My dog has inflamed joints, can't walk, and isn't eating. What to do?

Poor Cooper! It sounds like he is in a lot of pain if he is having problems putting weight on his limbs and isn't eating or drinking. I would be concerned he may have a problem with his neck, back, or hips causing this difficulty. The best thing to do is rest him as much as possible until you can get out and get him into a vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You may have to use a sling under his abdomen back by his hips to help support him when he gets up, and I would keep food and water near him so he doesn't have to move much to get to it. Try to tempt him to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts. As soon as you can, get him into a vet, which hopefully can be soon. I hope this helps!

This sounds like he’s in pain. It can be from arthritis, a knee ligament injury or pain from his back. Arthritis should show up on x rays, and he would be lame on one leg if it’s a cruciate ligament injury. Back pain can be caused by a bulging intervertebral disc and can me difficult to see on x rays. It can cause trouble walking with incoordination. Regardless I would try Tom on pain medication to see if that helps and keep him quiet. No running or jumping and lots of short slow leash walks. Once the pain is controlled he should eat better. If there is no improvement I recommend a rcheck or an exam with a veterinary specialist. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tom.

Unfortunately these are very general signs of being unwell and it is not possible to tell you what might be wrong with your dog. However, the reluctance to walk and the fact that Ryder is nearly 13 years old, is a good indication that he may be suffering from serious arthritis which now is paining him so much that he cannot hide the pain anymore. This, of course, may also be the cause for not eating. You should make an appointment with your vet for an exam of his hips and legs, a small NSAIDs panel (blood work) and pain medication.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hallie! She is possibly not eating due to pain associated with the injury which often times can affect a dog's appetite. Of course other unrelated causes for her not to eat cannot be completely excluded. With these types of injuries, there is usually more trauma than what can be seen from the outside. I recommend that you have Hallie evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take radiographs to check her bones in the affected leg. They would be able to check the extent of her injuries and proceed with therapy as indicated. She may require antibiotics, further local wound therapy and pain control medications. Good luck and best wishes!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is possibly infection affecting the carpal joint. Your Rex will need an x-ray to find out exactly which structures (bones, joints, tendons) are affected. Please, take him to your local vets as soon as possible as it does look serious.

This sounds like a neurological problem affecting the spinal cord. Intervertebral disc extrusion and spinal cord infarct are most likely at this stage given initial pain and clinical signs. An immediate check up is needed ti confirm this suspicion and investigate and treat appropriately. 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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian right away if at all possible. The symptoms you have described can be the result of an intoxication, orthopedic pain such as arthritis or a neurological problem. An examination will be performed and x-rays may be needed to diagnose the problem. From there, appropriate treatment can be prescribed. I hope this information helps!