What is Neck and Back Pain?
Pain in the neck or the back in our canine friends is seen relatively often in the veterinary clinic. Because there are so many illnesses or conditions that can manifest with pain in this area, and the fact that our pets are not able to describe to us the discomfort they are in, it can be sometimes hard to diagnose. As pet owners, we can best tell that our pet is in pain by always being aware of behavioral changes and noticing when they seem to have limitations in activity that they did not before. Episodes of pain can range from mild to severe, with variances in longevity and occurrence. The resolution of back pain will depend on the cause. Any sign of pain in your pet should be checked out by a veterinarian without delay.
Many medical conditions are the source of significant neck and back pain in dogs. The amount of pain, and the reason for it will be related to the type of disease or injury your pet is afflicted with and the location of the problem within the neck and spine area.
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Symptoms of 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
Causes of Neck and Back Pain in Dogs
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
- A rare tumour that occurs mostly 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
- Atlanto-axial subluxation refers to instability between vertebrae, specifically C1 and C2
- Toy breeds, specifically Yorkshire Terriers, are predisposed
Diagnosis of Neck and Back Pain in Dogs
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 picked up 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.. Cervical spine and thoracic radiographs could show fractures or degeneration. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scan could help to narrow down the possibilities. The myelogram, which is when contrast dye is injected around the spinal cord and then viewed, can clearly show disc problems and their location.
Treatment of Neck and Back Pain in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Neck and Back Pain in Dogs
Recovery will be contingent on the repair needed or extent of the pain, your pet’s response to the therapy, and the degree of degeneration involved. For some dogs, cage rest and exercise restriction will be enough to repair and correct a condition that is causing back and neck aches. For others, a more extensive treatment plan will be needed. If your pet requires surgery, for example, a hospital stay and perhaps lengthy physical therapy could be recommended. If your furry family member has experienced a loss of sensation along with the pain, the prognosis could be less favorable. Your veterinarian will discuss all possible avenues for your dog with the main goal in mind of attaining a good quality of life.
Neck and back pain can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Neck and Back Pain Average Cost
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Neck and Back Pain Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
1.5 years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Whining
Our lab seems to be whining in pain occasionally for no apparent reason. He’s eating and drinking well, using the bathroom, and still playing. We think (but aren’t certain) that the pain whines seem to happen when he lowers his head, but not always. He’s chewing an antler right now with nothing bothering him. I don’t want to miss anything being wrong but there is clearly something hurting him.
July 23, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
Some dogs can have neck pain causing them to be very painful when moving their neck. If this continues, it would be best for your vet to see your dog. They may want to take x rays and start him on pain medication to help him feel much better.
I hope that your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 23, 2020
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Siberian Husky
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Back Pain, Restlessness
Two weeks ago my Husky was showing signs of exercise intolerance. We went on our daily run and he vomited about half way through. Did this two days in a row. Was seen by a vet and r/o a blockage. Lethargy started and got worse over time. Blood work was all normal, vitals normal, and pooping/peeing eating/drinking normal. He whines when getting on or off furniture. Or going up and down stairs. Sometimes whines when he changes positions. Today he wouldn’t lower his head to eat, he pawed at it until I lifted it for him.
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
While it is difficult to say without examining him, from your description, it does sound like he is having neck pain. If he is currently on Meloxicam, he may need some adjunct pain control to help get his over this, and x-rays may be a good idea if they haven't been taken yet. It would be best to call your veterinarian, let them know that he still seems painful, and see what their recommendations might be.
I hope that he feels better soon.
July 18, 2020
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Siberian Husky
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Back Pain, Restlessness
Two weeks ago my Husky was showing signs of exercise intolerance. We went on our daily run and he vomited about half way through. Did this two days in a row. Was seen by a vet and r/o a blockage. Lethargy started and got worse over time. Blood work was all normal, vitals normal, and pooping/peeing eating/drinking normal. He whines when getting on or off furniture. Or going up and down stairs. Sometimes whines when he changes positions. Today he wouldn’t lower his head to eat, he pawed at it until I lifted it for him.
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
While it is difficult to say without examining him, from your description, it does sound like he is having neck pain. If he is currently on Meloxicam, he may need some adjunct pain control to help get his over this, and x-rays may be a good idea if they haven't been taken yet. It would be best to call your veterinarian, let them know that he still seems painful, and see what their recommendations might be.
I hope that he feels better soon.
July 18, 2020
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Australian Shepherd
11 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
High Pitched Yelp Everytime She Loves Her Neck A Certain Way, Usually Very Active But Now Doesn’T Want To Get Up, Lethargic, Slow, Doesn’T Want To Go For Walks
we took her to the veterinary emergency clinic and they said “it wasn’t urgent” and didn’t even do scans. they just told us to watch her. her back is very stiff and hard, and she seems to be getting worse. we suspect some type of pinched nerve possibly. we think this injury occurred when she jumped on the couch from the backs and landed wrong. we are not sure however because she showed no indication of injury after that and only started showering symptoms later that night. she is eating regularly and drinking water. her stool is also normal.
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that is happening with your dog. There are medications that can help her if she has a pinched nerve in her neck and seems painful. Muscle relaxants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories can help, and having her seen by your regular veterinarian may be a good idea. They may pay more attention to her than the experience you had at the ER. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 9, 2020
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Chihuahua
Chewy
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
Two days ago my baby hurt herself when she got excited. I took her to the ER and the vet said she had luxating patella. The nxt day she was in excruciating pain so I took her back in. The vet examined her and said he sprained her neck and back most likely from jumping off the bed. She was prescribed Deramaxx and Gabapentin and to be crated for 2 wks. I started the meds as soon as we got home last night. Today she seems worse. Crying a lot more and won't poop although she's eating. How long until the pain gets better? How long until she's showing SOME signs of relief? I can't afford to take her back again but seeing her suffer is breaking my heart. Does it usually take a few days to feel better, it's only been 24hrs, or should she be doing better?
Aug. 13, 2018
1 Recommendations
The pain medication/anti inflammatories will start working straight away but it may take some time before any relief will be seen and this will depend on the specific nature of the neck injury; I cannot give you a specific time frame as I don’t know how severe the injury is and I haven’t seen an x-ray to look for any issues with intervertebral discs etc… Keep Chewy rested in the crate and give the medication as prescribed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Gord
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Yelping
Our 2-year-old Bernese Mountian dog started yelping randomly for no real reason. We noticed a day after the yelping started his front right leg was limping when walking. We thoroughly examined his paw, leg, and shoulder, prodding for pain pressure points but nothing got a response from him. On day-2 we realized it may be neck related as when he walked sniffing the grass he didn't limp, and when petting his neck near his head he started to yelp. He seems to be moving better on day-3 and now that we know where the pain is we are being very sensitive to his issues. We are reluctant to visit the vet as anesthetic would likely be needed for an X-Ray. We are restricting his movement and having him rest currently. His appetite for regular kibble is down, but the introduction of eggs has him scarfing food down. His disposition, while a little more reserved is the same; his tail is often wagging!
Neck and Back Pain Average Cost
From 50 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
$8,500
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