My dog has back pain. Crate rest makes him worse. What are my options?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. At Peques's age neck pain is usually caused by intervertebral disc problem or chronic arthritis / spondylitis. X-ray/CT scan is helpful to identify what is the problem and to decide what is the best treatment. If Peques is still showing signs of pain and crating is not a viable option, getting a second pain killer will be probably the best course of action. Your local vet will be able to prescribe him an anti-inflammatory medication or a different pain killer for a trial to see if they can keep him pain free.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are medications to help with back pain but none of them are over the counter unfortunately. The one thing you can do at home which is often times the most important component of medical therapy for back pain is rest him. This means limiting Buddy's activity to just walks to go to the bathroom but otherwise to keep him calm. I recommend that you have Buddy evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain control medications. Good luck and have a good night!

I would be inclined to think that since your vet has told you to carry him out to go potty on a leash, the vet wants Rigley to move a little a possible, and that would mean total confinement to a crate. To be sure, however, I would give your vet a call to ask for clarification on this. I certainly don't want to say you can let him out periodically to rest beside you if that's not what your vet wants in terms of his treatment.

You just need to ignore Shady crying to get out and keep him in the cage until it's time to take him to the bathroom. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back into the cage when he's done. I know it's annoying his crying, but he has to rest in order to heal his bone. Best of luck.

Try calling your veterinarian and explaining his lack of improvement. We try not to administer steroids unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, it is crucial to crate rest Barklie for at least 2-3 weeks. This means no running, jumping, or rough housing. He should only be taken out for short leash walks with a harness not a neck collar.

I'm sorry for Brody's injury. It sounds like he had ruptured his cranial cruciate ligament. Surgery is the ideal treatment but when that is not possible, crate rest is strongly recommended. Every time Brody steps on that leg he is injuring it further. If he tries to run and jump or play on it he will injure it even more. So 4-8 weeks of cage rest is better than a lifetime of chronic pain and lameness. There are things you can do to try to make it easier on him. Toys or chews that may interest him but that he can't swallow large pieces of. Make sure he can be out with you on a leash when possible instead of a cage. If he is super anxious or fighting the crate you may need to discuss anxiety or sedation medications with your vet. Here's an article that explains CCL injury a little bit more. I would recommend starting Brody on a supplement such as Dasaquin to try to limit arthritis effects in his knees. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1975

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is something that she needs to get used to. There is not necessarily a magic trick to make them stay in the crate without complaining about it. What I find helpful is to reward them for being in the crate. I like to give them a long lasting chew or treat (such as peanut butter) right when you get her inside (not when she complains). She will then associate the crate with something positive which may help make this more ok. This should help. Have a good day!