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My dog cries when I pick him up or when he jumps off the bed. He's not limping, he walks fine, and he can turn his neck. What could be wrong with him? I adopted him from a shelter over a year and a half ago so I'm not exactly too sure about his breed, but from what the shelter said he is a rat terrier and a chihuahua mix. He's 3 1/2 years old.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Dog Gender: Male Name of Animal: Panchy
Hi,I am sorry to hear your dog is uncomfortable. Without an exam I can only give your hints of what might be going on. Often when there is pain being picked up or jumping, the problem is in the spine. It could be the neck but you say he turns his head fine. More commonly it is a problem in the lower back from near the ribs to the pelvis. Often there is an unstable intervertebral disc space that is herniating disc material below the spinal cord. It can be more than one disc space involved. I recommend restricting activity for a week or so, leash walk only to go to the bathroom, carry up the stairs and no jumping at all. If the problem continues or especially if it is getting worse, go to your veterinarian for an exam, x rays of the thoraco-lumbar spine (chest to pelvis) and screening blood work for ruling out other problems along with screening for non steroidal pain medication if needed. It can be something else but commonly this is the problem. When picking him up make certain you don't pick him up under the front legs and support the middle of the body when picking up. Good luck on this.Dr. Jay Mawhinney
Thank you for your quick response. Could this also be something caused by a dog being overweight? He weighs 13 pounds. I don't know what a dog his size is supposed to weigh because he's a mixed breed. He is a little on the chunkier side, but nothing extreme. I feed him once every morning at the same time and he only gets rewarded with a treat when he goes poop.
Actually just like us, being overweight puts extra strain on your joints and lower back. Not too bad an idea to start cutting back on food and even better, if he is noticeably overweight, ask your veterinarian about prescription diet food. These are balanced and about 40-50% less calories per serving. Do restrict his activity etc. as suggested above.
I'm sorry I keep asking so many questions, I just want to make sure I take the right precautions. When I feel the side of his ribs it feels like somethings poking out. He's been like that since I adopted him and I've taken him to the vet before and he didn't mention anything about it. Could this be a possible factor too?
Not too likely. The last ribs are floating. They can be more easily palpated since they are shorter and are at the end of the rib cage towards the abdomen. Even if there was an old fracture, it would have healed or caused problems long before. Just remember if with restriction and no jumping, if there still is discomfort please go to your veterinarian as recommended.
Experience: 34+ years experience in day practice and in critical care.
I hope things are better or that you took him for an exam and medical workup.