I think my dogs back has gone out......

Question
Hi.  Thanks for answering this.

We have a border collie/pekenese mix, about 10 years old, weighing about 25 lbs.  We plan on taking him to the vet tomorrow, but I'm just wondering if there is something we can do for him to make him comfortable for the rest of the day.

This morning when we got up, we noticed that he can't keep his hind end up, and his front legs are somewhat shaky  He does have a 'long back' and I know from past exerience that sometimes their back can go out.  But in the mean time, is there anything we can do to make him comfortable?

Thank you.

Vicki Heydinger  

Answer
Hi Vicki.  It definitely does sound as though a disc is out.  Your veterinarian will perform an x-ray to pinpoint exactly where the problem is and how severe it is.  Steroids and other anti-inflamatories will decrease swelling around the disc, which will cause much relief for your dog.  Another option is surgery.
Before you can get to your vet's office, you can use BABY BUFFERED ASPRIN...not regular asprin or any other over the counter medications like tylenol, advil, ibuprofen, ect., as they are highly dangerous and can cause your dog to go into cardiac arrest.  The rule of baby buffered asprin is 5mg per pound.  Since baby buffered asprin comes in 81 mg per tablet, it would be safe to give one and a half tablets twice per day. With your dog's weight at 25 pounds he would need 125 mg, but it would be much easier to give one and a half pills which would equal exactly 121.5mg which will be as beneficial. This will help with the pain until you can get to your veterinarian.
I hope this helps and please keep me posted,
Hilary