[jaragr]

I have an 18 month old Husky mix that we rescued from a shelter last year. She is so full of energy, and she and our Catahoula play hard, she also runs hard. She is so precious and affectionate. Noticed she would wince (whimper) and hesitate to move her backend off the couch. Took her to the vet, they examined her and put her on a pain med and a probiotic in case it's her tummy. When she stands up from laying down, she arches her back real high like she's stretching. We are trying to limit her activity but she would freak out in a crate! This has just happened, she's on pain meds now. No x-rays yet. She was her normal self yesterday, today she seems a little down. Any ideas? I am praying it's not IVDD, but I can't bear the thought of losing this pup that isn't even 2 years old yet! I don't know what to think and it's tearing me up!

 

[JoanneF]

Sorry you are going through this.

Obviously we can't say online, but it does sound like you have jumped to a worse case scenario conclusion - if she plays hard and this is a new thing she might have just pulled a muscle or something.

See how the pain meds work and be guided by your vet (or if you think this vet has missed signs that point to something more serious, find a second opinion).

 

[ossodiseppia]

Go for the simple explanation, first. As Joanne suggested, it could be a pulled muscle.

I've had two dogs that have ruptured disks. Disk disease isn't always visible in radiographs. When each displayed mobility issues, they were put on steroids to reduce inflammation. As far as I know, this is the first thing that is tried.

Did your DVM perform a neurological exam?

 

[jaragr]

"Obviously we can't say online, but it does sound like you have jumped to a worse case scenario conclusion - if she plays hard and this is a new thing she might have just pulled a muscle or something."

I have jumped to worse case scenario - I always do! But you have encouraged me! Thank you for pointing that out!

 

[jaragr]

Go for the simple explanation, first. As Joanne suggested, it could be a pulled muscle.

I've had two dogs that have ruptured disks. Disk disease isn't always visible in radiographs. When each displayed mobility issues, they were put on steroids to reduce inflammation. As far as I know, this is the first thing that is tried.

Did your DVM perform a neurological exam?

Vet did the back leg movements and examined her back with her hands. No steroids yet, just pain meds that are good for nerve pain, and also the probiotic. We love this dog so much that I can't stand to hear her wince in pain.