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Back problems in 3-year old Shih Tzu

Sent to Pet Experts June 21 2006 at 8:56 AM
   

Several weeks ago, I noticed that my dog would not jump up on the furniture and was pretty lethargic. He will also growl or yelp if I attempt to pick him up sometimes. However, I've poked, prodded, and rubbed him all over the place to try to find the painful spot - to no avail. Our vet checked him out and could not find anything either. We went back to the vet about a week later for x-rays. Nothing showed up there. I've been advised to let him have plenty of rest and not to let him jump off of anything. There doesn't seem to be any significant improvement. What could be wrong with him? (Marley is a three and a half year old Shih Tzu.) Oh - one other thing I'd like to add. The weekend I noticed the problems, I had rearranged my living room furniture. One of Marley's favorite chars was moved to a corner of the room - so that there is not a wall directly behind it. I suspect (but have no definitive proof) that he may have fallen off the back of it.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 3; Male; Breed: Shih Tzu

Already Tried:
rest and pampering/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
June 21 2006 at 9:14 AM (18 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hi Jeannie:

First let me thank you for being a responsible owner and having the vet check out your boy when you saw there was a problem...KUDOS to YOU!!!

If he fell off a chair or even out of someone's arms unbeknownst to you, he could have a fear of it happening again and that is why he is growling or yelping and I bet that is what is happening with Marley. Dogs learn by association. If he did fall, he could be associating height with pain and fearing it could happen again. Here is something to try. Start for a week by sitting on the floor with him in your arms. Lots of cuddling and lots of treats :) The next week...slowly kneel. Lots of cuddling and treats again :) The next week squat...you get the picture...until you are standing holding him once again. He will learn by association that hights are good...hense the treats and cuddles :) Try to get him to sit in the chair with you...again using treats to guide. (just make sure its a really good treat like boiled chicken pieces...its really good for them and they LOVE it) Just go slowly...don't try to rush this or you will have him fearful once again.

I hope this helps you and Marley gets back to his old self once again :) and give him a little piece of chicken from me too :)



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G -- animal care specialist -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1237 Pet Accepts
15+ yrs pet health care, breeder of English Mastiffs, barnyard, knowledgable aquarium keeper
Reply
June 21 2006 at 10:25 AM (1 hour and 10 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gina's Post: Hmmmm... That's very interesting. I will definitley check out that angle. There's a little more I forgot to inclued earlier. Marley is also having trouble getting up from a sitting position. In other words, he's sitting on his butt with his front end supported by his front legs. When he tries to go up to a standing position, it appears to be somewhat of a struggle. At times, it seems like he's doing a rocking motion to get that needed lift.

I truly hope the fear thing is the most of it, as we can definitley work that. Because of the rear-end lifting problem and lethargy, I'm getting pretty worried that something physical is wrong.

Please let me know if you have any additional thoughts based on the new information. Thank you very much! And I WILL give him a treat for you!

Jeannie
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 21 2006 at 10:36 AM (11 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Jeannie:

I would talk to the vet about the possibility of Marley having a touch of arthritis. There are many medications available to help if this is the problem. You can try giving him a buffered aspirin 5mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours to see if that will help him. If it does, you can bet there is some arthiritis either in his back or hips :)



**Although a deposit was put down, I, PERSONALLY, don't get paid until you click the Accept button..your deposit remains with Just Answer**
Picture
G -- animal care specialist -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1237 Pet Accepts
15+ yrs pet health care, breeder of English Mastiffs, barnyard, knowledgable aquarium keeper
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