What can cause weak hind legs?

dayna · Oct 17, 2013

I've noticed this male angora I brought home has weak hindquarters.

The person I got him from said all his kits would be paralyzed and not able to hop on the back end.

Does anyone have ANY idea what sort of disease/genetic ailment that could cause this?

Dood · Oct 17, 2013

There are several possible causes for weak hind quarters in canines. I dont know about rabbits but they are mammals just like dogs, and share a similar genetic make-up.

The one that pops to mind is -

Canine degenerative myelopathy, also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is an incurable, progressive disease of the canine spinal cord that is similar in many ways to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Onset is typically after the age of 7 years and it is seen most frequently in the German shepherd dog, Pembroke Welsh corgi, and boxer dog, though the disorder is strongly associated with a gene mutation in SOD1

as I know of a couple boxers from the same breeder with it- very sad to see a previously energetic dog start tripping over its feet and wanting to play but are unable to

actually the saddest part is the breeder is still breeding the dogs that have the trait.

Disc disease and hip displasia are also somewhat genetic and could be the culprit. I don't know if you want to bother taking x-rays but that is likely the only way to learn if it is a bone or nerve issue.

MamaSheepdog · Oct 17, 2013

I have a book by a Vet who believes hip dysplasia is a form of scurvy. He puts the dogs on high doses of vitamin C during pregnancy and lactation, and has had litters be free of dysplasia out of dogs that had dysplastic pups in the past.

http://www.belfield.com/books.php

I don't think you would see any improvement in his condition, but C might keep him from worsening.

Considering the condition of the rabbits when you brought them home, their care seems to have been rather haphazard... maybe there is a nutritional element at work.

dayna · Oct 17, 2013

I've been emailing with the original breeder of the buck (awesome person!) and she's been giving me some great advice. She's not aware of any genetic issues with that line.

Being as they were fed a poor diet, his legs were really matted, and the cages are small, I wonder if its muscle atrophy? Or the possibility that he sprained/broke his back at some point.

I'll try to get a video today of his movement. He kinda puts his front legs forward, and doesn't hop really but brings his whole back end forward at once and almost scoots? I'm not sure. Maybe he'll have freeer movement now that he's matt free.<br /><br />__________ Thu Oct 17, 2013 6:45 am __________<br /><br />I like the Vit C idea too, can I give him a chewable or do I need special bun vitamins?

MamaSheepdog · Oct 17, 2013

Give him the chewable type.

Just to clarify, when I said I doubt his condition would improve, I meant if it was a skeletal deformity due to malnutrition. His overall health should improve under your care.