Hind leg failure

He has been healthy for the 4 years that we have had him.  My dog has had a problem with his hind legs since 10/31/2009, I took him to the vet 11/2.  He had x-rays done and they came back ok.  When I took him back the second time 11/5 he was unable to eat, drink and was constipated; he also had dry poop in him that the vet had taken out of him.  We were told to try and give him enema and he only poops with that.  Now he's back to not eating and not able to go to the bathroom, he's barely walking unless forced.  What could have caused this?

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

This sounds like a very serious problem with the neurological function.  With x-rays you know basic skeletal function and formation, and you can see general soft tissue status.  

The problem you face may be "soft tissue" in origin and therefore may be difficult if not impossible to diagnose with simple x-rays.  Other testing will need to be done.  

Neurological infection (say viral), tumor (spine or abdomen), blood clots etc. and the list goes on - and as you can see may be very difficult to diagnose.  

Please work with your veterinarian closely for a diagnosis.  You may also want to see if you can find a veterinarian who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine (ACVIM) as they have advanced training in such diagnostics.  

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

Hello,

I agree with Dr. Humphries comments.
There are many possible causes as Dr. Humphries stated.

Since the x-rays are not showing the problem, I would ask your vet to run a complete set of blood (CBC and Chemistry Profile) and urine tests (urinalysis) so that you can evaluate the internal status of your dog.

Once you have this information, it should help to narrow down a diagnosis.

Because your dog is not eating, it is also important to maintain hydration levels and prevent dehydration.

I hope this is helpful.

Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM