| Like humans, our canine friends often suffer back | | | | see if only the back legs are affected, or also the |
| pain. It is especially prevalent in small breeds like | | | | front legs and head. A test the toes of the back |
| Dachshund and Lhasa apso, but bigger breeds like | | | | legs demonstrates reflex responses and indicators |
| German Shepherds and Great Danes can also | | | | of pain. He may also x-ray your dog's spine, or |
| suffer. Additionally, dogs that are overweight are | | | | obtain a myelogram or CT scan. |
| more likely to have back problems than their | | | | Treatment will depend on the severity of the |
| leaner counterparts. | | | | clinical findings. Dogs with milder injuries may be |
| Some back injuries involve nothing more than | | | | treated with cortisone injections, steroidal |
| sore muscles. However, for some, disc injury or | | | | anti-inflammatory medications and rest. This helps |
| degenerative disc disease may be the problem. | | | | shrink the herniated disc and swollen tissue and at |
| This can cause extreme pain, lost muscle control, | | | | the same time relieves inflammation that has |
| nerve damage and paralysis. | | | | occurred within the spinal cord. Pain medication |
| Like man, a dog's spine is made up of small bones | | | | may also be prescribed. Surgical treatment may |
| called vertebrae. They run from the base of the | | | | be recommended if the signs are severe and do |
| skull to the end of the tail. Flexible discs made of | | | | not respond to other management trials. |
| cartilage provide a cushion between each | | | | Whether medical, surgical or a combination of the |
| vertebra. Above the discs and running through the | | | | two treatments is used, it may be several weeks |
| vertebrae is the spinal cord made up of nerve | | | | before your dog recovers fully. Crate care may |
| fibers. | | | | be recommended for at least four weeks when |
| A disc can weaken with age or trauma, causing a | | | | undergoing treatment. Rest is essential to allow |
| portion of the disc to be pushed out of place, | | | | the disc material to "scar over". Early return to |
| putting pressure on the spinal column. | | | | activity may worsen your dog's condition. Don't let |
| A dog that has suffered a disc injury will exhibit | | | | him run around the yard or go for long walks. |
| symptoms such as: | | | | Don't be fooled by what appears to be a fast |
| Yelping when handled | | | | return to normal behavior. Dogs treated with |
| Lethargy | | | | cortisone injections and steroid treatment may be |
| Shivering | | | | relieved of their pain, but the injury is still present |
| Whimpering | | | | and caution must be observed. |
| Poor appetite | | | | Don't allow your dog to jump up or down from |
| Inability to urinate | | | | objects such as the bed or the groomer's table. |
| Clumsiness | | | | When lifting your pet, never use the front legs. |
| Reluctance to maneuver steps | | | | Use both hands, supporting him from underneath |
| Walking "drunk" | | | | the rib cage and the back legs. |
| Unable to move | | | | When walking your dog, use a chest harness |
| Paralysis of back legs | | | | instead of attaching a leash directly to a collar. |
| To tell the difference between a simple sore | | | | Any jerking motion or sudden movement of the |
| muscle and disc injury, check your pet's "placing | | | | head can cause pain and reinjury. |
| response." While supporting him with one hand | | | | Use a glucosamine and chrondoitin supplement to |
| under his belly, flip one of his hind feet so that the | | | | help speed recovery and strengthen damaged |
| top of his paw is touching the ground. He should | | | | cartilage. |
| quickly place the foot right side up when you let | | | | Help your pet keep his weight down. Check by |
| go. If he doesn't, he could have nerve problems. | | | | lightly running your hands over his ribcage. If you |
| Even if he passes the test, if the pain lasts more | | | | can count each rib, he's at a good weight. If all |
| than a day or two, consult your vet. Nerve | | | | you feel is padding, it's time to try a sensible |
| problems don't always show up right away. | | | | weight-loss plan. |
| Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to | | | | 90% of all disc problems can be successfully |
| differentiate disc disease from other illnesses that | | | | treated with conservative medical management. |
| may cause similar symptoms. A neurological | | | | Don't hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you |
| assessment may include applying gentle pressure | | | | suspect a back injury. |
| to the spine to localize the pain. He may check to | | | | |