Pinched nerves are extremely painful, and the condition in dogs is no exception. Many times normally docile dogs will react with aggression when touched or yelp in pain. This condition can be caused by a number of things such as heredity, trauma, and even just a little bit of bad luck and, unfortunately, treatment options are somewhat limited.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in a dog will include stiff gait, inability to exhibit full range of motion in the affected area, vocalization when touched or when moved, aggressive behavior, including growling and biting, and weakness. Most often dogs will have pinched nerves in the neck or spinal region, though other joints can be affected.
When to See a Veterinarian
Dogs exhibiting any of these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer treatment is delayed, the longer the dog has to suffer and the harder the condition is to treat.
Traditional Treatment
Treatments for pinched nerves include cage rest, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. aspirin) glucocorticoid steroids such as predisone, manual manipulation of the affected joint (under anesthesia) and surgery.
The normal course of action is to begin with cage rest and medical management of the pain, though this approach is generally mediocre at best. The tendency for the dog to relapse is high. Many dogs will experience chronic pinched nerves and require surgery by a board-certified neurosurgeon.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatments for this condition include visits to a board-certified canine chiropractor and acupuncture treatments. Both treatments have enjoyed moderate success in relieving the symptoms of pinched nerves, but, as with more traditional treatments, the incidence of recurrence is high.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention is the best medicine for this condition. Keeping your dog from jumping up and down from furniture, especially dogs with elongated backs, as well as keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help prevent the occurrence of pinched nerves. Dogs that are especially prone to having this problem include beagles, basset hounds and dachshunds. Particular care should be taken with these breeds to keep the incidence of injury low.
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