Dog with a sore leg

[AnitaF]

My dog, Barret, a 5-year-old mixed breed, has a sore right back leg. He limps and holds the leg up a lot and doesn't want to put weight on it. He's been tested for Lyme disease and two other things (which I can't remember) but they were all three negative. He won't go up and down steps but he will run a little outside, and this puzzles me. He has taken about three months' worth of a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin called Triple Strength Joint Max, which is supposed to rebuild cartilage and lubricate joints, but he doesn't seem to be any better. I'm reluctant to take him to the vet because of the expense and because I like to treat myself and my family (including the dogs) with supplements and natural therapies, but I guess, if he doesn't get better soon, we'll have to take him to the vet, at least for x-rays and to get a diagnosis. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their dog.

 

[elegy]

i'd be concerned about a torn cruciate ligament in the knee. in my experience, that's the most common cause of hind leg lameness in younger dogs. xrays would be a good idea. if your regular vet doesn't come up with anything even with xrays, i'd consider a referral to an orthopedic vet.

 

[corgipower]

Hi, and welcome to chaz!!

It's hard to say over the web. A vet trip just might be necessary. He's been on joint supplements for three months. Is that how long he's been sore? My first though is patella luxation, but to be honest, it could be any number of things.

How big is he? We really must see pictures of him

 

[corgipower]

i'd be concerned about a torn cruciate ligament in the knee.

Ahh yes, thanks elegy, that's actually what I meant to post, but my brain stopped working for a moment.

 

[AnitaF]

What do they do for a torn cruciate ligament?

 

[AnitaF]

Barret weighs about 45 pounds. If someone can tell me how to put a picture on here, I'll try.

 

[AnitaF]

You can see a picture of the dog with the sore leg on my dog blog to see the size of him. He's the one with the glasses.

 

[corgipower]

He is adorable!!

The ligament usually gets torn by them twisting the knee.

As for how to post pics, I'm sure someone better at explaining these things will be along soon.

 

[AnitaF]

I'm sorry - I meant how do they treat a torn cruciate ligament?

Would that show up on an x-ray? I thought they could only see bones on x-rays.

 

[NeilB]

If it lasts you need to see a vet either way. I have seen young dogs with bad hips...

 

[adojrts]

If your dog has been non weight bearing on the leg for longer than 48 hrs, then it needs to be seen by a vet and I would think x-rays would be in order.
As for cruciate ligament injury that is usually fixed with surgery depending on whether it is strained or torn.

Agreed, there are too many things it could be for any of us to give advice other than to seek vet care.

Good luck