Question:
I have a 5 year old SPCA special. Part Border Collie, Terrier and Lab by the looks of things. He has always been healthy and happy except for the past few months. He will be sitting on the couch, lying on the floor or on his own bed and all of a sudden he will howl as if he's in HUGE pain.
I check him - head to tail - and there is nothing wrong with him. He hasn't accidently bitten himself, instead of a toy. He hasn't caught his foot, leg in anything. It is a complete mystery. I just lay him on the floor and rub his tummy and talk with him....and in 30 seconds to a min. it is all over. The next morning he usually declines breakfast but is better by lunch.
His eyes are fine and clear, his blood circulation is good ( I check his tougue colour ) I have had him to the vet for a blood check and there's nothing to indicate a problem.
It breaks my heart to see him like this....it freaks the cat out too since she loves him and is worried when he does this. If anyone has ever seen this? or heard of it? I'd appreciate any help or suggestions.

Answer:
Could it be a seizure?

Answer:
Is the howling only occur when the dog is laying down, or is it when he is attempting to get up from laying down have you noted a change in laying/sleeping position since this started ? Like maybe before used to curl in a ball most of the time, but now lays on hisside
Has the activity level of your dog changed since this started, is he active, does he like to play, how frequently is it happening(every day? once a week)


Does he have a history of chewing things up?


Has the vet done any x-rays , ultrasounds or other tests other than blood work(was this just a general blood profile)?


if you can provide more details I might have some ideas of what could be checked

Answer:
I would be concerned about a possible disc related problem - which would require an X-Ray at the vet. Were these done?

Answer:
When the blood test was done did it include a Lyme test. I just had a dog diagnosed with this and his symptom was stiffness and pain. If this is the case and is left untreated it can lead to organ failure and death. Many dogs have different symptoms, thus leading vets to improperly diagnose this disease. Most dogs show arthritis-like symptoms and are treated for that.

How is the appitite? Drinking? these are clues too.

Good luck

Answer: