My dog has back pain, panting, and can't sit. What should I do?

Question

My 7 and a half year old Labrador has has previous back injuries. This morning I woke up to him panting in shallow breaths and walking around in circles, obviously he is in some pain. I tried to get him to sit and drop, but he was unable to do either. These symptoms have happened before, but I am still worried for him as he is a very sick dog (he was born with a lot of medical problems etc. heart cancer, athuritis, ear infection). What should I do to help him? Thank you, from Mia. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 74.957 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

He needs to get on pain medication and perhaps muscle relaxers to remove the pain and muscle spasms from the back injury. Please take him in for an exam and medication. A head tilt can also be from a vestibular problem but that usually isn't painful. You may want to consider acupuncture also to relieve the pain without medication. Often these dogs need to stay on medication for a long period to get the back to heal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Benny.

My dog has back pain, panting, and can't sit. What should I do?

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