Why does my 10-year-old boxer's back end drop when I touch her spine?

Question

My 10 year old boxer has degenerative myelopathy. When you lift the skin above her spine (like you would for a skin turgor) her back end immediately goes down. Why is this? Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 10 years and 6 months old | 60 lbs

Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Probably the spine is as well quite sensitive to any manipulation. Often older boxers are presented with quite severe vertebral osteoarthrosis and arthritis leading to the fusion of the different vertebras. This problem can make them very sensitive and slight painful as well. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Why does my 10-year-old boxer's back end drop when I touch her spine?

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