToeGrips not only help these dogs with stability and confidence, they can also serve to take the brunt of chronic trauma to the nails from dragging. Over time, if the dog’s conscious proprioception does not improve, the nails can start to wear in a funny pattern or even wear back to bloody “stumps.” ToeGrips, when glued in place, can protect the nail from this demise.
For dogs who are scuffing or dragging their feet, we recommend an alternative application method—affixing ToeGrips to the nails with super glue. This is not necessary for most dogs, but for dogs who drag/scuff their paws, that altered gait tends to tug the ToeGrips off the nails. Super Glue is the simple solution to keep the ToeGrips securely in position. I demonstrate application of ToeGrips using glue in this video:
2. Reduce inflammation and pain
Some conditions such as IVDD and wobbler syndrome may cause considerable pain and inflammation. Thus, your vet may prescribe medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), tramadol for dogs, gabapentin for dogs, steroids like prednisone, or other medications.
Always give all medications as directed and notify your vet immediately if you notice any concerning side effects. Never decide to give your dog your own pain medications as human pain-relievers like Advil can be toxic for dogs.
Some dogs may also benefit from laser therapy for dogs, which has several benefits including:
- Pain relief
- Improved healing
- Decreased swelling and inflammation
3. Help your dog get up and walk
Some dogs who are knuckling may also be weak or paralyzed, making it difficult for them to stand up or move from place to place. Two of my favorite mobility aids are the GingerLead® Support and Rehabilitation Harness, and the Help ‘Em Up® Mobility Harness. Both products can help save your back and are much more comfortable for you and your dog than using a towel as a sling (although that does work in a pinch).
Permanently paralyzed or significantly weak dogs may also do well with a wheelchair in some situations. Your vet can recommend some good companies to purchase a wheelchair from. Alternatively, there are plans online for making a doggy wheelchair. Always ensure the wheelchair fits your dog well (which is where purchasing it through a reputable company with good customer support can help) and check your dog frequently for any rub sores.
4. Find a rehab vet
In many situations, dogs can benefit from physical therapy just like people do. You may be able to find a veterinary professional who specializes in rehabilitation and physical therapy in your area. Alternatively, some general practice vets also provide rehab services.
The rehab vet can evaluate your dog and help design an exercise program specifically for him or her. They will most likely do some exercises with your dog and teach you how to do the exercises at home too. Some rehab vets may also have an underwater treadmill or a hydrotherapy pool. Both of these can be very beneficial as the buoyancy of the water will help support your dog. Plus, many dogs quite enjoy their time in the water!
5. Protect your dog’s feet
If your dog is dragging his or her feet or knuckling, sometimes the tops or side of the feet may get scraped up. This is especially a problem when walking on more abrasive surfaces like concrete. To protect your dog’s feet, try to stick to soft surfaces like grass while outside. If your dog requires hind end support for walking, try to hold him or her in a position where the legs aren’t dragging but the dog can still attempt to walk to build strength (if appropriate).
You can also consider using PawZ Boots for short periods of time. They are thin (think latex balloon) so they don’t pose as big of a tripping hazard as bigger bulky booties but still offer some protection. I always caution owners to read the instructions carefully when using PawZ, because they do have the potential to effect obstruct circulation to the paw and are not intended to be left on continuously.
If you notice knuckling, contact your vet
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to stay in close contact with your vet and any specialists you are working with. Since there are a variety of causes of knuckling with different outlooks and treatments, the first step is to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Once you know what you are dealing with, ask all your questions and do your research (using reputable sources) to find out as much as possible about your dog’s condition and how you can help. And of course, keep loving on your dog and treasure the time you have together. Have confidence that you can tackle whatever is in front of you.
Have you noticed your dog knuckling? What was the cause and how did you help your pup?
Please comment below.
Hi. My dog, Baby, was recently diagnosed with MEU. She has been on medication (prednisone and Atopica) for 3 days. Her main symptom is problems walking, dragging paws and nails. I just bought your product, and I hope it helps. Our house is one floor, no stairs, and we have covered it in rugs and yoga mats to prevent any accidents. I saw the video of using super glue in some cases. I am guessing Baby is one of those cases. How long will they stay in place? What happens when the nails start growing? Do I have to remove them at some point? Thank you!
