VETS? HELP! My dog is hurting -- serious problem? PLS READ?

Question

My dog was lying in my room & when I went to take him out he slowly walked to the stairs (he'd have to walk down 7 stairs). Instead of coming down he laid down on the top stair & he yelped when we tried to coax him down. I checked him & he was shaking & when I went to see what was wrong I tried to pick him up he yelped & snapped at me. I got a treat to see if he'd eat it. Initially no, which is very strange for him, but then he did eat it.

I thought it was a broken or badly sprained limb. I tried to get him into the crate & he yelped like crazy & was biting. I called the vet just as they were closing. Eventually he made it to the living room. While he lie there I bent each joint & pushed on all parts of his stomach, body, etc. to locate the pain but can't find anything. He did walk to the kitchen for dinner scraps so I thought he was OK, but now he is just laying halfway under the bed & depressed.

Does this seem like something serious or just a mild sprain or tummy ache?

He is a 6 year old Lhasa Apso and this is the first time he has ever acted this way.

Thanks

Answer 1

Sounds like back pain. It's common in long, low breeds of dogs. He may have a slipped or bruised disc. It can happen all of a sudden, with little warning. You should not encourage him to exercise. Keep him still & quiet until you can get him to the vet. And get him there a.s.a.p. No stairs, or jumping on furniture until you find out what it is. If this is a disc problem, & you don't get him treated for it, it could lead to paralysis. Sometimes just steroids & rest will fix them right up, sometimes they need surgery. Good luck with him

Answer 2

Hard to get a vet on weekends! I am not but will try to help here. 14 yrs plus in animal rescue. I can assume the snapping at you is not normal? Even the best pet will behave that way if in real pain. You did not give past medical care so do not know when last seen at vet.

inside of ears normally cool unless running a fever so check that. Hot ears indicate fever. Try a gentle re exam of joints and spine to see if get a response as to what area hurting. Check for swollen belly. Any change in urinating or bowel? Must keep fluids in dog. Avoid scraps in case it is stomach related.

If you locate a joint/spine area of pain apply cold packs for max 10-15 minutes and then off for another 20-30 minutes. If area appears swollen or hot! Watch dog walk and look for clues. Keep it away from steps.
Check the gums. They should be pink not pale or whitish. That's not good. Keep a close eye on doggie. Lethargic is not good either. Most vets have a emergency message after hours and a number to call the vet directly.

I wish could do a one on one here as need more info. Any way dog could have been injured while out playing. Kids that might have accidentally gotten too rough? Stop and think back over the last few days for clues. Don't let get chilled or dehydrated overnite. I would strongly advise a call to vet, especially if signs of fever, worse pain, won't eat or drink, pale gums, changes in stool, etc.

Dogs can strain a muscle or irritate a joint. As with humans-cold is used to reduce swelling. Later heat pack and soft massaging of area if tolerated. If signs of fever the cold packs will help lower. Do not give any human meds!! Top temp on dog is 101.5 rectal. Not sure of ear temp as most vets do rectal temp.

If in doubt and getting worse find a vet! Hoping this is nothing serious. Small breeds can get real sick real fast.

Answer 3

If your dog is in this much pain, get him to an emergency vet clinic. It could be that he has an injured disc in his back, which is common in dogs that are long and low like Lhasas, or he could have some other problem. Anyway, he needs pain medication, and fast. If he is trying to bite you, then he is telling you "OUCH!!"

The vet may recommend to take xrays, if they think that it is an orthopedic problem, or if it is internal. They may also recommend several kinds of pain medication. But just get your dog to one, because he needs some help. And unfortunately, without an exam, no one should be recommending any medication because it is impossible to diagnose without an exam. Even aspirin can be dangerous with certain conditions.

Good luck, and I hope your pup is ok!

Answer 4

this sounds very serious. though i am not a vet, i have had a dog who did do this and it was serious and the shaking and biting means he is in much pain. You should take your poor thing to the vet asap. Even if you can't find out whats wrong, your vet will and you will be able to give him the treatment he needs. By the way my dog had gall stones and they were very painful for him. Only the vet was able to tell us what was wrong. We had no way of knowing ourselves. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

I would take him to a vet that's open 24/7. There is one up in Reading, don't know where you live. An animal won't bite like that unless he is in pain. SOmething is going on.

Answer 6

Off the top of my head.... a sprain, a break or even displaced hips, arthritis, muscle spasms....

When you called the vet.. what did they recommend... is there an emergency vet clinic in your area?

Please see the vet as soon as is possible :)

Answer 7

Sounds like he ruptured something. Get your dog to a vet
ER now. Once an animal gets sick they go down hill fast.
Don't wait. Your friend is in pain and is suffering. The
longer you wait the worse it will be for your dog. Good luck and I hope everything turns out well for your dog.

Answer 8

Your dog definitely needs to see a vet to properly diagnose what is wrong. He's obviously in some kind of pain, considering his behavior.

Answer 9

I would take him to an emergency vet, or at the very least, call one and ask for advice. I hope your dog feels better and it's nothing serious.

Answer 10

I am a vet tech ... If your vet is closed find a ER vet and take him NOW some thing is very wrong