This article originally appeared on my ongoing series of articles for?Flexcin International, Inc?as?Your Pet?s Head Position Explains More Than You?d Think
Photo Credit: Michael Brian
The way your pet holds its neck and head can indicate if a problem is present.?Signs such as the head being carried at the same height as or below the shoulders, a gaze pointing to the ground, or vocalization (crying) when the head or neck move indicate attempts to minimize pain. The neck also works in conjunction with the shoulders, so neck problems often end up affecting the shoulders (and vice versa). Your pet may exhibit front limb lameness (limping), difficulty or reluctance to move down from elevated surfaces, refusal to move, and other signs.
There are many potential causes of neck problems, but collar-based trauma is the most common in dogs. Ironically, it is also entirely preventable. Unfortunately, most dogs do not walk while heeling at their owner?s side. Instead, they pull against the collar and put mild to severe pressure on their neck.
For the sake of the health and comfort of your dog?s neck and head, don?t yank on your dog?s collar (or let them do so) or engage in a vigorous game of tug o? war. Instead try obedience training and utilize harness-style leads that do not put stress on the neck and head of your canine. These body parts are complex in their structure and function.
The neck is composed of many parts that work together for normal carriage and function to occur. A central column of backbones (vertebrae) protects the spinal cord and provides the neck?s basic support structure. A series of intervertebral discs provides cushion for the vertebrae and spinal cord. Additionally, small joints called facets help keep the whole backbone stable.
Besides the backbone, the neck contains other structures essential for the body?s normal functioning including the esophagus, trachea (windpipe), blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and muscles.?A problem with any one of these parts can cause your dog to show abnormal neck position, reduced range of motion, pain to the touch, or behavioral changes.
One of the most common diseases I see in the neck is?intervertebral disc disease?(IVDD), which is an abnormality in the disc?s ability to absorb shock and protect the spinal cord. IVDD often coincides with arthritis in the spine?s facets, which makes for a doubly uncomfortable experience for your cat or dog.
Symptoms of head and neck pain should be evaluated by your veterinarian. The appropriate diagnostic tests (X-rays, etc.) can determine the nature of the problem in order to develop an adequate treatment plan. Additionally, starting your dog on a daily dose of?FlexPet?can help improve joint health so that less medication is needed to maintain a comfortable state.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at?vetadvice@flexcin.com.
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Thank you for reading this article. ?Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I?ll respond).
Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking?Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets?on Facebook.
Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
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