Every 4-6 months Cosmo starts being very sensitive near his butt. Every time his anal glands were really full and we express them. He's a bit sore for a day and then he's fine.

This time he was showing the same signs: tucking the tail and his whole rear end, not wanting to get up, whimpering, pressing himself against me and even shaking. His anal glands were totally full and we expressed them.

However, this time the same behaviour continued afterwards. He started becoming conditioned not to get up and became anxious just about the thought of jumping up on the couch to cuddle or greeting someone. For the first time ever in his life he was anxious on a walk and even stuck a bit closer to me (anyone who knows Cosmo knows that that's a MAJOR sign of concern).

Interestingly, he would be almost fine for hours and then he would whimper and stiffen just at a touch.

We couldn't get a vet appointement until a week after the inital signs but my appointment finally came yesterday.

My vet (Mr. McDreamy) is unsure what's going on. Because his glands were completely empty and there did not appear to be any signs of infection, impaction or ulcers he was a bit concerned about a structural issue, particularly in the spine. After doing some prodding and watching his gait he did not think it was structural. Cosmo would stiffen and curve his back when prodded but didn't whimper or jerk in any one spot.

We decided on a course of Metacam, both to help his discomfort and as a diagnostic tool.

Today is the second day of Metacam and I'm happy to say I have my exuberant boy back. He greeted me at the door and we had a super energetic play session at the park followed by learning a new trick. His odd behaviour is completely gone.

If the pain comes back after the Metacam we'll do X-rays and possibly consider soft-tissue damage.

Any thoughts what could be going on? Sorry for the novel.

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Jacqueline

"I have just met you and I love you" - Dug (Up!)

I would have xrays done - especially since he's an active dog. Even if or especially since he's on meds that may be masking the symptoms. It could be bad hips, it could spondylosis related to bad hips. Best to know what you are dealing with. So sorry you and he are going through all this.

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Always loved, never forgotten, all our previous boys -

You said exactly what I was gonna to say., definitely do X-rays if he acts like that again!

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Alison and 2 Furry Kids and 2 non furry kids

Lilly- Golden DOB 1/28/11
AKC name: Goldridge Lights Action Lilly RN CCA
http://k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=433352
Sanford- JRT DOB-9/5/06

Bridge dogs
Toby-Boxer 10 yrs. old (rescue) 9/17/2002-11/1/12
Charlie- Boxer (1st "child" together)2/19/02-3/18/12
Julie- golden retriever ( my heart dog) 5/6/96-3/3/07
Ruby- terrier/chow mix (my 1st dog) 8/1/90-1/15/05
Rusty-shih tzu (million dollar dog) 2/5/99-1/20/04

I would suggest getting a referal to a canine physiotherapist. My girl was having problems with her hind end, no outward signs of pain, but discomfort when petted, but not all the time, and she would limp after resting. I got her into a canine physiotherapist and found out her right hip was out of place. The physiotherapist repositioned her hip, set up an exercise program to strengthen those muscles, and she has recovered well.

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Until there are none, rescue one.