My dog Molly is a medium sized beagle mix that was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease a couple years back. i believe the type was a form of lupus because she lost pigmentation in her nose, lost fur on her ears and front legs, became lethargic and did not hardly eat (http://a221.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/81/l_af1cc0ed1dbec798255b3b4c31ce96bc.jpg). She is now taking prednisone to treat it. Because of the prednisone, molly gained back the weight she lost plus more. She has a beagle stomach and dalmatian legs, so the extra weight really put a strain on her legs and she tore her ACL. The vet said surgery might kill her or cause her autoimmune to come back. The vet gave us tramadol to ease the pain. Right now I am trying to keep her off her leg.
Molly is a great dog and I would like to make her as comfortable as I can. Is there anything i can do to heal her leg or help her pain anymore? And are there any less expensive alternatives to leg braces or ways to make one at home?
Thanks
2007-11-18 19:37:35 · 2 answers · asked by softbagel14 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2046717776_8df2d847ea.jpg?v=0
2007-11-18 19:40:54 · update #1
I had a situation like that. My dog had been on Dexamethazone for years and developed luxating patellas. He needed surgery. There really was no other option for him. We had to taper down the dose and hope for the best. Thankfully, it went well and he recovered well. A friend's dog did not fair so well. The repair to her dogs ACL did not hold. BUT, she put the dog on Cosequin, following Adequan injections and took weight off the dog, and kept him quite lean. He lived quite a good life for another 5 years. He had been on Pred also.
Sometimes, those medical measures work wonders. Your dog is not a big breed, so if you can get some of the weight off and get her some exercise, like swimming, or easy walking on the soft ground, there may be hope without the surgery.
Sometimes a heavy wrap of cotton padding followed with a wrap of Ace bandage, make a good enough support to keep the dog comfortable.
2007-11-19 01:46:58 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 6 year old APBT with a torn ACL. He is on exactly the same meds as your dog. Granted my dog is older but I chose not to do surgery as my vet recommended against it for several reasons. Number 1 is the cost, number 2 is the amount of time needed for the dog to recuperate, first having to be stationary for months then extensive physical training. And third is many times they will just tear it again. I find with the glucosamine, muscle relaxers and pain killers given after activity he is ok just a little stiff some times. But like i said your dog is much younger so you may want to think about the surgery.
2016-05-24 04:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surgery is not the only option for an ACL tear. We took the conservative route and got a leg brace from Woundwear. We are soo glad we did, she is feeling much better. Ask your vet to see if that could be an option for your dog and good luck!
2016-08-08 04:22:31 · answer #3 · answered by L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yikes - a brace might be your best bet, and if you've got to borrow money or use a credit card to get one, it's better than losing your princess, isn't it? She's adorable, by the way - good luck!!
2007-11-18 21:02:34 · answer #4 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