Dog in great pain, panting help!!!!!?

On Sunday my 9year old large breed neutered male dog was lethargic. Took him to the vet Monday, and did bloodwork that came out fine, doctor prescribed anti-imflamatory meds to help with the stiff joints. Tuesday and Wednesday was better, on Thursday fell ill and was unable to move, after yelping in pain and wining took him to the emergency vet who noticed his pain was in the neck area, prescribed morphine for the pain. Today normal vet reffered me to a specialist who took X-Rays and said everything looked okay but would like to do an MRI on Monday. Prescribed a patch to help the pain for the next three days, but it will not kick in till this evening. Dog is in pain, whining, and is panting VERY HARD....called the clinic said to wait until the medicine kicks in, what can I do???He is howling in pain, my heart is breaking, should I comfort him, let him be in peace...any suggestions???Thanks in advance