My friends 12 yr old SBT Peggy has recently developed what I can only describe as wonky legs, it only happens when she is on a smooth surface ( lino ) her back legs sort of twist outwards when she walks, when she stands still they tend to slide out from under her and if she rushes about she will stumble and fall, when she stands she also tends to have her rear legs splayed out very wide, which seems to be the only way she can stand safely. Peggy is other wise very healthy and happy, she has already been to the vet but my friend wasn't happy with the diagnosis of " old age" so she'll be going back to see a different vet, my worry is it's her spine or brain that are causing the problem, any body have any idea's what it may be ?
Oh, nearly forgot, she's well aware of where her back legs are, we tried turning over her paws and she corrected them immediately.
Jane

> it only happens when she is on a smooth surface ( lino )

Glad your friend is getting a different opinion.

Arthritis/joint problems can cause this type of thing.

My dog has arthritis in both front elbows (he'll be 4 years old soon), this causes him some problems on slippy surfaces (kitchen tiles, lamiante flooring) when he sits down, as the angle makes it hard for him to keep his legs under his chest, they try to splay outwards (sometimes he just gives in & glides into a laying postition as he's a bit of a lazy boy anyway :) )

My last dog had one hip joint removed, so 1 rear leg was only held in place with muscle, as he aged that leg had a tendancy to slip sideways from under him on slippy surfaces.

I'd be inclined to think it was arthrits or other hip problem that has only come apparent due to age (eg. muscles not as strong as before so a lax joint will not be held as firmly).

But again, defiantely a good idea to get a proper diagniosis from the vet, so they are sure what they are dealing with and the dog can get the correct treatment.

:)

Just to clarify, I've posted this in an attempt to help ease your friends worry while they await a second opinion, not as a diagnosis.

Just a thought to help on the slippery surface - Ruffwear dog boots- they are expensive,but, worth the money and help prevent further discomfort if the dog falls down on slippery surface. I found Camwddr Canine to be the cheapest and also, they sell in pairs. Some places will only sell x 4.

If this was a sudden onset could the dog have had a mild stroke?

Thanks for the idea's, I suppose she could have had a stroke, although she's showing no other sign's apart from the "disco legs", the original vet did think it may be old age arthritis but the Metacalm hasn't improved her much, but I guess if it is just lax muscle tone or ligaments no amount of Metacalm would help. Good idea about the boots, I have some in the cupboard that I used to use for Daisy, I'll take those to her today
Jane.

Sometimes in can be rear hind weakness that is linked to a problem with the main nerve that runs down the back of the spine. My Scarlet has had a wonky and shakey rear leg problem all her life, she is now 12 and 1/2 years old. I try to keep her trottong up hill to keep the muscle tone good and that helps.