My senior dog has back pain and trouble walking. What can I do?

Question

16 year old with severe back problems. No medications. Surgery will not work. Now problems with back legs not walking as usual. We take up and down stairs or steps. Eating as usual. Just want to keep him comfortable as he is not giving up. Doesn’t really appear to be in severe pain, but a little. Would like something for the inflammation. Sleeps most of the day and night. Thank you for your help. Just can’t put down right now as he is not at that point yet.

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I agree, surgery at this age would not be ideal given her age. You do not indicate what meds she is already on, but she should be receiving an NSAID such as meloxicam, carprofen, or any one of several excellent drugs in this classification. I would also have her on gabapentin, possibly tramadol, & maybe even Adequan injections, just in case some of her joints are painful. An alternative for the NSAIDs would be steroids as they are very good at reducing inflammation, but that does put her at some risk for side effects. Hopefully, these can keep him comfortable for some time to come. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My senior dog has back pain and trouble walking. What can I do?

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