Hi Diana,
I am glad you decided to give ToeGrips a try! It does sound like Baby may benefit from having the ToeGrips glued on. Please reach out to our customer care team at help@toegrips.com or you can text them at (843)781-7430. This way we can give you the personal individualized attention you need and ensure you are satisfied with your product. Best wishes to you and Baby!
My poor girl is 13-1/2 years old. She had ACL surgery 2 years ago but it never totally fixed the problem. She’s been on Meloxydil since for pain, although she never acts like she is in pain, except get grumpy when the cat jumps on her to play. (She used to play with the cat).
I have the vet continue to examine her since her surgery but things have gotten drastically worse. I thought maybe knee is busted again. She used to hold up the foot on the affected leg, now it drags. Her foot is knuckling and she doesn’t seem to have control of that leg much of the time. Last night and this morning we had to carry her outside to potty. She couldn’t even hold herself to squat. :(. I have palpated her leg, hip, low back and foot. She doesn’t react at all. I tried tickling her foot. Nothing. Normally she will pull her foot a bit because it tickles. Like when I trim the fur there. I have given her several light therapy sessions at home and she used to get them at the vet.
We had an appointment scheduled for next week but I called the vet and they are able to fit us in tomorrow. We are quite worried that she is becoming paralysed.
Hi Wendy,
I understand your concern for your senior girl and this new issue she is having with her leg. It sounds like something neurological is happening instead of just complications with her chronic knee pain. I am glad you had an appointment scheduled with your vet. What did you find out? Hoping you were able to get the answers needed to restore your sweet girl’s quality of life. Feel free to leave an update if you get a chance.
Hi, my beautiful dog has lost sensation on his back feet, what can I do to help him get it back.
he injured himself from a jump, I have taken him to a vet and his now on pain and anti-inflammatory medication.
Can I don’t at home to help him.
Hi Amber,
I am sorry your pup has suffered a back injury. There are exercises and therapies that can help restore the proprioception to his back legs. The most important thing is to make sure your dog has healed enough to do these exercises safely. The last thing you want to do is rush into exercises that could potentially make things worse. I highly recommend you discuss the option of physical therapy with your vet. They can let you know what is appropriate for the stage of recovery your dog has reached. I am hopeful your sweet boy can make a full recovery. Praying for healing.
Do I need to purchase a pair of knuckling brace, when getting my Dachshund from knuckling recouping from IVDD post 5 weeks…
Hi Ernest,
I understand your concern with the knuckling after an IVDD episode. This is usually the last symptom to resolve and sometimes it never completely goes away. Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, I can’t say for sure if a brace would be helpful in this specific situation. I recommend you talk to your vet or a veterinary rehabilitation professional and get their expert opinion. A rehab/physical therapy vet may have other ideas about therapies or treatments that would help with your dog’s recovery. Best wishes and good luck!
Our 12 year old Shih Tzu has recently been showing signs of knuckling in his right rear leg. Both his back legs almost look like the joints aren’t connected by ligaments and they aren’t supporting his weight. We live in a multi level house, and have started carrying him down the steps as he tumbled down on the last few steps a couple of times. On our last vet visit for his rabies vaccination, we shared our concerns and they gave us some tablets for his joints. He doesn’t seem to be improving and I think it’s getting worse. My husband has expressed concern that they would recommend putting him to sleep, but he doesn’t seem to be in any pain. He is blind and almost deaf, but seems content to sit on our laps and go on rides in the car. What’s the next step?
Hi Jan,
You are right to be concerned about your senior dog’s mobility issues. I recommend you talk to your vet and let them know how this problem has progressed. They may need to do some testing to determine if this is just due to arthritis or if there is also a neurological cause. You can also request a referral to a veterinary neurologist to get an expert opinion on your pup’s case. From what you have described, I wouldn’t think euthanasia would be needed at this point. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decisions for your sweet boy’s health and wellbeing. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi Dr.Buzby,
My 14 year old boy Hershey was diagnosed with arthritis and a fused spine 2 years ago. He still walked about in a stompy fashion ever since. Our vet gave him pentosan early this year to see if his mobility improved, it did for 4 months, but about 3 months ago his right paw started to swell up a lot and he slowly developed knuckling on both hind legs. We treated the swelling every time it happened (about 4 times now) after consulting our vet but the knuckling was on and off. About 2 weeks ago he completely lost mobility of his hind legs and the vet just gave us the news that it only gets worse from here and that there’s nothing more we can do. He gave us another week to decide on whether we’d prefer more steroids for him (with a warning that the side effects for a dog his age won’t be pleasant) or to pamper him silly and let him rest from the pain he’s enduring and that which he’s about to endure. I trust our vet, I really do! I guess I’m just here to vent with a little hope that perhaps there’s something we haven’t tried for him yet. Thank you for being such a support to us worried pet parents. Love from India x.
