My dog is shaky, won't eat, and yelps when moving. What's wrong?

Poor baby. It sounds like he may have injured something. It is common for them to injure their back or neck and act this way. I would have your vet look st him today. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and give him the appropriate pain meds to help him feel better. If it is his lower back, you vet may also prescribe him a stool softener so it is easier for him to have a bowel movement. Your vet will also be able to do X-rays if needed. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Zorro. I'm sorry he's so sick. It could be distemper if he's not vaccinated against it. There is no specific test for distemper, and treatment is symptomatic. You could have an MRI done of his head to see if there is a problem with his vet. Being this sick, he should be at the vet's under intensive care. I wish I could give you an exact diagnosis but I can't without seeing him in person. I'd take him back into a vet now. Best of luck.

He may have some spinal cord problems, especially with the cervical spinal cord, such as a slipped disk or arthritic changes that press on nerves and are painful. Ob is apparently very much in pain and therefore should be seen by a veterinarian tonight. The vet will do a thorough physical exam, palpate the spine to find where the pain is coming from, and also do a neurological exam and then x-rays. He will then discuss the exam findings with you and possible treatment. Your dog will get pain medicine and other medications as necessary. Dogs with pain often do not eat, and eating also may be painful as he has to chew, open his mouth and move the jaws. This may be more painful than lapping up water.

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!

Poor Ace! It sounds like he needs to see the veterinarian today. The shaking may be related to a fever or pain. When pets exhibit back pain, it can be from a compressed disc, a slipped disc, discospondlylitis (an infection), a broken vertebrae, a tumor or an infection within the spinal canal. All of these conditions can result in severe pain and they all require treatment. Your veterinarian will need an x-ray to look at the spine. They can also provide medications to make Ace feel better. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

He is showing sings of having a painful abdomen, but nothing more specific than that. This could be due to inflamed/painful bowels, a blockage in the stomach or intestine, an inflamed/painful organ (i.e. liver or kidney), or pancreatitis. The fact that he is not vomiting or lethargic indicates that this is not too severe, but things can change quickly in certain circumstances, so my best advice would be to have a vet evaluate him as soon as possible to help narrow-down the possibilities and keep things from getting worse. I understand that you are in a difficult circumstance though, so it's likely not possible to take him to a vet tonight. In that case, it's best to keep him comfortable tonight and take him to a vet in the morning. I recommend calling the local veterinary treatment facility at the base you are stationed at. The staff there can usually suggest good options for transport and you may be able to make an appointment with a vet. You may also check for mobile veterinarians in your area that can come to your house and check him out. I hope that helps and Ares gets better soon.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Gage! I would worry that Gage has hurt his back or neck. This is how they tend to act. They also don’t jump up in furniture like normal and avoid the stairs. They cry when touched, picked up or move. I would take him in to your vet today before the holiday for an exam. I treat neck and back pain with anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and pain medications. I wish Gage a speedy recovery!