Why is my dog in pain, unable to walk, and yelps when I lift him?
Sorry to here that Kemo is having some troubles. There are many things that can cause pain in dogs. Some of them include trauma, degenerative diseases, inflammatory conditions, spinal issues, cancers, clotting disorders, and some others that are less common. In a small breed dog of about six years, my top two differentials would be some sort of traumatic event (that could have happened when you were not around) or an issue with the back. Many times when dogs are lifted and they yelp, it is a spinal problem causing some pretty severe discomfort. If you have ever had back pain yourself, you know just how uncomfortable this can be. Based on the severity and progression of the problems, I would say that Kemo definitely needs a visit to the vet sometime soon. They will be able to perform a thorough physical, and based on the findings, determine if x-rays are warranted. They will be able to target what part of the body requires x-rays. There are many medications available to treat inflammatory conditions and trauma, as well as pain associated with the back and spine. I hope you are able to work through things with your vet to resolve Kemo's pain.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025