Slightly Torn Cruciate Plus Food For Weight Loss Question

[shells]

My female dog has had a slightly torn cruciate for the last few months. She has had regular checks and it isnt severe. My vet said it is best to wait until the ligament ruptures for repair.

She had a good examination today. Is still weight baring well and movement in the joint is minimal.

I probably didnt do the right thing and rest her as much as I should have when it first happend so I have got strict on myself and will not give into those puppy eyes (well she is 3) and will crate her as much as possible, give her gentle leash walks and she will have a 3 week course of anti-inflamatories.

Has anyone had a similar story? It hasnt really got worse nor has it got better (which obviously it wasnt going to do without me being tough and restricting her exercise)

Which brings me to my next question. She could do with losing 2 kgs. She is a oversized mini poodle but putting her on the scales today I was shocked to see she is 10kgs. Her brother is much leaner at 7kgs so it is a big difference. The vet and I both feel getting her to lose a bit of weight would be great for her.

My vet doesnt push/stock foods and suggested I compare some of the "lite" brands at Petstock. Does anyone have any recomendations?

I usually feed a chicken wing daily (I forgot to ask the vet about this one) are they fatty? Is there something else I should offer?

I have both my dogs on Pernease powder. I find the only way to get them to take it is to mix it in with their dry and add some sardines (or a spoonful of wet food). Is there a good joint supplement in a chew? Is there a wet food that isnt extremely fatty?

Any advice would be great.

[sheena]

I have just recently got my BC girl to lose a couple of kilos. I cut her kibble down from 1 cup to 1/2 a cup a day & instead of topping it with the usual meat or oily fish, I made up some yummy stock from bones, or fish, or organs & use that to pour over her dinner to make her feel more satisfied. I also did it because I don't feel she drinks enough water for my liking. She still gets her home made training treats & 1/2 turkey neck & now her weight is back to normal. The vet told me he thought she may have a very slight CL injury, but she is back to doing agility & showing absolutely no symptoms at all. I have been giving her a glucosomine supplement & coconut oil.

[Dogsfevr]

What exactly do you feed

How many treats

Your diet may be perfectly fine but the quantity easily adjusted .

The quantity may be fine & its all the added treats that are the problem.

[shells]

I feed half a cup of proplan with 2 tablespoons of wet food and some pernease powder plus a chicken wing.

I do have 3 kids and there can be quite a bit of "floor food" but in the last week have been very vigilant in quickly removing any thing that is spilt/dropped - whilst living vaccum cleaners were helpful it obviously was contributing to the weight

We dont give treats all the time. Occassionally (maybe twice a week) they get a smacko after I give them a good brush

[Nekhbet]

I would go a totally raw diet, like the Vets All Natural. You can mix any supplements you need into it quite easily and control the protein source/fat content.

[ness]

I would be crate resting your girl for 8 weeks as it is possible for smaller dogs less then 15 kg to do conservative management and fully recover from a partial cruciate tear. It takes 6-8 weeks to start to rebuild adequate scar tissue and then another another few months of gradually increasing exercise to harden it correctly. You may avoid putting your dog through surgery if you take such measures.

http://tiggerpoz.com/