Hi Val,
I am sorry Hershey’s health is declining and he is struggling with the loss of mobility. Unfortunately, since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific recommendations about alternative treatment options. What was the cause of the swelling? I am having trouble piecing together how the arthritis has caused paralysis. It may be a good idea to schedule a consult with a veterinary neurology specialist to gather more information and get some answers for your lingering questions. If you have exhausted your treatment options and Hershey’s quality of life is poor, saying goodbye may be the most loving choice. I hope you can find the best way to offer your sweet boy peace and rest. Wishing you strength and comfort as you navigate this difficult path.
My 9 year old chihuahua Ellie, went to a new vet (since we moved states) for routine vaccinations and came home knuckling her back left leg. The vet tech is trying to convince me that nothing went wrong during the vaccinations but I can’t believe that when she went in fully functioning and now is having trouble walking and her knuckles are getting sore . Where do we go from here? It’s been almost a week. Appreciate your support 🙂
Hi Hannah,
I am sorry your senior girl is having issues with her left rear leg. You are right to be concerned and this may need some more investigation. Even when everything is done perfectly, there is still a chance that unwanted side effects can occur when vaccines or medications are administered. Sometimes when an injection is given, if the fluid is close to a nerve, it can cause a temporary numbing effect and look like a partial paralysis. This usually resolves on its own over a few days. I have seen this a few times in my own patients. Also, a vaccine is specifically made to stimulate the immune system. Occasionally the body overreacts when stimulated and can cause any number of strange symptoms or syndromes. The vet tech is probably correct that the vaccinations and treatments preformed on Ellie were routine and occurred without any issue. That doesn’t mean that Ellie’s body is responding in the usual predicted way. It would be a good idea to call your vet and discuss your concerns. They may need to do an exam or testing to evaluate Ellie thoroughly. If needed, you can always schedule a consult with a specialist. I always welcome second opinions as there is no such thing as too much information when it comes to advocating for your pup’s health and wellbeing. I hope Ellie is feeling better and her knuckling is starting to resolve. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My 4yo lab mix was running tonight for her ball. She loves the ball and she’s been chasing and jumping for bubbles recently. Tonight she stopped running for the ball, was panting heavily, and then was dragging/knuckling both back legs and a bit wobbly. She was very warm and did eventually lay down on her side with her legs out to the one side. I gave her a lot of water and she was beginning to cool down. I haven’t had her sit up yet, but I’m worried about her and will take her to the vet tomorrow. What should I ask my vet?
Thanks
Hi Kim,
You are right to be concerned about these worrisome symptoms in your dog. I hope you were able to get her evaluated by your vet on Wednesday. What did you find out? This definitely sounds like it could be neurologic in nature or even an issue with a blood clot. Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. My best recommendation is to get her to your vet ASAP if you haven’t already done so. I hope you were able to get some answers. Praying your girl is feeling better today and will make a full recovery.
Hi, my dog is 1 and a half years old. Mixed of maltese shihtzu. We noticed that he is knuckling on his left hind feet after getting a shot of antibiotic that his vet gave. It’s been a week now. He also drags it to walk, the reason it has wounds now. What should we do? 🙁
Hi Lei,
I am sorry your pup is struggling with hind limb weakness. I am concerned that this may be a neurological issue and the wounds are very worrisome. I highly recommend you contact your vet as soon as possible and discuss these issues. They may want to have your dog come in for an exam or refer you to a neurology specialist. Either way, I think this should be evaluated as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
I never heard of this before, so I suddenly learned about it when trying to google for similar words and looking at pictures.
My 14 year old dog showed this symptoms/behavior her last two days in life (knuckling) with bad balance when taking short walks in the yard. She walked slow, swaying her back part like She was drunk . A couple lf times She actually walked forward but sideways, it all was very distressing to see… The thing is, she was only knuckling her paws when i were lifting her up and letting her down again, not when she stood up on her own or walked. I had to correct all her paws when letting her down on the Floor after carrying her down the stairs.
