My 12 yr old dog has been limping for 8 days now, she is on previcox, the vet said she has a torn ligament in her rear left leg. The previcox is not working, Is there anything else to do ??
Ask A Pet Pro
Helping pet owners get health help For their pets
“I recently helped a client with a 12 year old dog with a torn muscle/ligament in the knee. My 15 year old dog also went through same thing prior to that, and both dogs are doing quite well. I recommend massaging the area (see if you can find someone to learn from but otherwise, you can go to my website for general massage techniques you can use (http://www.pet-health-advisor.com/massagetherapyforanimals.html ), energy work such as reiki (though you can just intend to send the energy from your hands, everyone can do it), and definitely restricting the movement. If you have stairs or steps, do not let your dog go up or down them as this can do further damage. Limit the amount of walks you take them on if they are used to going on alot of walks. Give this time to heal. It can but it takes time, like 3-4 weeks to see good improvement.”
Good luck!
Kim Shotola
Rosharon, TX
“Surgery.
Good luck. “
Adam Ralston, DVM
Las Vegas, NV
Hello,
If this is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which is torn (most common injury), then surgery may be the only thing that helps. Don’t necessarily reject surgery because of the age. I repaired a torn ACL on a 13-year old Golden Retriever about 6 weeks ago, and she is doing great, hardly limping. The owners are so happy they made that decision. Large dogs seldom get better without surgery, and often develop worse arthritis as time goes by. Good luck.
Mack L. Barney, DVM
Fairfield, CA
I agree, it may be a cruciate ligament rupture, which only surgery can stabilize. Two of my large breeds dogs have had this problem and responded beautifully to surgery. But, the sooner the better as an unstable joint develops degenrative changes very quickly.
Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM