Jack has a Back problem

lesleyj9749

We have recently taken our Jack Russeell to the vets, regarding him not being able to jump onto the setee or bed, as he usually does. She checked his reflexes and told us he had a problem with his back. Will this be ongoing?, as she gave us some anti- inflamitaries for him?.

honeydlc

Hi there and welcome!
Sorry to hear your Jack Russell has a back problem.
Your question about whether the condition will be ongoing is a hard one to answer, as there are many different causes of spinal pain, all with a different prognosis.
Did the vet say whereabouts on his back was sore?
Hopefully you might find that the problem calms down and is quite easily manageable, my mum's old Jack Russell Ruffty has suffered from back problems for several years now, but he is fine with limited gentle exercise and weight management. My own Honey Bear also has spondylosis of her lumbar spine, which only flairs up occasionally, when it does a few sessions of accupuncture soon make her comfortable again.
There is also the opposite end of the spectrum with slipped discs and such like which require intensive treatment and possibly surgery, but usually these cases happen suddenly with more dramatic signs, such as being unable to walk at all and extreme pain.
I would follow your vets advice and keep your little chap well rested, and with the medication hopefully he should be much more comfortable. Even if he feels better I would suggest not letting him jump onto the sofa or bed, as this might cause him to 'tweak' his back again. Also if he is overweight a diet will probably help. If you find it flairs up regularly accupunture works fantastically, your vet should be able to advise you.
Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.
XX
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Georgia, Honey Bear, Rosie, Obi, Timber, Mia, Oscar and Mango XXXX

SengaB

Hi there,
Sorry to hear about your dog's back problem.
Be very careful. My dog started with pain in the neck region which has since travelled down his left leg -sciatica - . I used to give him anti inflammatories but because he used to have alot of painful spasms the drugs stopped having any effect on him. Steroids where the next suggestion and though he had them a few times , they where never actualy a cure. Try to keep your dog comfortable, do not let him jump on to the bed etc., and keep him warm. I used to see a physiotherapist and with mild manipulation it used to relieve the pain. May be you could try that.
Good luck
xx sengaB