Back Pain in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Back pain in dogs can significantly impact their quality of life and overall well-being. As pet owners, it's important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for back pain in dogs. Understanding these aspects can help us recognize when our furry friends are experiencing discomfort and take appropriate action to provide them with the necessary care.

In this article, we will explore the common causes of back pain in dogs, the signs to watch out for, and the various treatment options that can help alleviate their discomfort and promote healing.

Key Takeaways:

Back pain in dogs refers to discomfort or pain located in the back or spinal area.
Common causes of back pain in dogs include soft tissue injury, intervertebral disk disease, osteoarthritis, cancer, infection, fractures, and degenerative myelopathy.
It's essential to seek veterinary help if you are struggling to manage your dog's pain or if you believe their pain could be better managed.

Causes of Back Pain in Dogs

Back pain in dogs refers to discomfort or pain that affects the back and spine. It could stem from their age, their breed, or an injury they've sustained. More serious conditions like intervertebral disk disease, osteoarthritis, or even cancer could also be the cause. Understanding these causes can help pet owners recognize potential risk factors and take preventive measures.

Here's a list of breaking down each common cause:

Soft Tissue Injury

The back has many long, strong muscles supporting the spinal column. These muscles can be injured through exercise, trauma, or repetitive strain. The good news is that a soft tissue injury will usually recover with rest and painkiller medications.

Intervertebral Disk Disease

This is a serious injury often seen in shorter dogs with long backs such as the Dachshund or Corgi. Intervertebral disk disease causes sudden onset paralysis of the back legs. This condition is considered a medical emergency. A CT or MRI scan will determine the cause of the injury. If an intervertebral disk has ruptured, surgery is needed to resolve the paralysis. If the disk is not ruptured but protruding (sticking out into the spinal cord causing the paralysis), medical therapy can be attempted.

This involves rest, pain-relieving medications, and intensive nursing care in a veterinary hospital. If surgery is needed, the chance of a full recovery is around 50%, and if medical therapy is needed, the chance of recovery is around 80%.

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Arthritis can affect any age dog or breed of dog although it is more commonly seen in older dogs over seven years old. The spine is constantly moving during a dog’s life and wear and tear on the joints is an inevitable end result. The spinal column is made up of many small joints. These connect together and form the anchor for all the other bones in the body.

Over time a dog’s spine can weaken and develop osteoarthritis, which is painful and affects a dog’s ability to move freely. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through X-rays and if diagnosed, requires lifelong management to keep your pet in good health.

Cancer

Whilst dog cancer is a rare cause of back pain, it does occur. You may notice other signs like loss of appetite, weakness, or sudden weight loss. Cancer of the back in dogs is often severe and carries a poor chance of recovery. X-rays or advanced imaging will find the full extent of cancer, and if it has spread to other organs.

Infection

Dogs can get infections in the intervertebral disks caused by bacteria or fungi. Large-breed dogs are more commonly affected. Treatment is antibiotics or anti-fungal medication for long periods of time usually 6-12 months.

Fractures

Fractures cause significant pain or paralysis. Fractures can be caused by major trauma such as a road traffic accident.

Another cause of a fracture is advanced cancer, which weakens the bone so much that it breaks.

The recovery from spinal fractures in dogs is poor. When the spine fractures, the movement can permanently damage the spinal cord causing paralysis to the rest of the body.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This condition is common in older, larger breeds such as the German Shepherd. The signs are scuffing of the toes in the back legs and a gradual loss of function in both back legs leading to paralysis. It is caused by osteoarthritis in the spinal column compressing the nerves at the end of the spine. This affects nerve conduction and control over the back end. This is a crippling disease and currently, there is no cure.

Treatment is mostly supportive including toe grips, using non-slip mats around the home, hydro, and physiotherapy. You may find you need to use a sling around the belly to help your dog walk and move around the home or go to the toilet.

Signs & Symptoms of Dogs with Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem in dogs that a variety of factors such as age, obesity, injury, and certain medical conditions can cause. Here are some common back pain in dogs symptoms to look out for:

Having episodes of yelping or whimpering
Experiencing reluctance to walk or move
Showing paralysis in one or both hindlimbs
Exhibiting shaking legs or muscle spasms
Being in a stiff, hunched position
Experiencing mobility problems
Displaying behavior changes
Showing swelling or pain when touching the back
Exhibiting loss of appetite
Displaying visible marks of trauma

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment plan. Early intervention can prevent further damage and help your dog feel more comfortable and mobile.

Medicinal Pain Management Options for Spinal Trauma

Medicinal options for spinal trauma pain include NSAIDs for inflammation, gabapentin for nerve pain, codeine as an opioid painkiller, and fentanyl patches for strong relief. Each has distinct benefits and potential side effects.

Here's an explanation of each pain management option:

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications are the first-line treatment for spinal trauma. These medications reduce the production of prostaglandins in the body, which contribute to pain and fever. NSAIDs are generally safe, but there are a few side effects to be aware of including vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely kidney damage. NSAIDs are given once daily and are good at helping soft tissue injuries and osteoarthritis.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin treats nerve pain, which is especially good as spinal trauma can involve many nerves at one time due to their proximity to the spinal canal. Gabapentin changes the way pain messages are sent to the brain and reduces the frequency of the pain message sent. It is a strong painkiller and the major side effect seen is sedation, which can be addressed by reducing the dose.

