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My dog has back pain, won't move, and isn't pooping. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 6 years and 5 months old

Stella looks in pain. She seems fine at times, but tries not to move and will only eat when offered soft canned food. She urinate, but I have not seen her pass a stool. Vet inspected her back, prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain meds, but could not find anything specific wrong. She still is up and down though. She was jamperring when picked up, till she passed wind. She suddenly started panting and urinated a lot. Then fell asleep again.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

I am sorry Stella is not feeling well. With Stella being a dachshund we do always get concerned about intervertebral disc disease . This is where the disc is putting pressure on the spinal cord and can cause pain but also neurologic defects. However it is always possible that stella has an upset stomach from eating something she shouldn't of, infection or even a toxin. I would recommend restricted cage rest since she is acting painful. If she is not improving with in 24 hours I would recommend taking her back to the vet for more aggressive care. She might need blood work or x-rays to determine if she has another issue besides her back.

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    Answered By Steve Popish, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Sorry about Stella. You have described signs consistent with back pain or muscle spams. Dogs with back pain generally have a tense abdomen, cry occasionally when picked up around the middle, have trouble having a bowel movement, panting and avoid jumping and climbing stairs. Your veterinarian may want to take some X-rays if she gets worse. In the meantime, strict rest and confinement along with anti-inflammatories works well in some cases. In other cases, muscle relaxants, acupuncture, and massage can help. If she doesn't respond soon, please consider taking her back to your veterinarian or get a second opinion, especially of she develops weakness or paralysis in her hind legs. Please consult with me if you have additional questions. Hope she feels better soon. Thanks, Dr Steve Popish

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