We have owned a 3-year old female staffy (Missy) for one year, and I walk her twice a day - each walk being about 3.5 Kms long. She first developed a limp 4 months back on her front right leg and the vet put her on a course of Metacam with no walking for 2 weeks. At the time I used to throw a tennis ball for Missy when she was on an off-leash section of the walk but gave this up after she started to limp again after I started walking her again. She has been good until the last week when she developed the limp again in the same leg. I took her back to the vet and she is now having another 2-week spell from walking and was put on Metacam for 3 days. The vet checked her out pretty thoroughly and said she doesn't have any foreign objects in her paw nor does she have evidence of any bruising or broken bones, but I did not get her x-rayed. The vet believes it is soft tissue damage in her shoulder region, and I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience like this with their dogs and if they have tried alternate therapies to overcome this problem. My neighbour is blind and has a guide dog. He suggests that I get a second opinion from the vet he takes his dog to, but my vet seems genuine and I have o problem with her.
Any advice would be appreciated.