Dogs presenting with acute hindlimb collapse can be quite challenging. Understanding the key points from the signalment, history and clinical presentation can help us to differentiate the possible underlying causes and the best clinical approach. The differential diagnoses on diseases that typically result in acute hindlimb collapse include fractures and luxations, intervertebral disc extrusions, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy, meningomyelitis, systemic disease and even bilateral cruciate rupture. How can we differentiate them? When should we consider referral? What are my expectations in general practice dealing with these patients? How can we monitor these patients to evaluate the response to treatment? This lecture will give you a practical clinical approach on this challenging cases.

• • Understand how to list the most likely differential diagnoses based on clinical reasoning
• • Learn how to differentiate between cases that can be treated medically and cases that require surgical intervention
• • Create realistic expectations when treated dogs with acute myelopathy at your practice