I replied to your other question....
quote follows:
While constipation is a possibility, this sounds more like lower back pain. The question is when pets with back pain get constipated, do they hurt their backs from straining to defecate OR do they not want to try as hard to defecate and wind up constipated because their back hurts. I see a number of cases like this every week .
The pain may have her "distracted" from his surrounding environment and may make her act depressed. Other possible causes could be exposure to chemicals/toxins/medications (may cause many nervous system signs) and also could be due to overheating and gastrointestinal problems - usually these are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. More than likely, he has "pulled a muscle" of some sort.
It is possible in pets for strains and sprains to occur, and the most common areas are in the neck and Back. Some may result in severe pain. Sometimes spinal cord injuries can occur, often due to a "slipped disk." The more severe the pain is, the more likely that the injury is serious. This often follows vigorous exercise, about 12 hours later, or sometimes can occur by twisting or turning 'the wrong way.' The panting and rapid breathing may be associated with pain, and may indicate that the pain is severe. Sometimes there can be problems with the disks in the neck - this is an emergency. If your pet has difficulty walking or cannot seem to feel where his feet are, take him to an emergency veterinarian immediately for pain medications, x-rays, and possible injections.
We all know how bad back and neck pain can hurt, so having your regular Veterinarian administer pain medications and muscle relaxers is advised....ESPECIALLY if it gets worse. Rest is also advised. The less your pet moves, the better and faster they will heal. Please do not give over the counter pain medications such as aspirin or Tylenol - these can be toxic and will severely limit the medications which a veterinarian may need to use on a future visit to help your pet.
Most starting medications are Rimadyl, Tramadol, and Methocarbamol----available by prescription.
Please let me know if I can help further.
Dr. Gordon
Dog Veterinarian
Chief of Staff, Senior ER Clinician
Many times back pain is not easily detected unless you know exactly where to look. Pressing lightly on the sides of her spine from her ribs back to her pelvis may make her slighty tuck her abdomen or move her skin in a twitching motion. I am speaking in general about maltese and other long backed dogs, they often still walk well and run. Shaking or trembling usually indicates pain somewhere in the body, and constipation may also cause significant pain. Constipation can be difficult to determine without x-rays. Many times a veterinarian will need to administer an enema to help with this, however in a few cases, 1 capsule (or tablet) of Dioctyl Sodium Sulfate may be helpful.(also known as DSS, and available over-the-counter as Docusate, DocQSate, and other brand names-----listed as a stool softener).This may also cause diarrhea. Alternatively 2 to 4 tablespoons of mineral oil may help, depending on the severity of constipation.
Dr. G