She was diagnosed with lymphoma stage 5 (found in spleen and blood stream) before these last symptoms showed. She hadnt been eating and was lethargic for days before.. I suspect it was caused by the cancer, but do you have any thought why or how it could have caused this?
Hi Marko,
I am sorry you had to say goodbye to your senior girl. Lymphoma can do some strange things during its final stages. Since I did not examine your pup myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. It is possible the cancer spread to the brain or spinal cord, or the lymph nodes were enlarged enough to interfere with the nerves. And what you describe with the knuckling only happening when she was lowered to the ground is usually what is seen with the first stages of proprioception loss (brain doesn’t know where the feet are placed in relation to the body). As proprioception loss advances, you would have started to see knuckling when walking, stumbling, and even partial paralysis of the legs. It sounds like you made the best decision for your beloved girl and allowed her to find peace and rest and took away her struggling. I hope your heart will find comfort in knowing you gave her a happy life. Bless you.
Hi Dr, Buzby, a couple weeks ago I noticed my 9.5 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback started knuckling her back paw towards the end of walks. Our vet did X-rays (which looked good), but she worried it may be a nerve issue like degenerative myelopathy. We opted to start her on gabapentin and see if that helped before taking her to a neurologist. As the week progressed her hind legs completely stopped working, she was no longer able to stand on her own, and couldn’t control her bowels – 1 week! My husband and I made the difficult decision to put her to sleep as we were so concerned about quality of life and how quickly her health deteriorated. She has been gone a couple days and I cannot shake the extreme guilt that we didn’t try to do more for her like prednisone or cbd oils after reading a lot about different people’s experiences. Also guilt that I didn’t notice how much weaker her back leg had gotten leading up to the knuckling (just a few weeks ago she was running like her normal, happy self in the backyard). I guess I just wanted to come here to share our awful experience, vent my emotions, and also to thank you for all of your articles. They have all helped tremendously and I am grateful for your forums to hear other’s experiences as well too. Respectfully, Marian.
Dear Marian,
I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your sweet girl. It sounds like you made a loving choice to prevent unnecessary suffering and pain. Letting go is never easy, but especially when things progress so quickly you hardly have time to process it all. Thank you for being willing to share your experience with our readers as it may help someone else in a similar situation. I pray with time your heart will heal. May the memories of the good days be a comfort to your soul. ♥
Hi,
My dog knuckles under at times, in her hind leg, and walks with a twist of her paw. Her leg is stiff and she has difficulty lifting it. Her other leg has since also gotten stiff. The vet examined and x-rayed her with no trouble found. Prior to this lameness her hind legs splayed out sideways on laminate flooring and we had to help her get up. We don’t know if this caused her trouble or occurred because of a degenerative condition. If I knew which joint was involved I’d like to try a brace. Any idea?
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
It sounds like your dog is a bit of a tricky case. I am concerned about a neurological issue or a problem with other soft tissue structures, such as tendons and ligaments, since your vet did not find any bone abnormalities on the x-rays. X-rays are good for evaluating bone but less efficient when looking at soft tissues. It might be a good idea to have your pup examined by a veterinary neurologist. Also, no matter what the cause is found to be, a rehabilitation/physical therapy vet may be able to help restore some mobility and function to your girl’s rear legs. A rehab vet can also let you know if a brace is a good idea. They will measure your pup and get one ordered that is right for your dog’s specific needs. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl.
I have a 7 month old great Dane mix. 1.5 weeks ago he started showing a the signs of Myelopathy except for no worn toe nails. I had him to the vet. They did some blood work, took x-rays and found nothing to indicate anything specifically wrong. Currently he is on 2 antibiotics ( 5 days no improvement). The vet said if after a week w no improvement we would try steroids. Today I had him tested for Lyme disease and that was negative. Where do I go next?
Hi Barbara,
I am sorry your Dane pup is having so much trouble. It is hard to watch them struggle especially when they are so young. Since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I am suspicious about a condition that is more common in large breed dogs called Wobbler Syndrome. Here is a link to a site with more information:
With that being said, I highly recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. They have lots of experience with complicated cases and access to testing and treatments that can be cost prohibitive in general practice. I hope you can find the help your sweet boy needs. Praying for a quick and complete recovery.