Codeine

Codeine is an opioid that is the same class of drugs as morphine. Codeine blocks pain receptors in the nervous system. Therefore, whilst your dog is still feeling pain, the codeine blocks the sensation being transmitted to the brain, reducing the pain levels overall. Side effects include respiratory depression at high doses and constipation. This is a controlled drug so a limited supply will be dispensed at any one time.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl patches are applied to your dog’s skin, providing up to 72 hours of strong pain relief. Fentanyl is one of the strongest pain relief medications available to dogs and blocks pain receptors in the nerves and brain. Make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally lick or eat the patch from their body as this causes a toxic dose ingestion.

Finding the right dose

After the health check and diagnosis, your veterinarian will prescribe medication, but also book a repeat visit to check that the pain is under control. If not, further medication or supportive therapies may be recommended.

What Other Therapies Are Available to Treat Spinal Pain?

Alternative therapies for spinal pain management include acupuncture, laser therapy, and physiotherapy. These techniques can provide relief by targeting specific areas, promoting natural healing processes, and improving your dog's mobility and overall well-being.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe technique for treating many types of back pain including intervertebral disk disease, osteoarthritis, spinal nerve pain, and back spasms. Your dog will stand quietly whilst tiny needles are placed at specific points on the body.

It works surprisingly quickly and you will notice the difference immediately after the session. Acupuncture works on a short-term basis so repeat treatments, often for life, are needed to help your dog manage their pain levels.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses light to penetrate the soft tissues, ligaments, and bones. Different frequencies of light affect different structures in the body. Laser therapy is not painful, and its benefits include releasing endorphins (the body’s natural pain killer), muscle relaxation, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow to tissues which help speed up the rate of healing in the body.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps to improve blood flow to painful areas, increase the range of motion in painful limbs, and maintain muscle mass. This is important if your dog is not moving much during their recovery. Physiotherapists will teach you movement and massage techniques to help your dog cope with the pain. These daily exercises can take weeks or months to have an effect but are a natural way of helping your dog recover from a serious muscle injury or damage.

How to Prevent Back Pain in Dogs

To prevent back pain in dogs, it's important to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Here's a list describing each prevention method in depth:

Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces strain on their back and joints. Consult with your veterinarian to create a weight management plan and follow their recommended diet.
Exercise safely: Avoid excessive physical exertion that can lead to sprains and strains. Gradually increase your dog's activity levels and provide regular, moderate exercise to keep their muscles and joints strong.
Identify and treat pain early: Osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs that can cause back pain. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any signs of pain or discomfort, allowing for early intervention and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Back pain is prevalent among our aging pets, but with the right treatment and care, they can lead comfortable and joyful lives. If you suspect your dog might be suffering or believe there's room for better pain management, don't hesitate.

Schedule a pet orthopedic examination with our veterinarians today. We're committed to ensuring your furry friend receives the best care possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog breeds are most affected by back pain?

Back pain is a common problem in dogs; some breeds are more prone to it than others. A dog's conformation, genetics, and weight can all contribute to their risk of developing back pain.

Dachshunds, for example, are prone to intervertebral disk disease, while German Shepherds are prone to degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can suffer from syringomyelia, and English Bulldogs are prone to spinal malformations. Beagles can develop intervertebral disk disease and meningitis, while Rottweilers are at risk of osteoarthritis and bone cancer.

How to relieve dog back pain naturally?

To naturally relieve dog back pain, provide rest, gentle massages, and warm compresses. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet. Consider joint supplements and low-impact exercises. If pain persists, consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to carry a dog with back pain?

When carrying a dog with back pain, provide support from underneath both the chest and rear end simultaneously to distribute weight evenly. Use a sturdy, supportive carrier or blanket as a sling. Avoid putting pressure directly on the back and spine. If unsure, consult with a veterinarian for specific guidance on handling and transporting a dog with back pain.

What type of exercise should I avoid if my dog has back pain?

If your dog has back pain, it's important to avoid activities that put a strain on their back and spine. High-impact exercises like jumping, rough play, and strenuous running should be avoided. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises such as gentle walks on even surfaces and controlled movements.

Back Pain in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Table of Contents

Causes of Back Pain in Dogs

Soft Tissue Injury

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?

1. Limps after exercise or active play.

2. Has trouble keeping up on walks.

3. Is slow to get up from sitting or lying down.

4. Has difficulty jumping up and down.

5. Seems stiff when moving around.

6. Has difficulty climbing up and going down the stairs.

7. Changes in appetite - your dog is showing less interest in food.

8. Changes in grooming - your dog is not grooming as much or is licking certain areas more than usual.

9. Personality changes - your dog is less sociable than usual or is resistant to being touched.

10. Changes in potty habits - your dog is having accidents inside the house or does not want to go outside.

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