Why is my 9-year-old dog screaming in pain and hiding after injury?

Poor Zeke! I'm so sorry he's having a hard time. It sounds like he has some back and/or neck pain. The biggest concern I would have as to what may be causing his pain would be intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), where the shock absorbing discs between the back bones bulges and causes compression on the spinal cord. This causes great pain and if the problem progresses, can potentially lead to paralysis. It could also be a muscle injury, an infection along his spine (diskospondylitis) , or even a tumor causing pain. Please avoid giving him pain mediation at home, as this will limit the safe options your vet has for pain when you take him to the vet. Additionally, if your vet finds that steroids are indicated, it could set up a problem if he's received aspirin or any other OTC pain med or anti-inflammatory at home. Keep him in a confined space, and take him to your vet tomorrow, or better yet seek emergency care tonight if its available; so that he can start getting some pain relief. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like Zeus is extremely painful, and he's quite young. I don't think you should wait to see a vet tomorrow, I think he should see a vet now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

I recommend to have Zeus examined today. Shifting leg lameness can indicate a few conditions like Lyme disease, panosteitis or an autoimmune condition. These conditions are all very painful and need to be addressed. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the symptoms you are describing, I would recommend having Zeus examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. He may be in pain from a leg injury causing him to not want to move much and also could be affecting his appetite / thirst. Another possibility is that Zeus is currently dealing with Tick Paralysis. There are also other possible causes but these are just a couple. I would get him in sooner rather than later and if that means taking him in as an emergency, I would certainly do so. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Zeus. Please do NOT give him ibuprofen, it is toxic to dogs and have a very narrow safety margin. You could accidentally cause great harm to him if you give it to him. It sounds like to me he is in a lot of pain if he hasn't moved off the couch, won't eat or drink, and moves very slowly when you do get him down. Because there aren't any safe OTC pain medications you can give, I would take him into a vet now. The vet can prescribe pain medication for him that's safe, and can examine him to see what could be causing the pain. Have him seen by a vet immediately. I hope this helps, best of luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend that he sees an emergency veterinarian today. Screaming and shaking typically represent pain in dogs. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain. The muscles lining the spine can spasm causing excruciating pain. In more severe cases, a bulging or swollen disc can place pressure on the spinal cord creating neurological problems. Of course, there are other causes of pain. His veterinarian will examine him carefully and direct you on treatment based on these results. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!