Shoulder

My black lab has a lot of difficulty getting up and will only sleep on her stomach.  Is moving slowly, and not at all as joyful as she usually is.  Seems to have a hump on her shoulder area and won't raise her head very high.  Still eats well, however.  This happened over the course of one morning.  Help!  She's such a sweetheart and I hate to see her this wa!

[Jennifer Mathis, D.V.M.]

It sounds as if your sweetheart is in pain.  Please see your veterinarian right away so he/she can examine everything, specifically the shoulder, and help you provide the best relief possible for your lab.  Your veterinarian will likely want to take xrays to provide you with the best information to make informed decisions to help her.