I have a 95 pound, almost 12 year old Viszla/Sharpei mix. She started knuckling in the front left leg about 6 months ago. We’ve tried splints, glucosamine/chrondoitin, flaxseed, sling strap. It’s just getting worse. Unfortunately we live in a 3rd floor apartment with no option to move right now. She doesn’t want to go down the 3 flights of stairs…thus I’m putting out potty pads (which she’s too embarrassed to use even with coaxing) and not eating regularly (she knows food = poop=stairs). Any suggestions? I’ve ordered a doggie type athletic tape with a boot style splint that should be here in a couple of days. This is heartbreaking!!!
Hi Kari,
I can only imagine how nervous your poor girl must be thinking about three flights of stairs to go potty. You are right to be concerned and it is wonderful you are being her advocate and searching for answers. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, it is difficult to make specific recommendations. I am curious if she has been given a specific diagnosis for the knuckling? If not, it might be a good idea to schedule a consult with a veterinary neurologist. Once you have a diagnosis and know “why” the knuckling is happening, it would be much easier to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. I also highly recommend rehabilitation and physical therapy. There are ways to help strengthen her muscles and give her more confidence while trying to improve her mobility. I hope you can find a solution that works for you and your girl. She deserves to be happy and comfortable in her home. I wish you the best of luck as you navigate this difficult road ahead.
Hi!
My 8 year old boxer is 2weeks post FHO procedure. He is not weight bearing as of yet.. I have noticed when he does attempt to bear weight he has been knuckling on the operative leg since his surgery 🙁 I really hope this resolves with the NSAID he has been prescribed. We are also going cold laser therapy treatments. Any other thoughts on this post FHO procedure?
Hi Alex,
I am glad the surgery went well. It sounds like your boy is progressing just as expected for 2 weeks post-op. The laser therapy is a great choice! The only other recommendation I have is to consult with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist if you haven’t already. They can assess how the healing process is going and assign home exercises to practice that will help your boy recover faster. Wishing your pup the best and praying for a complete recovery.
I have a 1 and a half year old Bernese Mountain Dog who is recovering from a broken back left leg. She is not putting weight on the leg yet, and knuckling the paw. Do you recommend your product for this situation? Thank you
Hi David,
I hope your girl is healing quickly and feeling ok since her surgery. Yes, TogGrips are perfect for this situation! Since she is so young, your dog may recover fast enough that she doesn’t need help with traction and mobility for more than a couple weeks. If you have any concerns about how the recovery process is going, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Also, I highly recommend physical therapy. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl.
Our 13.5 yo shzapoo suddenly dragging right hind leg and knuckling then the right front started. our vet says it’s most likely FCE. He’s diabetic blind and deaf (he may see shadows and can hear high pitch) in spite of all he is so happy. Loves food short walks snuggles and treats. He can stand and walk a few feet then kind of collapses. I ordered toegrips hoping that will help. It’s difficult being both limbs on right side. He’s taking 100 gabapentin and insulin dependent. He does not seem in pain. Still eating drinking and eliminating on his own. Is there any hope of him recover? My vet said maybe. But she’s going away for a week. I’m devastated
Hi Kari,
I understand your concern for your senior boy and these issues with both right legs. Dogs can most definitely recover from FCE, but it sounds like you might not have a definite diagnosis for your pup. Since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. It might be a good idea to have him evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. They can offer more in-depth testing than is available in general practice and give you information on his prognosis and treatment options. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decisions for you and your sweet boy. Praying he is feeling better soon!
I have a couple day old German Shepard who’s having trouble straightening out her paw, haven’t seem her do it since she was born, she’s having trouble feeding because she can’t crawl as fast as the other pups without the paw problem
Hi Justin,
Puppies with joint or muscle problems are a much different issue than older dogs with neurologic symptoms. I highly recommend you have the puppy evaluated by your vet as soon as possible. The earlier you can intervene and get a diagnosis the better the chances are that the issue can be corrected without leaving lasting mobility issues. If the pup is struggling to feed, you may also need to assist during the feeding times or start bottle supplementation. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Good luck!
I have a 7 year old German Shepherd whom I noticed this morning was knuckling. Yesterday she seemed fine. Does this happen overnight?? I am scheduling a vet visit. she doesn’t appear to be in pain.
