Sore black lab?

Dr. Marie replied:

I'm sorry to hear that Miller is not feeling well. Any time a lab doesn't want to be active, we know there is a problem!

It would be uncommon for a dog to strain something in the abdomen. However, what you have described could indicate a back problem. Often if dogs have a sore back they will be reluctant to jump and move slowly. A back problem can be hard to pick up unless you are trained in doing back exams, and even then, sometimes it can be hard to diagnose.

There are other possibilities, as his symptoms are kind of vague. Are his gums nice and pink? I've seen dogs with abdominal bleeding have symptoms like this. If this were the case then his gums would be very pale. If you think this is happening then he needs to see a vet right away.

It's also possible that he has some abdominal cramping causing him pain. Most dogs with this will have a lack of appetite, but then in a lab it takes a lot to put their appetite off.

I never recommend over the counter medications for pain relief in dogs. There are a few reasons why. One is that if there is something going on with his kidneys or liver or if there is bleeding then an over the counter medication like Aleve or aspirin could make these worse. The other is that these medications can stay in a dog's system for several days. So, if you end up going to the vet's and they want to give him some steroids or a prescription non-steroidal medication they may not be able to give him anything until the first drug is out of his system.

The Tramadol could be helpful if this is just a pain problem. However, I can't legally advise you on the specifics of administering medications over the internet.

Is there any way that you could have your vet see Miller today? If this is a back problem then they can prescribe medications that will really help. They can also do some neurological examination to make sure that this is not a serious back problem. Some dogs with back "strains" can go on to get a prolapsed disc which could cause paralysis. Although this is uncommon it does happen. Treating early and giving strict rest is very important when there is a potential back problem. If this is not a back problem then your vets can help you figure out what it is!

If you are not able to get to the vet right away the best advice I can give is to keep Miller as quiet as possible and make sure that he doesn't do any jumping or running.

I really hope he is ok!

Dr. Marie.


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