Benny is a 7-year-old Beagle who was surrendered to a shelter after his owner said he had suddenly become “difficult to care for.”
During the day, Benny can still walk.
At first glance, there may be nothing obvious enough to explain how dramatically his behavior has changed.
The most disturbing moments happen after he falls asleep.
Benny will lie down and rest normally.
Then, without warning, he suddenly jolts awake.
He cries out in pain.
He scrambles to his feet and moves unsteadily across the kennel until he reaches the door.
Then Benny presses his body against it.
The episodes have become concerning enough that the veterinary team is now investigating whether a spinal problem or nerve-related pain could be behind them.
And that possibility changes the way some of Benny's previous behavior has to be viewed.
What had once been interpreted as “aggression” may have been occurring while Benny was experiencing significant pain.
The Kennel Can Be Completely Quiet Before It Happens
Benny does not have to be running or playing when an episode begins.
Sometimes he is simply asleep.
His body is down.
The kennel is quiet.
Then Benny suddenly wakes with a cry.
He gets up quickly, but his movement is not steady.
He stumbles toward the kennel door.
Once he reaches it, Benny pushes his body against the barrier.
For anyone watching, the contrast is difficult to miss.
Seconds earlier, he was sleeping.
Now he is awake, vocalizing in pain and struggling to move normally.
Then, after the immediate episode passes, Benny may once again look much more functional during the day.
That difference is part of what makes his condition so easy to misunderstand from a brief observation.
Benny Can Still Walk — And That Can Hide How Much Trouble He Is Having
A dog does not necessarily have to be completely unable to walk for spinal or neurologic pain to be serious.
Benny remains ambulatory during the day.