I plan to take him to the vet. the previous owner gave me all the paper work on him so he was at the vet. in Aug. I think I have already gained his trust to a point and can't wait to gain more of it. Its not that his back hurts him when we touch or pet him, he does the nipping thing when he is startled is what it seems like. Me personally I think he was abused, but its all good now he is going to be spled with me. He has 3 childern to play with and does great with them. I will work on the paw thing already started it.