My dog has a limp tail, is in pain, won't move or poop. What's wrong?

Question

My dog woke up yesterday morning with his tail down, he's usually a well around happy dog and his tail is always up, I have heard of limp tail before but not sure if all his symptoms are the reason for that, he won't go down the stairs he needs to be carried if I touch the tail at a certain point he yelps he will not poop but he is peeing he has been eating and drinking water but not as much as he usually does, he will just lay on his bed for hours and not move unless I make him. Not sure if it'. Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 87 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that Mayhem hasn't been feeling well. The signs that you describe - reluctance to use stairs, pain on manipulation of the tail, not pooping (likely due to pain while posturing/squatting), lethargy, and a decreased appetite - are all most suspicious for a sign of back pain. This could be a result of a soft tissue injury while playing, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE), among others. Regardless of the cause, it sounds as though Mayhem is quite painful and would greatly benefit from an urgent trip to the vet for an exam and pain medications. Do not give any pain medications at home (including aspirin), and only give medications prescribed by his vet as most human pain medications are not safe for use in dogs. I hope that he feels better soon!

My dog has a limp tail, is in pain, won't move or poop. What's wrong?

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