If you notice your Rhodesian ridgeback having trouble moving his backend, call your vet Mt. Pleasant, SC to schedule a routine wellness exam. This particular breed of dog is prone to problems with mobility; however, the breed is also prone to a serious illness called Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord, which can cause loss of mobility and feeling in the legs. Only your vet can diagnose DM. Symptoms of the disease may include a progressive weakness of the hind area, difficulty rising, difficulty jumping, stumbling, knuckling of the toes and dragging of the nails, wearing of the inner toes or the rear paws, and loss of muscle in the rear legs. The disease is not painful; however, it may cause your dog distress. The disease can develop as early as 9 years of age in most dogs. For more details, visit this website.