Pain in neck areas, or any an unpleasant sensation in neck, is quite uncomfortable for pets and is often associated with back discomfort. This type of pain can occur in both dogs and cats and can range from mild to severe. When pets experience pain in neck areas, they typically show reluctance to climb stairs or jump. This condition can be caused by various health issues including trauma to the neck or spine, vertebral disc disorders and disorders of the meninges.

How to Recognize

A change in posture, refusal to move the head or neck, a stiff neck, yelping, crying, visible injuries to the neck, and loss of appetite are signs that your pet may have pain in the neck.

Causes

Possible causes of pain in the neck include trauma, bite wounds from other animals, a fracture or dislocation, infection, and inflammation.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam on your pet, and may use an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further examine the neck.

Treatments

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the neck pain, but may include medication or surgery.

Pain in Neck Affects