Limping in the back leg

Annelaure90
Annelaure90 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice or opinions on what’s going on with my 8-year-old dog. In mid-February, she suddenly started limping on her back right leg after a walk where she’d been running around quite a bit. I waited about a week to see if it would clear up before taking her to the vet. She was put on an 8-day course of anti-inflammatories which really helped, but a few days later, she started limping again. We had a second appointment, with an X-ray this time. The report didn't show anything unusual. She was given another three weeks of anti-inflammatories, and the course finished this Tuesday. Unfortunately, since this morning, she’s started limping again.

I should point out that since the beginning, she’s been on strictly minimal walks—just for toilet breaks—and complete rest. Once she’s warmed up, she doesn't limp anymore. It’s only in the mornings or after she’s been lying down for a while. She holds her leg up and then gradually starts putting it down until she’s walking normally again after a few minutes.

During the second visit, the vet told me that if it didn't get better, she’d need surgery for her ligaments, and that’s where I’m starting to have doubts. It seems like a lot to consider such a major operation based on an X-ray that showed nothing abnormal. He hasn't suggested an ultrasound.

Has anyone else been through this with their dog? Should I ask for a second opinion? Thanks for your help.

Translated from French
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2 answers
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    • M
    Michael Icon representing the flag Polish
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    In my opinion, it’s worth consulting an orthopaedic vet to get a second opinion, especially if the X-ray didn’t show a clear cause for the problem.

    Alongside anti-inflammatory treatment, our vet also recommended long-term joint support with a specialist supplement. Of course, it all depends on the cause of the limping, and the treatment plan should be tailored to her individually by your own vet.

    Fingers crossed you manage to find the cause of the problem quickly and your girl is back to her usual self soon.

    Translated Polish
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    The fact that your dog’s lameness appears when she is "cold" (in the morning or after resting), then improves after a few minutes but returns despite anti-inflammatories, could indeed be consistent with a ligament or joint issue.

    In such cases, an X-ray might show indirect signs, but since it doesn't allow the ligaments to be seen directly, a normal X-ray result doesn't rule out this type of problem.

    Diagnosing a cruciate ligament rupture relies mainly on a thorough orthopaedic examination by your vet (stability tests); this exam isn't painful, but it does sometimes require sedation.

    The possibility of surgery was likely mentioned by your vet to show that other alternatives exist when this kind of lameness recurs after medical treatment, but it is certainly something to be discussed further. Don't hesitate to share your concerns with your vet, with whom you can decide on the best care plan for your dog.

    In any case, if you are still unsure, there is nothing to stop you from seeking a second opinion.

    Kind regards,

    Maëlla

    Translated from French

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