Could it be a tumor?

[Prietty]

My 10 year old dog has been having difficulty in walking for about a week now. Despite his efforts to walk, he ends up crumbling to the ground because his hind legs are really trembling. Fortunately, he eats and drinks normally but does this while laying down. He also shivers sometimes as if he was cold and always looks tired. Recently, I noticed a swollen spot on the lower part of his back and scared that it might be a tumor. Please I need suggestions. Thanks

[ginger899]

I hope you will be able to find a vet to help....
You may have to travel to a town nearby? Making him comfortable with a bed and blanket in a car, if you have one, or a friend's car? -for the journey would help him, if you have to travel some distance.
It is obvious how much you care about your dog and love him.

My opinion is that he needs this lump examined by a vet.

I hope he will be okay.

[tonyb286]

Okay. We answer questions here without always knowing where people asking the questions live, so forgive my presumption. For some minor illnesses, waiting a couple of days to see if things improve is fine, but in this case I do think you need a vet. It sounds like your best friend is in some pain, so the sooner you can get to a vet the better. You also have to remember that 10yrs old means he is no longer a young dog, and this could be age-related. Just like us humans, when dogs get older they can also have problems with aching joints, arthritis, and many other age-related illnesses. In many cases, minor ailments are easily treated - but obviously, until a diagnosis is made and treatment commenced, even minor illnesses can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Hope you manage to get help for your best friend soon.

Tony

[Prietty]

Thank you Tony. You are very right to say I had to have already taken it to a vet since its been happening for about a week now. The truth is that I live in a country (Cameroon) where people don't really believe in taking animals to the vet when they are sick because the living standards are not best. I delayed taking him to the vet because I'm always hoping each day that he gets better. But I will do my best to help my faithful companion. Thanks again

[tonyb286]

Hi. Why have you not taken him to a vet, if this has been going on for a week? The shivering is likely to be due to pain or a neurological issue, associated with the lump on his back (particularly if it is along the spinal column). Don't wait. Get your dog to a vet and have him properly examined.

Tony