If your dog is suddenly unable to rise, or can’t move its legs, it becomes a scary situation for any pet owner. However, causes for “down dog” signs can vary greatly, ranging from trauma – such as being hit by a car – to affliction with tick-borne or other diseases, just to name a few. Getting to the root of the cause of your pet’s problem may require assistance from a veterinary neurologist. Dr. Gabriel Garcia, a board-certified veterinary neurologist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, describes how veterinarians work toward a diagnosis, and why pet owners faced with this problem should not panic but rather seek immediate veterinary care for the best possible outcome.