Hi Angela,
I am glad you are getting your Shepherd girl into the vet quickly. Unfortunately, yes sometimes neurological signs can appear very suddenly and happen overnight. I hope you were able to get some help and find a cause for these new worrisome symptoms. Praying for a positive outcome or comfort for your heart should the news be less favorable. Feel free to update us on your situation if you have time. ♥
We also have a 7 year old shepherd that has been having issues with dragging her toes, wobbly and walking on her knuckles. Due to the expense of a vet visit we’re pushing it off hoping it’s just part of aging. After reading more, I realize this can be serious. I hope for the best for your shepherd❤️
My 12 year old mini shi tzu had a nerve knicked by a vet tech in administering an injection antibiotic. She now has a knuckled paw and her back leg drags on occasion. I have been taking her to a therapy place but am not seeing much rebound in that leg and she’s starting to show signs of depression. What are the chances of recovery from such a thing?
Hi Jill,
I am sorry your sweet girl is having so much trouble. I hate that you aren’t seeing any improvement from the physical therapy. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, it is difficult to make specific conclusions and recommendations. It might be time to have your girl evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. They can make sure there are no other issues contributing to the neuro deficits in her rear leg and recommend the best medications and therapies to try. I hope you find the answers you are looking for and help restore your senior girl’s quality of life. Wishing you both the best.
I have an almost 14 year old Ridgeback/Coonhound mix who was recently diagnosed with IVDD (X-rays seem to indicate cervical). We are only in the first week of medical management so the outcome remains to be seen. She does have movement in all four limbs, although they are too weak to support her weight. I know strict rest for now but the dr said potty breaks are ok. I have a lift harness but the severe knuckling on her front paws does not allow her to walk. With IVDD and no surgery have you seen the knuckling resolve? If it doesn’t, do you have any recommendations? Also, in your experience, do you have a preference of prednisone or NSAIDs? She is currently on prednisone. Considering her age we have been very torn about putting her through surgery. Any recommendations for keeping our girl more comfort/quality of life would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time!
Hi Melanie,
I am sorry you are in such a tough situation with your senior girl. I have seen the neurological deficits resolve without surgery but only in patients that were treated by a rehabilitation vet. There are carts and wheelchairs that can be used for dogs that have paralysis, but with a larger breed dog it might not be feasible. You can use boots and socks to prevent the skin of the paw from being damaged by dragging but they can be tricky to keep on and the skin needs to stay clean and dry. Prednisone is considered the standard of care when trying to decrease inflammation associated with a neurologic injury. I will attach some links to other articles that may offer new information. Ultimately, I hope you can find a solution that helps restore your sweet girl’s quality of life. And if her struggling and pain cannot be well controlled, I pray you find the courage to let go and allow her to find peace and rest. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time, and I wish you the best.
1. IVDD Surgery: What If Your Vet Recommends Surgery for Your Dog?
2. IVDD: Can a dog recover without surgery?
3. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
4. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
5. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
I have a rhodesian ridgeback 14.5 years old. She had swelling in her left leg and then started knuckling. I iced for a few minutes a day and it seemed to go down and come back. My husband and I took her to the vet January 26th and it’s bone cancer. They gave us tramadol and gabapentin and she was already on peroxicam for a previous diagnosis of bladder cancer (she’s a tough ol lady) and I give cbd oil and lots of love. The vet said we would know when to help her when she no longer couldn’t. I want to help her knuckling situation and just have any support you can provide. We have a 3 year old English shepherd who cried the entire time we were at the vet which is easily us being gone almost 3 hours. He loves her immensely and I’m not sure what support I can provide him to help him with being calmer in situations where he’s home alone. He is kennel trained but unsure if that’s hindering the situation. I just want the best support for both. Thank you for your time. Her name is Rosebud/Rosie Mae and his name is Aegon from Game of Thrones!
Hi Kalei,
My heart goes out to you and the difficult situation you are currently in. Rosie Mae sounds like such a fighter and is very lucky to have you there advocating for her every step of the way. My best recommendation for the knuckling would be to try a boot or sock that would prevent damage to her foot from dragging. Since we know the diagnosis is bone cancer, I am not sure other methods of providing traction would be of much benefit. As for your boy Aegon (love his name!), I recommend you talk to your vet about his separation anxiety. They may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that could be used for specific periods of time when you know he will be home alone. It also may be a great benefit to him during his grieving process after you eventually say goodbye to Rosie. Also, I highly recommend you look into hospice or palliative care veterinarians in your area. They usually make house calls and can guide you through this process to make it as smooth and peaceful as possible. I wish you all the best and pray your heart will find comfort during these difficult days.
