So, it would seem that Gus's problem is not skeletal in nature at all .  Whew - great sigh of relief.

He is having intestinal problems severe enough to make him not want to stand or walk (though he is much better in that regard this morning).  He has had a few episodes of relief outside this morning and feels much better for a few minutes each time - he had no episodes at all until this morning.  But of course then he relapses into his pitiful self again.

Not sure if all this was caused by the new Pedigree dental chews I've been giving him (and Fiona) the last couple of weeks or the "gourmet" treat he was given when we visited the sheshe dog boutique yesterday - took the dogs downtown for a walk somewhere new for them and so that they could be adored by the masses of tourists... which they were.  Fiona is totally fine and she's had everything he's had.

Ah well, hopefully the pills will work quickly and he will be back to his same silly self soon.  Pills beat the heck out of back surgery!  Right now he is collapsed on the kitchen floor again.