My dog's spine feels bumpy/uneven. Is this normal? Should I see a vet?

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Hugo is very handsome. If this does not seem to bother him then it is probably just an anatomical variant and not anything concerning necessarily. If he ever seems to have pain from it, I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Best of luck!

It sounds like a neck pain, which could be a sign of muscle sprain, intervertebral disc disease or even meningitis (probably less likely in Rocko's case). Please, take your dog to your local vet to get him fully examined. Your vet may recommend neck x-ray to look for changes in his spine and a blood test to look for signs of inflammation.

Probably the spine is as well quite sensitive to any manipulation. Often older boxers are presented with quite severe vertebral osteoarthrosis and arthritis leading to the fusion of the different vertebras. This problem can make them very sensitive and slight painful as well. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. 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. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Hello, sorry to hear about Rocky. It sounds like he could have back or neck pain. Other signs may include walking very gingerly, carrying his head low, avoiding stairs and not moving onto furniture, and yelping/crying when being picked up. You should rest Rocky until he can be seen by his veterinarian. This is done by keeping him restricted in his crate, not allowing him to jump or use stairs, carrying him to go to the bathroom but then bringing him back in and do not allow him to run or play outdoors. Use a harness in the meantime and avoid neck leashes. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Although bumps on the back could be cysts or related to infection, I am more concerned that Lilly is yelping related to something else that it painful. It could certainly be neck pain from an old injury or possibly lumbar disc pain. Back and neck issues can cause referred pain which means that other areas of the body can experience pain even when it is the back or neck with the primary issue. I recommend you have Lilly examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if the lumps are the primary concern or if neck or back pain is the cause of what you are seeing.

Poor Rocky! If your vet is still open for normal business hours in Australia, then I would take him into the vet. He could have a problem with his back or hips, and there could be a serious condition (like a herniated disc) causing the limited movement. In addition, dogs can be good at hiding pain, so he could be in pain without having any obvious signs. The vet can do x-rays to determine what is causing this symptoms, and how best to treat him. I would take him into a vet now.