What's wrong with my dog's back? (I need a Vet)?

Question

I have a dachschund/basset mixed dog. Suddenly, about 5 days ago, he started having back problems. All this week he's been unable to run and is very reluctant to jump. We feed him human food occasionally, but we don't think his weight is the problem because it started so suddenly. Also, he seems to have sudden 'bursts of strength' in which he walks faster and can jump with seemingly less pain. It seems to hurt him somewhat when we even lightly touch his lower back. We want to come to the conclusion that he pulled his back, but we're not sure at all. We're sick with worry! Please, answer, those of you who have had a similar problem or are Vetenarians! Your help is very, very appreciated!

elizabethann · Accepted Answer

Im not even going to take the time to read what you wrote! TAKE YOUR POOR ANIMAL TO THE VET IT COULD BE BADLY INJURED AND THE FASTER YOU GET IT THEIR THE BETTER!

looz · Answer

As the others said, please take him to a vet immediately! Obviously you care a lot about your dog!

Do not touch his back if possible.
Do not allow him to jump or climb stairs.
Do not let him run. Minimal exercise only, small leash walks for business only, until he is seen by a vet. 
Lift him gently into the car to go to the vet.

Remember, preventing something worse would be better than a vet fee now. You would not want him to be unable to walk in the future, etc. 

Bassets seem to be predisposed to gain weight easily. Also, as another poster said, both breeds can have back or spinal problems.

Good luck! Paws crossed!

Fairydogmother · Answer

First, dachshunds (and mixes) should be slender.  That is imperative because of their long backs.  If your dog is having back pain, seeing a vet is definitely advisable.  Do not let the dog jump in the meantime.  A long-bodied dog that is out of condition and perhaps overweight should go for walks, not be jumping, until he is back in good shape.  For any dog, if you feed human food, keep it very lean.  No fat whatsoever, no onions, mushrooms, garlic, chocolate.

Anonymous · Answer

Start above his pain and gentle but firmly press on both sides of his spine and hold for one minute, then go down about one finger width and press and hold on the next spot.  Continue in this method until the soreness is gone.  Repeat every few hours.  If you can not massage the soreness out or can not see an improvement then I would take him to a vet.

? · Answer

You have what a call a 'low rider'.  Both of these breeds are short legged and have long backs.  Dachshunds are very prone to slipping discs in the back and other back problems brought on by genetics, obesity, jumping up on things etc.

You will need to take him to your vet for x rays.  Then you will have to go from there according to how severe the problem is.

Steffi Giraffe · Answer

Both the breeds he is crossed with are prone to back problems. Get him to a vet right away. No one on here could help, even if they were a vet.

qbytrack05 · Answer

These kinds of dogs are prone to back problems. Just look at them. Long body, short legs, usually very plump. Get your dog to a vet before it gets worse, trust me, it can get worse.

Dustin · Answer

I wouldn't waste time, send him to the vet immediately. If you had a bad back for a week I'm sure you'd want to be off to the hospital too!

Anonymous · Answer

if he lays down and barely eats take him to a vet quick because my dog died from stuff you're explaining if he barely eats he probably has parvo but if he eats good and acts normal he doesnt have parvo but get him to a vet becuase it sounds like he did pull his back

DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs · Answer

You need a vet.  Take your dog to one immediately.

What's wrong with my dog's back? (I need a Vet)?

16 Answers