Neck pain

[Nanzer]

Hi, my boxer misty woke up yesterday morning and couldn't lift her head. I thought maybe she slept funny and it might pass. After a couple of hours I got very worried as she was in a lot of pain and was yelping when she tried to lift her head. I called the vet and he said I should take her in immediately. By the time I got her to the vet she seemed to be coming round and allowed the vet to move her head and neck and it seemed to have settled. He gave her an injection and pain killers and said no exercise etc for a few days. She seemed a lot better last night although she slept most of the evening. This morning I was delighted to see she was looking a little better. I let her out the back garden to go to the toilet and when my back was turned she decided to jump a fence. An hour later she was slouching with her head lowered and yelping in pain again. I gave her her pain killer and she's been asleep most of the day. She seems to be perking up again but I don't know if this is temporary due to the pain relief. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

 

[Gatorblu]

Thor has had had neck pain. I think it is a combination of two factors for him tho'. Less than 2 yrs ago, so he was at least 8 yrs old, Thor was playing with his sister like he is as young as she is. (She just turned 4 yrs on the 19th). He pulled a muscle in his neck or shoulder. His problem was more going the other way tho'. He couldn't put his head down to drink or eat. He was prescribed pain meds and rest. The problem kept recurring over the course of the next 8 mo's or so. The vet finally x-rayed his shoulders and found he has arthritis. We now keep pain meds in the house for when it acts up and I try to keep his shoulders protected from cold and damp days.

I would try to keep her calm and let her rest it. If she is allowed on the furniture I would discourage that until she recovers. Also if tends to jump the fence when outside I would keep a leash on her outside for her potty breaks, Tho' I would use a harness instead of attaching it to a collar to prevent any added stress. If you don't see any improvement in a week or so I would take her back and get her x-rayed.

 

[Nanzer]

Thanks very much Pam. I have been doing exactly as you advise. She seems to be doing alot better but I wouldn't say she's 100%. If it continues much longer I may have her x-rayed as it came on her out of the blue.