Only half of SM dogs scratch, many will not even show pain in any obvious way even though they are constantly enduring terrible symptoms:
- Sensitive to touch, especially neck and ear area
- Spinal pain/sensitivity
- Light sensitivity (squinting)
- Walking and moving slowly (due to pain)
- Hesitating before jumping on furniture or climbing stairs
- Limb weakness (Molly’s was front left leg)
- Scratching – esp. ears, head, face, neck, shoulders
- Air scratching
- Sudden yelping for no apparent reason
- Biting hind quarters
- Restlessness
- Withdrawn/quiet
- Yelping when picked up
- Scooting
Molly was initially misdiagnosed with joint problems and sent to a joint specialist, some of the other possible incorrect diagnoses include:
- Allergies
- Ear problems
- Spinal problems
