My dog's back legs drag, no pain. Why pain meds? Second opinion?

Question

My dog was prescribe Carprofen and Tramadol. To see what is wrong with his back legs. He always had a problem with his back legs since he was a puppy dragging and criss crossing the back legs but no visible pain. So why prescribe pain medication to a dog with no pain? should i get a second opinion? Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Rascal could have had a painful condition since he was a puppy. Sometimes dogs do not show chronic pain so obviously. Your vet prescribed the anti-inflammatory and the pain medication to rule out that he has pain. If Rascal gets better, livelier and happier, then the medications are working against pain. If they do not make a difference, then he is not so painful and he may have a congenital defect that is causing the dragging and criss crossing the back legs. This would then warrant an exam by a specialist (veterinary neurologist) to find out what is wrong and to determine whether there is a treatment.

My dog's back legs drag, no pain. Why pain meds? Second opinion?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My pet's eye looks strange but doesn't seem to hurt. What's wrong?

Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Share