Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, can be a hereditary problem. This is especially common in large breeds and can be variably painful. One common manifestation of spinal stenosis is the “wobbler syndrome,” and I have seen up close and personal how difficult that can be for a family. Spinal stenosis can also be acquired, such as due to injury or herniation of an intervertebral disc. This generally creates severe pain at the site of the injury.