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My dog is hunching back, walking slow, and shaking. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

My Yorkshire Terrier started hunching her back and walking very slowly this morning. I let her rest for a few hours and when I came back she was still hunching her back and is shaking. I don't know what is wrong with her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 26th, 2017

May sounds quite uncomfortable! A hunched back stance and trembling can often occur with some back conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), discospondylitis or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). May should be examined by her vet and assessed for the presence of neurological deficits as well as the location of the pain, as this will help to guide her treatment. Until you are able to take May to her vet, keep her confined to a very small room with no furniture or to a crate. She should not be running, jumping, or playing because this could exacerbate any back condition or injury. Do not give her any medication - there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    She either has abdominal pain probably due to an inflammation in the pancreas or true back pain from a herniated disc. You should take her to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital to be evaluated and treated.

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