I have a 12 1/2 year old German Shepherd who over the last year started seizures. At first 1-2 every month or so, now a cluster of 3 in usually 2 days. Vet did not find any disease causing these other than breed and age. Hips were fine until onset of seizures , now back legs are very week and has knuckling off and on. She seems happy after resting up for two or three days, eats well, can still poop and pee on her own, does have confusion, some vision and hearing loss. Lifting belt only needed occasionally. Big question is…. how do I know when she may be tired of life ? I will do anything for her that I can….I just don’t want to keep her going if it’s just for me and I am selfish. Advice please?
Hi Sherri,
I completely understand how hard it is to know when it’s time to say goodbye. It may not be a clear decision and is different for every dog. The main thing to remember is, even though you will be heartbroken, it is about your girl’s quality of life. I recommend you have an honest conversation with your vet. They can tell you if euthanasia is the best option or if there are medications that would help tremendously and give her some really good days ahead. I will attach some links to other articles that may help and provide additional information. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for to give you peace about your decision-making process. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl.
1. Signs Your Dog is Dying: A Caring Message to Bring You Peace
2. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
3. Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
5. In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Heartfelt Answers to 12 FAQs
I have an 11 year old GSD who I rescued late i(she was 10) and was overweight, bad nutrition, blind in one eye, witnessed shooting in the home, had access only to a dirt yard. She had old untreated broken front legs. Her teeth are squared off, she only had rocks as toys. Her owners thought it was cute, but were sadly uneducated, and had no idea why she was anxious and biting, thus difficult to place. I noticed blood on one foot after walking a couple of times. Realizing she was dragging her right hind leg we treated with first sterilizing, neosporin and bandages for a few days. I caution use of Pawz, they are meant for very very short term wear (several hous at most). They are sized improperly, buy the biggest, they cut of circulation and have no way for a wound to heal as there is NO ventilation. I cut holes on the top like a sandal in a pinch. I tried booties, and finally found YOULY, package of 4 boots for $30….with velcro, that when on properly, allow her to enjoy walking again without getting injured. She has knuckling from hip dyplasia and the boots are easy to put on. Just make sure the entire hock is down to the toe to prevent tripping. As always, watch, and walk with care at her own pace. Dying to find a strong harness with a handle to help. Recommendations for 95 lbs. also, Also, COSEQUIN maximum strength with msm was life altering when her rear started getting weak. Within a week or so, no pain and playful. This girl never had toys and wants to play all the time. I give her my all. At least her last years will be great.
Hi Susan,
I know it can be hard to find the right equipment and supplements for your dog, especially with so many options on the market. You have a dog with many challenges, and I commend you for your persistence. If you haven’t discussed your concerns with your veterinarian, I encourage you to do so. It is important to rule out any medical concerns that may need to be addressed that would affect your dog’s quality of life. Also, a veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitation may be of benefit. You mentioned needing a recommendation for a harness to help support your girl while she walks. I really like the GingerLead® Support and Rehabilitation Harness, and the Help ‘Em Up® Mobility Harness. I am glad to hear the wound on her right rear foot has healed and the Cosequin helped with her rear limb weakness. I wish you luck as you navigate the years to come with your sweet senior pup!
Looked at your JAWS method to pill my dog. Just couldn’t figure out how to give dog pill when both hands are keeping mouth open. Medium size dog…Vet put dog on Liver and Kidney supplement for 30 days. One of pills is very large about 1/2″ diameter.
Hi Peter,
Sorry to hear you are having trouble getting your pup to take the liver and kidney supplement. Sometimes you need an assistant for the JAWS method so one person can drop the pill in while the other person opens the mouth. Other times you can hold the pill between the thumb and pointer finger of the hand that is opening the lower jaw then rotate your hand so you can use your thumb and pointer finger to drop the pill in while the remaining fingers hold the lower jaw to keep it open. It isn’t easy and not all dogs with tolerate it so don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work for you. Alternatively, you could ask your vet if there is a liquid option of the supplement that might be easier to get your dog to take. The comments on the post are also full of interesting ways to disguise the pills if that is an option for your dog. Best of luck! I know it can be stressful and discouraging when you are having trouble getting your dog to take a needed pill.