Lameness In Hind Leg

[FalconRange]

Saturday afternoon, I took my dog and a dog I was house sitting to the oval to play fetch with the tennis ball. They were having a good time - my boy chasing the ball, and the girl chasing my boy - until they collided partway through the next retrieve. My boy pulled up lame in his right leg, alternating between hobbling and holding it up as he returned to me.

Playtime was quickly cancelled and he was given crate rest for the rest of the day. Three rest days later, he's still not walking properly. He's crashed into things before and shown some signs of lameness, but the symptoms only lasted for seconds or minutes. Never has he shown prolonged signs like this before, so I think it's time for a vet visit.

My great concern is that he's injured his right cruciate ligament/s. This is a worst case scenario, but certainly a possibility after doing some research and comparing signs and symptoms with the material I've come across. He's a lean and active 4 year old Border Collie. Much of the material suggests this is common in active dogs over 4, especially working breeds involved in dogs sports like we've engaged in.

If this is likely, where should I take him to seek treatment? The vet hospital clinic I usually take my animals to is fine for general practice stuff, and is well equipped with imaging equipment. However, would I be better off going to see a specialist who might be better able to diagnose and treat these kinds of injuries?

If I was to see a specialist, do I just contact them for an appointment? Or do I need a referral from the general vet first?

Does anyone have any experience with cruciate injuries? Where did you go to for diagnosis and treatment? Did corrective surgery have a good outcome?

I'm kicking myself for having taken him out for a run on a day he's usually rested, and if this leads to him being unable to continue with agility and obedience, it'll be heartbreaking. Just trying to find information to prepare for the worst if it's indeed the case.

[ness]

FalconRange - I normally take my girls to Dr Matthew Condon (http://www.chiropet....au/contact.html) when they are lame in the first instance. When Ness did her cruciate last year I was pretty sure she had ruptured it but he confirmed it for me. He will give you a referral to a specialist if needed.

I don't normally take either of mine to a standard vet for lameness issues.

Dr Scott Rose at SA Vet (http://www.savet.com.au/www/home/) did Ness's repair although we only went for a traditional repair based on her age and she has come through with flying colours so I would highly recommend him and the practice. Although Ness is 13 and a half now she is sound and able to do everything she was doing before at 6 months post surgery (although obviously she isn't back to performance sports). The most common repair for an active dog is a TPLO and lots of active breeds do end up back doing agility and obedience.

Any other questions happy to answer here or via PM.

Edited April 22, 2014 by ness

[VizslaMomma]

Sorry to hear of this incident.

I so hope right cruicate ligament damage needing surgey is the last thing needed. Paws crossed the diagnosis is not as serious.

To answer your question about corrective surgey having a good outcome, I can say most assuredly YES.

Not 3 hours ago I just had the pleasure of meeting a GSP, same age as your dog, which is well on the way to recovery. He is 16 weeks post-surgery & is really enjoying his hydrotherpy.

All is most hopeful for a great outcome. Univeristy of Sydney patient.

One of our American Vizsla males had the same surgery when he was aged 6 years. He pulled lame in the dead of winter during a day's hunting. This dog did all he could to hide the pain because he wanted to continue being in the field. After a few days of being off, it was determined he had done damage. Within 18 months, he went on to get a very high award in Field work for gundogs.

A CKCS bitch aged 5, very overweight, had successful surgery too. She was put on a weight controlled & RAW diet during the 2 months she lived with us during recovery. Her option for no weight loss was going to be unsuccessful surgery. University of Sydney patient.

Like all operations, not all work. Reaosons all differ.

I know there are many DOL'ers from your state. I am sure they can help with the nittier details.

In NSW, a referral is needed for a specialist Vet. SA will be similar. Get as many opinions & options as possible.

Sending healing vibes to you BOTH.

[Mal1]

Have a Vet check your dog you may find its not as bleak as you imagine, fingers crossed.

My Rottweiler damaged her Cruciate at 9YO Vet advised rest and anti inflammatories(was not severe).

She improved over the course of two weeks and is still getting around, no operation, she's nearly 13yo now.

Best of luck.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Mal1

[german_shep_fan]

I would also consider going to a canine chiro.

If my girl ever pulls up lame especially in the legs it is usually referred pain from either the neck or pelvis being out. It only takes a slip or bump at speed to throw something out.