Back/shoulder injury

[Jenny]

My GSD/golden mix (almost eight) has struggled with arthritis in her hips for some years -- (x-rays were clean of displasia, BTW). In the last few months, we've noticed that she seems to have some pain in her back and shoulder area. In the last few days, she seems to have pretty sharp pain when she lowers her head to eat or drink or pick something up. Beyond that, she is her completely normal, very active self. We had to convince her not to tear all around the yard last night, lest she hurt herself further.

We will probably take her in for x-rays, but it's a huge deal with her, as she's badly fear aggressive, so my husband and I have to stay with her to put on her muzzles, and be with her when she wakes up from the anesthesia.

Could this just be another manifestation of her arthritis or does it sound more like an injury? Anyone seen this particular symptom? She has been on glucosamine/Chondroitin for years, and it's been a huge help in keeping her hips in check .... is it time to increase her dosage or start the buffered aspirin route?

Any ideas, links, help would be greatly appreciated

[TheSkeptic]

I would wait and see what your vet has to say. ... A vet won't do long distance diagnoses much less a lay person. She could have any number of problems from something as simple as a pulled muscle or pinched nerve to something more serious.

Good luck and hope she is better soon. Keep us posted on what you find out. .....

[lmd]

given at dog camp a few years back: Tha gal does chiropractic and message for horses and dogs. She said that many mature dogs develop a poor position at the base of the skull/vertebrae which inhibits putting the head down, or up. Your vet should be able to determine whether that is the location of irritation.