Neck and Back Pain in Dogs

Your pet can exhibit a myriad of signs that his back or neck are causing him aches or twinges. You may see some of the following symptoms in your pet, signalling that a visit to the veterinarian is needed.

• Arched back
• Head held low
• Muscle spasms
• Vocalization of pain
• Unsteady gait
• Slow gait
• Difficulty rising
• Decreased appetite
• Reluctance to be around others
• Extended neck
• Stiff neck
• Pain when defecating
• Incontinence
• Muscle wasting
• Weakened reflexes
• Loss of sense of paw placement
• The tail can be held low or in a crooked position

Many conditions cause significant pain in the neck or back, a few of which are listed here.

Degenerative diseases

Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease

• The jelly-like inner part of the disc loses it softness, becomes dry, and herniates
• Can suppress the spinal cord
• Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, and Beagle are predisposed to this condition, occurring as early as one to two years of age

Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis

• Results in compression of the spinal cord and nerves
• German Shepherds are especially prone and the age range for starting the disease is 3 to 7 years

Trauma

• Injury can cause damage to tissue and the spinal cord
• Onset can happen suddenly due to an accident like collision with a vehicle

Tumors

Nephroblastoma

• Occurs in German Shepherds mainly, from age 5 months to 3 years
• Causes paralysis is the legs
• In addition, other tumors can appear as a result of metastatic spread of another cancer

Inflammatory disease

• Polyarthritis causes neck pain and can be infectious or immune-mediated
• Meningomyelitis can be related to a disease of the central nervous system or the spinal cord with Maltese, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier breeds most prone

Congenital malformations

• Atlantoaxial subluxation refers to instability between vertebrae, particularly C1 and C2
• Toy breeds, specifically Yorkshire Terriers, are predisposed

When you bring your pet into the clinic for a diagnosis for back or neck pain, the veterinary team will handle your dog with the utmost care. It is possible that your furry family member is suffering from a fair amount of pain. Your veterinarian may be able to tell by your pet’s stance that pain is present.

The veterinarian will begin with a physical examination which will include a check for neurological signs that could indicate a problem. This is a good time to provide your veterinarian with any pertinent information you may have on your pet’s health. Questions that may be asked that can provide insight as to why your dog is so uncomfortable.

• How long has your pet had these symptoms?
• Have they worsened over time?
• Are they constant or intermittent?
• Has he had any falls or similar traumas recently?
• Has your dog been ill or has he been prescribed any medication of late?
• How is his appetite?
• Does your dog yelp out in pain when touched?

Breed disposition and the age of your dog will be considered as the diagnostic process continues. Standard tests that will be done are urinalysis, complete blood count, and blood chemistry. Some neck and back pain causes (like a virus or fungal infection) can be reflected by this simple type of testing.

Additional methods for determining the cause could be taking a tissue sample from a wound, or drawing out cerebral spinal fluid for analysis of abnormalities. Cervical spine and thoracic radiographs could show fractures or degeneration. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scan could help to narrow down the questions for the cause. The myelogram, which is when contrast dye is injected around the spinal cord and then viewed, can clearly show disc problems and their location.

Because of the broad range of conditions that can bring on mild to intense neck and back pain for your canine companion, treatment will vary depending on the extent of the pain and what is causing it. In some cases, an underlying disease process needs to be addressed. In other instances, the back or neck may be the main focus of treatment.  

When the reason for the neck or back pain is of an infectious nature, antibiotics and rest may be the only therapy required. Other conditions, like stabilizing a disc, could be improved with cage rest sometimes for as long as 4 to 6 weeks. Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers will be prescribed in addition. Many pets who have pain associated with the neck or back require surgical treatment. Spinal cord compression and tumors are two examples where surgical methods will work best, keeping in mind that the degree of the injury or stage of disease will play a big part in the outcome for your dog.