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.
