My Pomeranian bristles when I stroke his back. Is it nerve damage?

No he is likely just itchy in that spot. This is no an uncommon response in dogs to being scratched in an itchy place. Especially if he is normal at all other times. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. Well, it looks like your pup is having a good back rub? Is any of this behavior concerning you? Are you seeing any lesions, or is the puppy acting out in any distress? If you could supply additional information, perhaps we can be a little more specific. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is normal. Sometimes it's hard for dogs to reach that back area, so when it's scratched, they get a lot of pleasure from it. Cats can behave the same way when you scratch that area as well. It's not sexual. I hope this helps!

The two most common reasons for this type of behavior would be that Charlie does have a naturally more sensitive area or a ‘sweet spot’. This is not pathologic. Another cause is a skin infection or fleas so check his skin very thoroughly for any abnormalities and have him examined by the veterinarian if needed. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Piper evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Piper feel better. In the meantime, reduce her activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good night! 

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is possible that he could have sustained a minor soft tissue injury, but as long as he is otherwise acting normally - eating/drinking/urinating/defecating - and not showing any signs of lameness/limping, he should be OK! I hope this is helpful!