Howling can indicate back pain in a dog.
Signs of back pain in dogs include changes in posture, decreased appetite, reluctance to move, or even reluctance to turn their heads and rocking when standing or walking. A dog with back pain may react negatively when his back is touched. You may have an arched back or a cautious posture, and you may have an obvious spinal deformity. Mild back pain in dogs can prevent them from climbing stairs or jumping. In the most severe cases of back pain in dogs, they may be unable to walk and howl in pain when movement changes the position of the spine.
A dog with back pain may react negatively when his back is touched.
Determining if a dog is experiencing back pain typically begins with a review of his complete medical history, followed by a complete neurological exam. This will determine if the pain is really in the neck or in the spinal region. Tests the vet will run at this time may include a basic blood test, abdominal x-rays, spinal x-rays, or serology in the case of infectious diseases.
Reluctance to move the head when walking can be a sign of back pain in dogs.
Various factors can cause back pain in dogs. Diseases of the epaxial muscles, including bite wounds, inflammation, and infection, can cause back pain in dogs. Vertebral disc disorders and spinal cord trauma can also cause back pain in dogs. Vertebral cancer is another cause. It can also be caused by a disorder of the meninges, the membranes that cover the spine and brain.
Veterinarians can prescribe medications to relieve a dog’s back pain.
Unsurprisingly, treating back pain in dogs is as simple as the nature of its cause. For example, minor spinal cord injuries require only activity limitation and corticosteroids. Cancer, on the other hand, would require a surgical procedure that might not work the first time.
There are a few things an owner can do to make a dog feel better despite back pain. Keeping the animal in a calm environment prevents it from becoming stressed or excited, which would further damage back problems and encourage more pain. It is also important that the dog stays in an environment where it does not move around much. Just like humans, dogs need complete rest when dealing with any type of pain, especially back pain.