I have a couple questions about muscle atrophy in dogs

[CassEver]

I've had my dog for a little over 6 years now, and it never really occurred to me that he could have a problem (granted, I got him when I was 12). When he runs, he only uses his hind left leg, picking up his right and not letting it touch the ground. If he's just walking, he'll use the right, but only if it's a slow walk. He's a rescue, and was not properly taken care of during the developmental stages of his life. He wasn't let out of his cage at all the first 9 months, so I was thinking that maybe his muscles weren't able to properly develop? I don't know how to go about getting help for him, and I'm worried this will be his downfall as he grows older. Please share any information you have. Thank you.

[Joywolf]

Have you seen a vet if it is starting to be a bigger problem call your vet and ask about it .

[Ghilly]

Small dogs, especially small dogs that were bred by people who didn't bother to do health testing first, are predisposed to something called a luxating patella.  In human terms it amounts to a trick knee.  

There are varying grades of subluxation, from grade 1, which is mild and causes them to "bunny hop" when they run holding the affected leg up, to grade 4 which is painful enough for them to not want to put the paw down at all, even when they are just walking.

A grade 1 and even a grade 2, especially in a small, lightweight dog, can usually be left alone.  A grade 3 and certainly a grade 4 should be surgically corrected so that the dog doesn't have to live in constant pain.

I hope this addresses your question.  If you have any other questions, please post back.

Ghilly