What to do if my large dog is crying, can't stand, and in pain?

There can be a number of diseases that cause weakness and/or pain. The first thing that should be done is to figure out whether he is truly in so much pain that he can't stand, or if he has a neurologic problem (i.e., paralysis) that's making it difficult for him to move his legs, or if he has a disease (like something caused by a tick bite) that is making him anemic (low numbers of red blood cells) and making him weak. Your dog needs to be examined by a vet who is capable of differentiating all of these problems, and figuring out what the appropriate therapy is, because the treatment depends on determining exactly what the problem is.

Your dog needs veterinary care immediately. He could have a problem with the vertebrae in his back, a fracture or tendon injury to a leg, or severe abdominal pain. A full exam by a vet will help to zero in on the site of the problem, and then appropriate treatment can be given.

Poor Lincoln! He could be suffering from a problem with his hips or his cranial cruciate ligaments in his knees. These problems are common in medium to large breed dogs. He does sound painful if he's whimpering when trying to stand up. I would have Lincoln seen by a vet in the morning for a physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays. With these tests, the vet can diagnose what is causing his pain and can discuss treatment options with you. That may include surgery, especially if he has ruptured his cruciate ligaments. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet prescribe pain medications as needed for him tomorrow. Rest him tonight, don't allow him to just on anything. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, bringing him right back in when he's done.

This sounds like he has bad back or hip pain. He needs veterinary attention right away. They will prescribe pain medication and may do X-rays to determine if he has hip or spinal arthritis. With treatment he should improve if he was fine before. Sometimes back or arthritis pain is worse after a lot of activity, or from being confined and not being able to move around. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Alfa.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ben. He sounds painful with his struggling to move and crying. He could have arthritis, back pain or a muscle strain. If he was particularly playful yesterday or this morning, he may have over done it and be sore now. Back pain is more common in small breed dogs. It is demonstrated by a reluctance to do stairs, jump on furniture or even the inability to properly use a limb. Arthritis tends to be more common in larger dogs. It is usually a gradual slowing down or stiffness, but can be exeracerbated by hard play. Ben will need to see his veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications. I hope this information helps!

He could have a torn the ligament in his knee, have back pain, or an arthritis flare up causing these symptoms assuming you didn’t see him get injured. I’m glad you’re taking him in soon. They will feel his hips, back and legs and may recommend x-rays. They will most likely put him on pain medication since he's probably not getting up due to discomfort. Many orthopedic problems can be managed with medications so hopefully with treatment he’ll recover quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care Cooper.

Did the veterinarian give you any medication to help with pain? If not I would highly encourage you to call tomorrow and request something for pain management. Also, is he limping or holding that leg up? If not then I would be suspicious that something else may be bothering him. Often I find neck or back pain present on dogs who “cry out” for no known reason. Of course many other possibilities exist as well. An x-ray and / or blood work may be helpful in narrowing down the diagnosis. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.