Dawn's Arnold 2/18 conservative NECK— Canada

Hi. I am posting for the first time here regarding Arnold, my 7 yr old neutered dachshund.  Just before and around Christmas he had two bouts of acute vomiting/diarrhea, one requiring iv fluids and anti-vomiting meds.  it was diagnosed as suspected pancreatitis although his PLI test was above normal but not high enough to be totally conclusive.   Since then I have been observing him almost obsessively for GI related signs because I felt that there was something more going on with him than pancreatitis.  Last Tuesday evening he had an episode of acute onset pain which I thought was abdominal pain.  He had no vomiting or diarrhea and his appetite remained normal.  His symptoms resolved within 24 hours without a visit to a veterinarian.  Friday night the same thing happened only his pain seemed worse.  He preferred to lie in a sternal position and was unable to sleep.  Saturday morning he seemed somewhat improved but not normal and I noticed he was favoring one of his front legs.  Back pain did not once occur to me because I was so focused on GI issues that I think I developed tunnel vision.  Anyway, I did take him to the emergency clinic yesterday morning. he was examined and a complete blood profile was done as well as a CPL snap test for pancreatitis.  His bloodwork was all normal except for a mild ALT elevation which he has had for over a year.  Snap test was negative for pancreatitis.  He was prescribed tramadol for pain and was told to follow up with my vet if he responded in order to do a pain work-up.  She asked if he had any back issues and I said no he never has before.  After leaving the vet yesterday it became more and more apparent that he was having neck pain.  I noticed he did seem to be walking gingerly with his head down and his one ear pinna seems itchy or sensitive in some way.  He wanted to shake his head and would start to but then would stop as if it was hurting.

I started him on the tramadol yesterday every 8 hours and he has been comfortable, able to sleep, not whimpering, able to walk normally, no longer favoring front leg, urinating and defacating normally. This is my dilemma:

I feel that the vet should have considered IVDD as the number one rule out given his breed and the fact that he showed evidence of front limb lameness, even though it was mild and intermittent.  He is responding to Tramadol and I have instituted strict rest even though I have not had a diagnosis of IVDD.  I had intended to follow up with his regular vet on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday here in Canada).  I am wondering if he should also be on an NSAID if he does have a mild case of cervical IVDD.  This is where I need advise: Is tramadol enough if he is not showing any progression of symptoms? Will it have a negative impact on his outcome if he doesn't start on an anti-inflammatory until Tuesday or should I take him to emergency again to try to get the diagnosis sooner? Am I overreacting?

Thanks for any input.