Sore neck!

[andyraine]

Hi all,

My 9 year old cross breed pooch seems to have devloped a pain in his neck! :(

He yelps when rolling onto his side (to get his tummy tickled!) and again when getting back up. He is usually very healthy but this has got us a little worried. There are no obvious lumps or bumps and he is quite happy for me to rub his neck and stroke him. It seems it is the movement which is hurting him and he doesn't seem as agile as usual (stiff when turning round)

I'm in the UK and vets are closed for the weekend now (other than emergency clinics which are around $150). Just wondered if anybody else has had a similar problem and could offer any tips.

PS. The weather is very cold and damp at the moment and we were out for a long walk the other day - wonder whether it is the age factor and maybe a spot of arthritis?

Thanks in advance

[dlambertz]

you can try to give you loved one a baby aspirin twice a day. try to get is as close to 12 hours apart as you can get it.

[lassie]

Hi do you have Chiropractors in the Us , if so try one they are brilliant;)

[ChipsDad]

i am surprized some enterprizing acupunturist hasnt diversified into animals specifically - there would be plenty of over generous owners that would use it I am sure!!
have you tried a gentle massage and some heat pads?

[lassie]

We do have them here;) ;)

[nancy]

I used to have an old cross retriever who sufferd from stiff joints and yelped when he was getting up so I thought I would try him with a paricetimol and it worked a treat even a half of one for a smaller dog till you see how he gets on with it .

[andyraine]

Thanks for your replies! Thankfully "Bruce" now seems on the mend and is back to his old self.

Trouble is he's a right softie so we never know when he is over-reacting. He can stub his toe and go on as though he's been shot!

In the end I basically massaged his aching joints twice a day and 3 days later he seemed fine. Will take on board the aspirin and paracetomol suggestions though as I think he will develop joint problems as he goes along.

That said he has been taking a glucosamine sulphate based supplement which has helped him no end. Would definitely recommend for any other dogs with joint problems.