This combination of symptoms is a classic and serious presentation. Let me break down what each sign is telling me and why it points so strongly to a spinal issue.
Why This Sounds Like a Spinal Problem
- “Can’t Jump” (Reluctance to Move): This is a major red flag. Jumping, going up stairs, and even just getting up from a lying position put significant stress on the spine. A dog with back pain will avoid these activities to prevent sharp, stabbing pain. They may also have a hunched back or a tense abdomen.
- “Winces” (Pain Response): The “wince” is a clear sign of acute pain. This pain could be triggered by:
- Palpation: You touching a specific spot on his back.
- Movement: Simply turning his head or back the wrong way.
- Pressure: The inflamed or compressed nerves are sending intense pain signals.
- “Quivery Legs” (Neurological Sign): This is the most critical symptom. The quivering or shaking can be caused by two main things:
- Severe Pain: Muscles often tremble in response to intense pain.
- Nerve Compression: This is my primary concern. When a disc in the spine herniates or there’s other spinal cord compression, it interrupts the normal nerve signals to the legs. This can manifest as weakness, instability, loss of coordination (ataxia), and muscle tremors as the muscles struggle to receive correct instructions from the brain.
Possible Causes We Would Consider
Your description, especially with the neurological component (quivery legs), points directly to conditions that affect the spinal cord. The most common culprit in dogs is:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a top suspect, especially in certain breeds (like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Corgis), but it can happen to any dog. A disc in the spine essentially bulges or ruptures, pressing on the spinal cord and causing pain, inflammation, and nerve damage.
- Trauma: A fall, a jump gone wrong, or an accident could have caused a sprain, strain, or even a fracture.
- Spinal Arthritis (Spondylosis): Degenerative changes in the joints of the spine can cause pain and stiffness.
- Infection (Discospondylitis): A bacterial or fungal infection in the disc space and vertebrae.
- Tumor: A growth on or near the spinal cord (less common, but a possibility).
This is an Urgent Situation
I cannot stress this enough: This is not a “wait-and-see” situation. The presence of neurological signs like leg trembling means the condition could be progressing. A dog that is wincing and trembling today could potentially lose the ability to walk (paralysis) or lose deep pain sensation if the compression on the spinal cord worsens.
Your Action Plan Right Now
- STRICT CRATE REST: This is the single most important thing you can do right now. Do not let your dog run, jump, play, or go for walks. Carry him outside to use the bathroom on a leash, and then straight back to the crate. Confinement prevents further injury to the spinal cord. Do not allow him to climb stairs or get on/off furniture.
- Call Your Vet or an Emergency Clinic Immediately: You need a professional evaluation today. Explain the symptoms exactly as you did here: “can’t jump, wincing in pain, and back legs are quivering.”
- Be Careful Handling Him: When you need to move him, try to keep his back as straight and supported as possible. Gently slide him onto a towel or blanket to use as a sling for support.
- Do Not Give Human Medication: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe stomach ulcers or kidney failure. Your vet will prescribe safe and effective pain relief.
What to Expect at the Vet
We will perform a thorough neurological exam to locate the area of the spine affected and assess the severity. We will check his reflexes, his ability to feel his legs, and his posture. Based on that exam, we may recommend:
- Pain and Anti-inflammatory Medication: To provide immediate relief and reduce swelling around the spinal cord.
- Advanced Imaging: X-rays are a start, but to see the spinal cord and discs clearly, an MRI or CT scan is often necessary to get a definitive diagnosis, especially if surgery is being considered.
The goal is to relieve the pain and prevent permanent nerve damage. With prompt treatment, which can range from strict rest and medication to surgery for severe cases, many dogs make an excellent recovery.
Bottom Line: Trust your instinct. The symptoms you describe are significant and point directly to a painful and potentially progressive spinal issue. Please take action now. Your quick response is critical for your dog’s comfort and long-term outcome.
