Dog Back Pain
Dog back pain is something that many dogs will have to deal with at some point in their lives. If your dog is having a hard time doing regular, everyday things, such as bending down to eat or hop up on the couch, it could be that your dog is suffering from back pain.
Dogs are not great at telling us what is wrong with them. In an article written by Sam Bourne he list some of the main causes for dog back pain.
- Slipped Disc
- Muscle Spasm
- Genetics
- Enlarged Prostate
- Meninges Disorders
- Cancer
1.SLIPPED DISC
You might be able to tell if your dog has a slipped disc if they start carrying their back in an arched, or rigid, position.
2. MUSCLE SPASM FROM OVEREXERTION
If you have an older dog, overexertion could cause a back flare up. Chances are it’s just a sign of aging.
3. GENETICS
Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to having chronic back pain, such as:
- Dachshunds,
- Shih Tzus,
- Pekingese, and
- Lhasa Apsos.
4. ENLARGED PROSTATE
If your dog has back pain and they are also having difficulty with bowel movements, chances are they have an enlarged prostate, which could be putting pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in a significant amount of pain.
5. DISORDERS OF THE MENINGES
The meninges are the membranes that cover the brain and spine. An infection, or inflammation, of these membranes can cause soreness and stiffness along your dog’s spine.
6. CANCER
Likely the most frightening cause on the list, back pain could be caused by cancer, when a tumor is found growing on the vertebrae, nerve roots, or the soft tissues around the spine.