Pinched nerves are most common in older dogs. They are very painful for your four-legged friend.
The nerve canal is damaged by external influences. The most common cause is a herniated disc.
The injured nerve canal must be treated.
Therefore, you should quickly recognize when your dog has pinched a nerve and what symptoms can occur.
Pinched nerve – Symptoms in dogs: What are the typical signs?
Depending on body part If your dog has pinched a nerve, the typical signs are pain, tremors and weakness in the hind legs as well as a changed gait pattern.
There may also be symptoms such as slow movements, sensitivity to touch, signs of paralysis, incontinence and an unsteady gait.
Pinched nerves can occur in the back, neck, neck, spine, and paws.
Pain when moving – tenderness to touch
Significant pain when your dog has pinched a nerve is a first symptom.
The corresponding nerve is so irritated by the contusion that it becomes inflamed and causes severe pain with every movement.
Your dog will often scream out loud when an uncontrolled movement causes sharp pain.
This is often accompanied by a hardening of the affected area. The muscles cramp because they can no longer be controlled correctly.
In addition, the inflamed areas are very reactive sensitive on touch.
Pinched nerve in the neck: slow movements
If your dog has a pinched nerve in his neck, they are strong ones neck pain a typical symptom. Your furry friend is having trouble lying down.
The four-legged friend walks around restlessly, cannot put his head down and turn it. This creates an unnatural head pose and when sleeping, the head is rested on the paws.
In order to keep the pain as low as possible, your fur nose moves more slowly and carefully.
Your dog tries to get in the as fast as possible Movement to pause.
The dog has a pinched nerve in its back – a herniated disc is possible
A pinched nerve in the back is particularly common in dogs. This can also indicate a herniated disc.
Let’s take a look at what are typical signs if the dog has pinched a nerve here.
unsteady gait
If a nerve is pinched in the dog’s back, it is a changed one gait pattern to recognize.
The stimuli are no longer passed on properly to the muscles via the damaged nerve tracts – your four-legged friend can no longer walk safely.
The dog looks like he’s about to fall over.
Male dogs in particular who lift one of their hind legs to urinate are then on the verge of falling.
Weakness and trembling of hind legs
Your dog suddenly doesn’t want to jump on the sofa anymore? Or walk up and down the stairs yourself?
Again, this is a clear symptom in a dog that has pinched a nerve.
through the disturbed neural pathways your fur nose can no longer control its muscles properly.
Unfortunately, if he tries, he lands on his nose. In any case, stop jumping and climbing stairs immediately.
signs of paralysis
Are the nerves severely affected – for example by a disc prolapse – It can lead to paralysis of the hind legs.
The muscles are no longer able to move due to the damaged or crushed nerves.
This can also lead to your dog being unable to get up.
Danger
If your dog shows signs of paralysis, take him to the vet immediately – at any time of the day or night! This is a real emergency!
Incontinence – Trouble urinating
Difficulty urinating or defecation can also indicate a pinched nerve in your dog.
The nerves responsible for the function and control of the urinary bladder are completely or partially destroyed.
This can mean that your four-legged friend no longer has any influence on his bladder can take.
The bladder is also just a muscle. The pinched nerve can lead to incontinence, but it can also make it difficult or impossible for your dog to empty his bladder.
The same goes for the Colon your four-legged friend.
When you should take your dog to the vet for a pinched nerve and what treatment options are available
You should generally Go to the vet if your dog has a pinched nerve and is showing one or more of the symptoms.
If only because the pain is extremely severe and you certainly don’t want your best friend to suffer.
The treatment of your four-legged friend depends on how badly the respective nerve or nerves are damaged.
treatment options
These treatments can be used for a pinched nerve in your dog:
- Quiet
- movement restriction
- painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- physical therapy
- surgery
Slight damage usually regenerates by itself – about two to three centimeters a month.
The healing process must be supported by rest. No romping around, no jumping and your furry nose has to be carried on stairs.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs will also be given to your dog. The nerve injury should have healed after two months.
You can usually come along after a few days physical therapy start with your four-legged friend. The muscles are relaxed and remain mobile.
Important
If there is a complete nerve fracture, the vet will have to operate.
You can do that yourself
Warmth Compresses are good support to relieve pain and loosen muscles.
However, if the nerve is under great pressure due to inflammation, help cold compresses or ice packs.
Cold reduces inflammation and takes away pain.
Be sure to ask your vet which compresses — warm or cold — to use!
Has your four-legged friend ever had a pinched nerve? how did he become treated?
Do you have any ideas or tips that worked well or supported your dog? We’d love for you to share your experiences with us in the comments.