Back Pain and other Back Issues in Pets

Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain in Pets is often seen on an emergency or urgent care basis. Sometimes it is difficult to know that your pet has back pain. Their symptoms may simply be reluctance to go on a walk. Other signs reported by owners include: not jumping on the furniture as usual, crying suddenly especially when jumping off elevated areas, decreased appetite, decreased drinking, lameness in one or more limbs, slow to rise, hunched walk or aggression to housemates or strangers that is unexpected.

If back pain progresses from just pain, the patient may develop what we call “neurological deficits”. The nerves of the back conduct signals to and from the brain. If the inflammation in the spine worsens, the patient may not recognize that their paw is knuckling. The patient may also develop ataxia or a wiggly walk. Eventually, a patient afflicted by pressure and inflammation on his/her spine can become paralyzed.  

Confirming back pain

The job of the veterinarian is to take this list of symptoms and try to pinpoint where the pain is located. Sometimes, we can identify the area of pain through palpation and the patient’s response. This includes manipulating the neck gently as back pain can be localized in the neck. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate back pain from abdominal pain as dogs often have what is called “referred pain” or tension. The anticipation that anyone is touching this painful part of their body causes them to wince or tighten muscles to avoid being hurt. 

Once your pet has been diagnosed with back pain, how can we determine what is causing it?

X-Rays

Myelogram

A myelogram is a special radiograph taken after radio – opaque dye has been injected into the spinal column. This allows us to see certain types of masses or areas where an intervertebral disk may be impinging on the spinal cord.  This has been replaced with MRI and CT scan on most occasions but still can be helpful. 

CT Scan  (Commuted Tomography)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

What we may find on all of these tests?

IVDD

IVDD is the most common cause of back pain I see in urgent care and Emergency medicine. IVDD is Intervertebral disk disease.  IVDD is the degeneration of intervertebral disks. The disk may slip out of its intended position creating pressure on the nerves. Alternatively, a small soft center of the disk may slide into the spinal column creating pain and inflammation. The disk ages and becomes dehydrated. This results in less cushion between the vertebrae. Other cases of IVDD are breed related. The disk material is malformed since birth. The disks become calcified and harden. If the disk moves into the spinal column, pressing on the spinal cord, this is called disk herniation. IVDD is best visualized by MRI or CT Scan. These tests are usually reserved for patients that are having moderate to severe mobility issues. The exception is Cervical or neck IVDD. These patients may be referred to the specialist for CT scan or MRI if the pain is uncontrollable. 

Spinal Tumor

As pets age, we must be aware of the possibility of a spinal tumor although these are very rare. IVDD is a much more common cause of back pain than a spinal tumor. According to the VSSO, Spinal tumors are much more likely to occur in large breed dogs ( 90% of all cases) than small breed dogs. 28% of all spinal tumors in cats and dogs can occur in patients that are less than 3 years of age. 

Trauma

Trauma has historically been the number one cause of back pain in our veterinary patients. Luckily, I believe, we see less and less vehicular and other traumas now. However, spinal pain after an accident can be very severe. Radiographs sometimes are adequate to evaluate the spine but these patients also may need more advanced imaging. 

Diskospondylitis

Diskospondylitis is very rare. This is an infection of the growth plates of the vertebrae. Most patients will have a fever, lethargy and significant back pain. This can be seen on radiographs. Diskospondylitis is much more common in large breed dogs. 

Meningitis

Meningitis in dogs can have various causes. MRI and CT scan will appear normal. CSF tap is usually required for diagnosis. Steroid Responsive Meningitis is the most common type of meningitis in dogs. 

How to approach my pet’s back pain?

When it is determined that your dog or cat has back pain, your veterinarian will discuss a variety of approached to his/ her care. 

• If your patient is having trouble walking, we will likely recommend a referral to a Veterinary Referral Clinic which may be able to perform advanced imaging and surgery if necessary. 
• If your patient has mobility, pain medications are reasonable first line of therapy. Along with pain medications, strict rest will always be part of the treatment plan. 
• Anti – inflammatory medications including steroids may be prescribed for pain and inflammation. Pain medications should be helpful but strict rest is very important to allow the tissue to heal. 

What does “strict rest” mean?

Rest for each pet may mean slightly different things. Overall, our goal is to keep your pet’s condition from worsening. However, remember that you can be doing everything correctly and your pet may still have worsening symptoms. 

Strict rest should include as many of the following guidelines:

• Rest in kennel or cage when owner not home
• Leash should be on the halter (especially if neck pain) or collar at all times when outdoors.       
• No stairs if possible (owners are instructed to carry patient up and downstairs.          
• No jumping on or off furniture. I do not recommend lifting these patients to the bed or couch as they often jump off on their own.

Continue strict rest for 4 – 6 weeks is recommended but the veterinarian handling your patient’s case will have specific recommendations. 

In Conclusion

Back pain can be frustrating if the pain is not controlled and none of us want to see our pets in pain. Rechecks are very important as well as notifying the attending veterinarian of any changes in your patient’s condition.  Remember, Somerset Veterinary Hospital Urgent Care is available until 10 pm on weekdays for your pet’s needs. 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for your pet, please give us a call at (515) 292-0400 or request an appointment online!