Dog cries when moving: what should you do?

If a dog cries out when moving, this clinical sign is a significant indicator of pain, which may originate from either the spine or the peripheral joints. Distinguishing between these potential causes is essential for proper diagnostic and therapeutic direction, taking into account factors such as the dog’s age, breed, medical history, and associated symptoms.

Axial pain, related to the spine, often results from structural or infectious changes. Intervertebral disc disease, notably common in chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos, is characterized by extrusion or protrusion of the disc, leading to spinal cord compression.

Clinically, these animals may present with intense pain, stiffness, paresis, or even paralysis, depending on the degree of neurological involvement. Spondylosis deformans is another important differential diagnosis, associated with the formation of bony bridges between adjacent vertebral bodies, causing chronic pain and limited mobility.

Discospondylitis, in turn, is an infectious etiology — bacterial or, less frequently, fungal — involving the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies. Clinical signs include deep spinal pain, fever, apathy, and in advanced cases, neurological deficits.

Traumatic events should also be considered, especially when there is a history of falls, being hit by a car, or other impact-related incidents, which may result in vertebral fractures or dislocations.

Clinical signs suggestive of axial pain include kyphotic posture, reluctance to climb stairs, vocalization when the back is touched, cervical or lumbar stiffness, tremors, and difficulty lying down or getting up.

In contrast, joint pain presents with a more localized clinical picture. It is common in medium to large breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds — especially in geriatric patients.

Among the most prevalent conditions is hip dysplasia, a multifactorial disease directly affecting joint congruence and leading to secondary osteoarthritis. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is another relevant cause, presenting acutely with lameness and inability to bear weight on the affected hind limb.

Osteoarthritis, due to its progressive and degenerative nature, presents with chronic pain, joint stiffness, difficulty moving after rest, and decreased physical activity. Joint luxations and fractures must also be considered, especially in animals with a history of trauma or excessive physical exertion.

The distinction between axial and joint pain can be made based on the distribution and nature of the pain. While spinal pain is often bilateral, deep, and associated with manipulation of the spine, joint pain tends to be more localized, with evident lameness in a specific limb, worsening after exercise, and, in some cases, presence of edema and joint crepitus.

Regardless of the origin of the pain, administering medications without veterinary prescription, especially human anti-inflammatories, is contraindicated due to the risk of toxicity, including liver and kidney damage.

Initial management should include rest in a safe environment and restriction of physical activity, with veterinary evaluation as soon as possible — ideally by a veterinary orthopedist, who will perform a complete physical, orthopedic, and neurological exam, and may request complementary exams such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI.

Treatment varies according to the etiology. Mild cases may be managed with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and chondroprotective agents. Infections require antibiotic therapy based on culture and sensitivity testing.

Advanced cases of dysplasia, ligament ruptures, or compressive disc herniations require surgical intervention. Veterinary physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, and regenerative therapies like stem cell application may be recommended as part of a multimodal protocol for pain management and functional rehabilitation.

Early identification and appropriate treatment are key to prognosis. Recognizing signs of pain and seeking specialized care are essential to ensure comfort, mobility, and quality of life for the patient.

References

Brisson, B. A. (2010). Intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(5), 829–858.Johnston, S. A., & Tobias, K. M. (2018). Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal. Elsevier Health Sciences.