Is a protruding spine bone normal for my dog if he shows no pain?

I can't really tell you anything specific about your dog's spine without seeing radiographs. However, there is a huge amount of normal variation in anatomy with all animals, including us. Do not panic. If your dog is having any kind of orthopedic problem, he will likely express pain or discomfort when you press gently on these vertebrae or on both sides of his back along the large epaxial muscles that follow along the dorsal midline. If this all seems ok, and if he is not limping, and is able to run, walk, sit up, jump up, and play normally, he is likely just fine, and the way his spine feels is normal for him. If he drags any limb when he walks, or seems to walk like he is "drunk", or seems paralyzed in any way, then I would be concerned.

The vertebrae in the spine of a normal dog are not in a perfectly horizontal row. The cervical (neck) vertebrae do drop down a bit, then get higher over the thoracic vertebrae (upper back), then drop a bit and level out over the level of the lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. Since Rocky seems comfortable and is otherwise acting normally, there isn't any reason to take him to the vet.

He looks like a great weight actually. The shape of the bones in the spine in that area is what makes those bones extra prominent. There are very tall dorsal processes. Check out this link for more information about body condition score: http://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/fit-or-fat-your-pets-body-condition-score-bcs

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It really depends on what it is that you are feeling at this moment. I highly recommend that you have Max evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. What needs to be done really depends on what is really going on and what it is that you are able to feel. If there no clinical symptoms, it could even be a normal anatomical variant you are able to palpate. Your veterinarian would be able to tell you more in detail what the plan should be based on the examination. Good luck!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I know you say Boosie's shape shows best in this photo but it is not easy to evaluate him from it due to the angle. Without feeling him myself and just seeing him standing/walking normally it is difficult to say. I does look to me like his stifle (knee) area is thick in this photo but it could just be the way he is laying.... I do think you should take him in for a veterinary exam. If nothing else, he should be due for his 2nd round of vaccines anyway so this is a good time to do the exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Adorable! Aging muscle wasting can cause the back bone to be more prominent. If she is not losing weight then keeping her exercising will help maintain her muscle mass. Is she is losing weight I recommend increasing her food and bring her in for a senior exam and blood panel. They will check her teeth too to make sure everything is normal for her age. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Muffy.

That is completely normal and sometimes could be more prominent. Nothing to be worried about. 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.