could this be a slipped disc?

[papaya]

I noticed on saturday, my rottie mix (approx 8 yrs. old) seems to be extremely sensitive to touch when i pet him close to the lower back. It seems to send off some sort of nerve towards his rear legs. He doesn't yelp or cry out but something is wrong. I did notice this happen once for one day approx. 1 month ago. At the time, I thought he was sore from a trail we frequent or from chasing something under the porch in the yard because he was fine the next day. Suddenly yesterday and today, it seems to be much much worst. He is otherwise very active and apears fine. I plan to take him to his vet on mon but my anxiety is building. Any idea what might be happening? My uneducated guess is a slipped disc or something :( I'm really worried.

[observer]

Definitely take him to the vet at the earliest opportunity. Making an analogy to human anatomy and physiology, with those symptoms, a disk problem is certainly a possibility.

[moondog]

I think you are right to be worried. It could be a slipped disc or arthritis or ??, but whatever it is, a problem in the spine can cause severe pain. Rotties are very stoic about pain, so don't underestimate the pain your dog may be in.

I get to the vet ASAP and I'd insist on an xray of the spine, for sure.

[papaya]

On closer examination, it seems to be similar to a muscle spasm effect if touched on a certain part of his back. I am holding my breath and hoping for the best when we go tomorrow.

[moondog]

A muscle spasm is not inconsistent with a spinal problem. Good luck at your vet visit, and let us know what they find..

[observer]

Moondog is right.. compression on the nerves coming off the spinal cord, or the cord itself, due to arthritis or disk bulge, can cause muscle spasm-like symptoms as well. You are in our thoughts, so please keep us posted.

[JeanT]

And as in humans, exercise (unless specific PT) will not help. So don't let him run around even if he seems to want to, until an OK from the vet.

[papaya]

Thank you all for your comments and good wishes--greatly appreciated.