Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you where it hurts, and when your dog is hurt and clearly in pain, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact location. Your veterinarian may even have trouble determining the location. Finding the underlying cause of neck and back pain may take some time as there are numerous potential causes.
Your dog will undergo a comprehensive physical examination from your veterinarian, who will take into account the background history of symptoms and any potential incidents that may have contributed to this condition. The health history of your dog, the onset of the symptoms, the types of symptoms they have been representing, and any potential contributing factors to the injury must all be described in as much detail as you can. A chemical blood profile, complete blood count, urinalysis, and spinal fluid analysis will all be done as baseline blood tests by the physician. Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and X-ray imaging of the abdominal and spinal regions are additional diagnostic procedures that could be used to definitively determine the cause of the back pain. A neurological examination and a myelogram, in which a radiopaque substance is injected into the spine’s subarachnoid space to make the spine and its nerves more visible on an X-ray, are two other crucial tests.
Because there are so many different causes of neck and back pain, the type of treatment depends on the disease and how much the tissues in the spine are affected. Your pet might need to stay in the hospital, depending on the plan from the veterinarian. Treatments frequently involve either surgery, painkillers for dogs, or both.
Anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics, and chemotherapy are some possible treatments. However, surgery is necessary when there has been spinal trauma, paralysis, an infection of the disc or vertebrae, and/or cancer that has spread close to the spinal cord.
Your pet will require plenty of home care. Make sure you adhere to the veterinarian’s instructions regarding medications and subsequent assessments. Observe any alterations, look for indications of improvement, and notify the veterinarian. Avoid moving your pet and wait for a vet’s okay before letting them exercise. Although some animals with neck and back pain recover well, the condition can be very serious and even fatal in some cases.
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Getting to the bottom of your pup’s pain
People frequently experience a shooting pain that worsens with even the slightest movement, which is especially common in the neck and back. The neck and back pain we experience is also felt by our pets, particularly dogs. They often yell or whimper when they move in certain ways, which is how you can tell. Â.
Your dog may be in pain for a number of reasons, and there are numerous treatments that can make them feel better. Dr. The on-staff veterinarian at Fetch by The Dodo, Aliya McCullough, explains the causes of canine neck and back pain and how to make them more comfortable. â.
What causes back and neck pain in dogs?ââ
The most typical cause of neck and back pain in dogs is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is also known as a slipped or bulging disc in the spine. The breakdown of disc material, which can result from genetics, causes IVDD. Normally, the disc material between the vertebrae and spine serves as a shock absorber, so as it degrades, your pet suffers a great deal of pain. However, if your veterinarian rules out this possibility as the source of your dog’s back or neck pain, inquire about trauma, infections, or tumors. Â.
Certain dog breeds are more likely to experience neck pain as well. Back pain can affect any dog with a long back and short legs. Unfortunately, dog breeds with a higher risk of IVDD include dachshunds, beagles, poodles, German Shepherds, Shih Tzus, bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apsos. However, back or neck pain can occur in any dog at any time during their lifetime. â.
Causes Of Neck Pain In Dogs
Your pet’s neck pain may have a number of different underlying causes. In order to better identify and treat the source in the event that their canine friend experiences neck pain, pet owners should be aware of some of the potential root causes. A veterinary clinic’s x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging are the only ways to detect many of these problems.
Disclaimer: The following details are meant to serve as a starting point for owners to determine potential causes of canine neck pain. This information is not intended to create a definitive diagnosis. Owners of pets should bring them to a veterinary clinic for any necessary diagnostic tests and to get a professional doctor’s assessment.
Dogs can feel pain from the aging-related growth spurts just like humans do. As a dog ages, the bones change positions and become thicker. This is how dogs naturally get bigger, but occasionally these spurts of growth can cause the emergence of neck and back pain.
Dogs can be an excitable bunch. They frequently exhibit this through their movements, including hopping, running, walking on their hind legs, and more. Crazy behaviors of all kinds can be an energetic and enthusiastic pet. If your dog jumps or hops around excessively, this could eventually lead to a sore or stiff neck or other problems like back pain. Unfortunately, some dogs might get a little too excited and unintentionally hurt themselves while expressing it.
Some puppies may be born with issues that cause neck pain. The neck bones in some smaller dogs, in particular, may not fuse properly. This results in an unsteady connection that impairs motion and is extremely uncomfortable. In more severe cases, these developmental problems can cause excruciating chronic pain and even paralysis.
How you feed your pet can also affect whether they experience neck pain. The position of your dog’s head when reaching for food, for example, can have a significant impact on the health of its neck. If your dog consistently does this, eventually it may experience pain and restricted movement.
Damage to the disc’s material is a common cause of a slipped disc. Despite being a common condition in dogs, this one can cause a lot of pain. Although surgery is frequently necessary to treat this injury, in some cases, a lengthy period of cage rest may be beneficial.
Sometimes called wobbler syndrome, because of the “wobbling” gait it causes, this issue is often found in large dogs. This issue can occur when the disc material pushes against the spinal cord or expands rapidly from the bones. Treatment for cervical intervertebral disc disease often requires surgery to decompress and alleviate the symptoms.
FAQ
What can you do for a dog with a stiff neck?
If you suspect your dog is suffering from neck or back pain, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Anti-inflammatory drugs and plenty of rest are typically effective in treating a dog’s back and neck pain, but your veterinarian will know what’s best.
How can you tell if your dog has neck pain?
Vocalization, muscle spasms (often felt but not always seen), lower head carriage during and/or immediately after palpation, and/or ear pinnae shifting caudally are the most typical behaviors displayed by dogs with neck pain.
Why is my dogs neck stiff?
Dogs frequently experience neck pain due to a number of ailments, including meningitis, inner ear infections, soft tissue injuries, cervical IVDD, and atlantoaxial instability. You should see a veterinarian if you are worried that your dog may be experiencing neck pain.
Why does my dog cry when I touch his neck?
Your dog may yelp when touched or cry out after being touched for a number of reasons. It’s possible that your dog is experiencing stress or physical pain. Your dog may also be overexcited or looking for attention at the moment.