Possible MRI tomorrow for back pain

So Cookie has been suffering with his back for far too long now, I've been back and forth to the vet more times than I have fingers and toes about this and so tomorrow he is meeting an orthopaedic (I think) surgeon and if he gives the go ahead he will be staying for an MRI.
So glad they are finally doing some tests, I always thought vets would offer all the random tests in the world to get at your money, but blooming heck, this has taken months to get into motion. If they don't do it tomorrow for any reason there will be blood spilt

So my real post is to ask, what will they be looking for?

I honestly have no idea what is up with him, he is usually really go at hiding pain but we have know for quite a while he is in pain so has had lots of Tramadol and Metacam while having rest.

Probably spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, many things really, some operable some not, some that have to be managed with pain killers etc.

Oh dear, tbh I don't really know what I am expecting, but something needs doing, poor lad really isn't enjoying life that much at the moment. Mainly because he loves doing his tricks and being active and this is what seems to cause his pain.
Well thanks for the thoughts, I will have a look at the two you mentioned while not going OTT on them because then I will be worried and not sleep all night.
Thanks again SB

Vet has just called, MRI of spine and brain and some x-rays have shown pretty much nothing.
Apparently there might be a bit of 'spondylosis' as SB predicted as a cause, but he said not enough to cause the amount of pain and changes in behaviour and personality.
He also said he would change the medication from Metacam and Tramadol onto something more specific for back and spinal pain and Cookie is to continue with bed rest for a few more months. So after 4 months of minimal walking we are now going to try even less walking and see if that makes him any better. No wonder poor lad is so annoyed and grumpy. I would be with 10 minute walks a few times a day and not training or playing with toys like a loon.

I expect they will use something like Gabapentin, it is always annoying NOT knowing, at least if you know, you knnow, if that makes sense.

So true, but regardless is it nice to know there are people on here to rant to about how frustrating it is to not know.

The vet did mention he wouldn't wake up after the scan, and had to be given something to help speed up his heart rate and some fluids and warmed up. He was quite worried which is why he said a later pick up time. But Cookie is usually very groggy and out of it for hours and hours after, but the vet seemed to think it was different and possibly a sign of a neurological problem??? Does that make any sense to you?
Glad to have him back home and I'm going to stay up with him most of the night and other half will take over early morning, as last time he did stop breathing for nearly a minute. Very worrying.
Thanks again SB, don't know what I would do without the support of Dogsey

I have very mild scoliosis (curvature of the spine) at the base of my spine, causing occasional bouts of back pain (especially when sitting for long periods) and with Cookie being on bed rest I haven't been doing are usual walks. Result, were both now in pain with our backs...
I have just slapped some iburofen gel on and a heat pad, and feel much better... sat here thinking I wish I could do something for him, no wonder he is grumpy if he feels like this all day... then palm face moment, is it okay to put a wheat bag across his back. Not as hot as I have it, but warm, to help relieve his pain?

Yes, but I use this for both myself and my dog.

Forever Aloe MSM Gel from K9 Massage and this from Healthspan


http://www.healthspan.co.uk/glucosam...4015-c142.aspx

Thanks for that smokeybear, I will look into both and have a try. At this moment in time I will give anything ago.
I have heard about the aloe before, but being allergic to it didn't try and had forgotten, but sod my allergies! If it helps I will just have to wear gloves when applying it and be a bit itchy! haha