Aqua-therpay for an old injury?

Question

Hey guys,
Another quick question: My family adopted a 3 1/2 year old Border Collie from a rescue, and it's obvious that she has been through a lot. She's been hit by at least one car (possibly two), shot in the leg, neglected in a kennel and (from what we can see) abused in general.

My question is regarding her back right leg. She favors it and usually fails to catch herself with it when she jumps in the air. She has seen a vet about this and they basically had absolutely no idea what the problem is. This may or may not be the leg she was shot in.

I'm wondering if there is anything we can do to help her strengthen this leg. I've heard aqua therapy helps out a lot, and one of the vets who examined her front leg (broken from the impact of the first car, then put into a splint by her cheap and idiot previous owners) recorded that she could really benefit from swimming.

Here's the catch: She is absolutely terrified of water. I don't think she's every actually been IN a pond.

I know I can work on desensitizing her to water, but until I get to this point (we only just got her a month or so ago, I don't want to put her through that yet), is there anything else I can do for her leg?

X-rays were done. Vet still had no clue.

I'm thinking I may want my own vet to check this situation out.

The vet who looked at her was the same vet the rescue I got her from uses (a very very reliable vet).

Answer 1

Your story breaks my heart. I too rescue Border Collies, I think that they are the best dogs in the world.

My BC wasn't too fond of water either, but my boyfriend has a Aussie that LOVES water. After going to the river a couple of times with both dogs, my BC was in the water as much as the Aussie. SO.......

Swimming can never hurt a dog, it is the most protected form of exercise. It is very likely to help a good deal. If you know someone who has a dog that likes the water, going to the pond with them would be the easiest way to get your beautiful dog in the water. For some reason, they like the water more quickly if they are introduced by another dog. If you DON'T know anyone with a dog like that, try going in the water yourself and calling to her. Or if she has a favorite toy, you can try throwing it in the water (be prepared to go in and get it yourself). Last but not least, go to a vet that is familiar with herding dogs, and have her recommend a physical therapy routine.

Best of Luck & thank you for rescuing a BC
c-ya

BTW, try to keep her from jumping up in the air until her leg is stronger.

Answer 2

I can't help you with the water therapy but, it sounds like the vet should do some xrays of the leg and hip to see what is really going on with her.
It may be related to an old injury or it could be hip or patella related and the only way to find out is if they do some xrays.

First I'd say they need to find out what is going on with the leg before you start any kind of therapy.

Add on: If it were me I would get the xrays from the vet and take them to either your vet or an orthopedic vet for their opinion on it.
The vet may want to do new xrays though.. But it is always helpful to take old xrays with you so that they can look and see if they see anything.

Answer 3

Have you considered either acupuncture or chiropractic treatments for her? I obviously don't know whether they can help your dog or not, but I know from experience that vets do amazing things with both treatments. All it would cost you is the price of a visit to have them check her out.

I've had all my greys in for treatments now, 2 of them were screaming in pain when touched, and they're now 100% pain free after a course of treatments and are now only going for the occasional "tune-up".