Taking ddog to vets tomorrow but looking for a heads up on what might be wrong with him? In discomfort when trying to pick things up off the floor

[LimitIsUp]

He is a 5 year old flatcoat retriever. We just noticed this for the first time today - he can't comfortably drink from or eat from his bowl when its placed on the floor, he squeaked in pain and we had to elevate it by putting it on top of an upturned bucket. This is entirely new - as of today

A minute ago I forget and threw a dog treat on the floor for him - he winced when he tried to pick it up

Any thoughts?

Bless him. Neck pain? Can you use a harness when taking him to the vet?

Back or maybe teeth?

I have a harness, yes. Good idea rather than subjecting him to a lead around his neck

Hope they can find the problem. Could also be legs if he’s bending them to reach down to get food. Is he ok getting up after a nap? Good luck tomorrow.

I would be inclined to say neck/back pain. Is he an extremely active dog?

If you've just noticed it, chances are he's pulled a muscle. Mine does it all the time, he's a completely mad cocker spaniel. Trip to vets for anti-inflammatories and a few days rest always does the trick.

I hope it is just a pulled muscle. That doesn't sound too bad.

He is an active and boisterous dog

How did you get on OP?

Thanks for asking. Vets suspects muscle strain but can't be sure (that it isn't an irritated / bulging disc)

Told me to keep him quiet and lead walk only (avoiding other dogs) and take other precautions (discourage stairs etc) for next 7-10 days to see if it resolves

He isn't getting worse but he isn't any better so far. Still yelping periodically - sometimes when he rises from supine to standing up and sometimes when he puts his head down to ground level to pick something up (which i am discouraging). I hate it when he yelps

Keeping everything crossed for improvement soon

Any painkillers? Could you apply warmth? Doubt a dog would wear a scarf! Hope he’s feeling better soon.

It usually takes a good 3 or 4 days to see mine pick up.

Vet didn't want to give pain killers as it might encourage him to do too much apparently

Ah, that's good to hear JaneEyre - I am probably being impatient

Oh gosh, that seems brutal not to have given any painkillers - mine always has Metacam (which is the dog equivalent of Ibuprofen and is anti-inflammatory).

If they don’t think there is inflammation then metacam wouldn’t help perhaps? The issue with mega painkillers is they feel no discomfort and could aggravate the injury I suppose.

Hmmm - it's a very tricky judgement call.

Fully recovered now