Back Problems in Dogs

Back problems in dogs are not rare. Dogs are highly physically active and keep on experiencing physical injuries and traumas. Sometimes, it gives rise to severe back problems in dogs. Apart from accidental wounds, there can be a lot more possible causes of dog's back problems. A veterinarian can evaluate the exact reason behind the back pain and other problems in dogs but finding out that your furry friend is suffering from some sort of back problem is your responsibility. Watch for the following symptoms to determine whether your dog is suffering from some kind of back problem or not.

Symptoms of Back Problems in Dogs

• Change in the posture of dog
• Fever, inactiveness and poor appetite
• Arched back and guarded stance
• Yelling out with movement of spine
• Reluctance to jump or climb on chair
• Paralysis of one or both the legs
• Crying on being petted and touched
• Shaking of the back end
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

Causes of Back Problems in Dogs

• Muscle diseases of the back or neck caused by injuries of the soft tissues, bite wounds, microbial infection and inflammation.
• Kidney infection by bacteria leptospirosis often causes pain that is felt on the back. This is one of the serious lower back problems in dogs that needs immediate medical attention.
• Recurrence of muscle spasms may be a possible cause of back problem in dogs.
• Degeneration or infection of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine in dogs often cause mild to severe back pain in dogs.
• Membranes cover the brain and spine. They are termed as meninges. Microbial infection may result in inflammation of meninges, called meningitis. It is another cause of back pain in dogs. See meningitis symptoms in dogs.
• Fracture or disruption of the spine causes very sharp back pain in dogs. If your furry friend falls from a height, you should take him to veterinarian for complete evaluation even if everything appears to be fine.
• Interestingly, obesity is a possible cause of back problems in dogs. The reason is that extra body weight exerts extra pressure on the spine.
• Cancerous growth of nerve roots, vertebrae tissues and other cells around the spine are another cause of mild to very sharp back pain in dogs.

Home Treatments for Back Problems in Dogs

• In case of muscle spasms, search for small knots on the dog's spine by moving your fingers in circular motion. Apply gentle pressure on them for a period of 10-15 seconds, and then release. Do it for 5-6 times a day. It will ease the condition.
• Use muscle relaxers for dogs.
• Give your canine friend appropriate rest. Make his living as comfortable as possible.
• Keep the weight of your dog under control.
• Glucosamine is known to heal the tissue fibers between the vertebrae. Add glucosamine supplements in your dog's diet.
• In case of chronic back problems in dogs, placing a heating pad for twice or thrice a day for a period of 10-20 minutes will help a lot in treatment.

Know more on:

• Dog Care Information
• Dog Health Problems

The above suggested home remedies for back problems in dogs will definitely give you positive results. But medical evaluation of the exact cause and treatment is a must. Therefore, take your canine friend to a veterinarian and strictly follow the advises given by him.