Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Female | spayed | 7 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs
I have an 8 year old mini dachshund with no health issues that has been screaming for the last three weeks. She's been to the vet, where she didn't react so the doctor could see anything. They took an xray, no issues with the spine. The area that seems to be bothering her is between her shoulders. She is very guarded and yipes when something startles her. She hasn't actually been hurt when she yipes. We can't figure it out. We do have an appt with our vet tomorrow, who does chiropractic.
1 Answer
Published on August 24th, 2017
Bailey most likely has a bulging intervertebral disc in her cervical spine. Theses don't show on plain X-rays. The muscle spasms contribute to the painful episodes. Usually these dogs are not lame though occasionally they may hold up a front paw from pain radiating down the leg. I recommend pain medication with a muscle relaxer in addition you can use moist heat on her neck and shoulder, then some gentle massage to reduce the muscle spasms. I treat these dogs with laser and acupuncture to relive the symptoms. Bailey needs to rest, no jumping and use a harness to walk her not a neck collar. Generally as the disc heals over several weeks to a month the painful episodes go away. Your chiropractic veterinarian should be able to help with her pain. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bailey.
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