Most people, at some point in their lives, experience back pain. We have many options for relieving this pain, including over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, physical therapy and surgery.
Like people, dogs can have back pain too. The question is, how can we help our dogs when their backs are bothering them? Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to relieve back pain in dogs. Before we get into those options, let's first talk a little bit about back pain itself.
What Causes Back Pain?
Spinal anatomy can get complicated, but there are some basics to know. The spinal cord consists of bony vertebrae, between which are soft cushions (called discs) that provide support and act like little shock absorbers. The central part of each disc has a squishy material. If the outer part of the disc becomes damaged, that squishy material can leak out, causing painful pressure on the spinal cord and associated nerves.
Many conditions can cause back pain in dogs, the most common of which is intervertebral disc disease. Other causes include cancer, inflammatory disorders and trauma.
Back pain in dogs manifests itself in many ways. Symptoms can include:
- Reluctance to be picked up
- Slowness when getting up
- Reduced physical activity
- Reduced appetite
- Rear leg weakness or paralysis
- Fecal or urinary incontinence
- Uncoordinated walking
- Hunched and stiff back
- Crying when touched or moved
- Growling or biting when petted
Back pain is not just uncomfortable for dogs. It can cause permanent neurologic damage if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, if you see any signs of back pain in your dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian will first conduct thorough physical and neurologic exams to localize the pain and test for certain neurologic reflexes. They will also take spinal x-rays, although these might not pinpoint the cause of the back pain. Your veterinarian might refer you to a specialist for advanced imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, which can more accurately diagnose the pain.
Helping Dogs with Back Pain
Treatment options for back pain in dogs are broadly classified as medical (non-surgical) or surgical. It is not unusual for dogs to receive both types of treatment to relieve their back pain. The exact treatment plan will depend on the pain's severity and a dog's neurologic status, both of which are determined by a veterinarian.
Medical treatment is ideal for mild back pain. Such options include:
- Back brace
- Strict cage rest
- Physical rehabilitation
- Weight loss for overweight dogs
- Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
- Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and cold laser therapy
Surgery may be necessary if medical therapy is ineffective or a dog's neurologic status rapidly worsens (if they experience symptoms like incoordination and paralysis). It is also warranted if a dog is uncoordinated or paralyzed during the initial visit to the veterinarian's office.
The goal of surgery, which should be performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon, is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord by removing the ruptured disc material. Importantly, surgery will not relieve inflammation or reverse permanent spinal cord damage. Dogs that need surgery to relieve their back pain will receive medical treatment after surgery. Post-surgical medical treatment helps to complete the healing process and restore normal functioning.
Dogs can experience back pain for many reasons. Fortunately, non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available to provide pain relief for dogs with back pain. If your dog is showing signs of back pain, contact your veterinarian promptly to give your dog the best chance of pain relief.