swollen leg

[bron]

I hope this post works.

3 days ago I noticed my 8 year old rottweilers leg was swollen. I took him to the vet and he did tests for cancer and hip problems. He told us that he was clear, however he still doesnt really know what is wrong. His right rear leg is swollen especially around the knee. The vet said that it is fluid and to wait for it to go down. Today is the third day and it is still swollen and he is limping. Although he is drinking and eating. He is such a loving and happy dog, we dont want to put down a otherwise healthy dog.

Does anyone know what this might be? If it is fluid what can we do? The vet said amputation is not possible as he is such a big rottweiler.

[moondog]

If seems premature at this point to consider putting him down..you don't even know what it is. Why would amputation even be considered if cancer was ruled out?

Did the vet check for a cruciate tear in his knee? If not, that should be checked, and soon....if he didn't check for it, I think I'd find another vet that is more familiar with knee injuries to check it for you. If he has a tear, the only way to repair it is with surgery.

In the meantime, until you rule a cruciate tear out, he should be confined in a crate or xpen and taken out on leash for potty breaks, because if it is a tear, moving around on it will only make it worse.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by bron

...The vet said amputation is not possible as he is such a big rottweiler.

Big as in too heavy to support himself on 3 legs? If he is overweight this will make his sore leg much worse.

He could have patellar luxation on that knee. But the vet should have been able to tell you that.

[Anne]

I would be looking for a new vet. Why on earth would he even bring up the subject of amputation when he hasn't a clue what the problem is. My guess is a blown cruciate ligament.

Again, why would you consider putting down a loving and happy dog whose problem has not been diagnosed.

[bron]

The vet seems very concerned, he spoke to another vet who told him to do an MRI. He said that he still could be cancer in the tissue. I think that the vet wanted to wait a few days hoping the fluid and swelling would go down. I am a little confused, he must think it is serious to mention amputation or being put-down, although he might be preparing us for the worst. Bronson has always been exercised everyday but in the past 3 months he really hasn't been due to us relocating. So he has put on a bit of weight, but he is a large male dog even when he was at a good weight range. The Vet bills are very expensive and the vet has been very good, he has been calling us to check up on him as well. We have had the vet for over 10 years. I am going to see how he is tomorrow morning then take him back to the vet, surely he can find out what is wrong with him by then. I think that it is a ligament, i've read about it online and the it seems to be what he has. I'll post back tomorrow with the result, I just hate waiting around not being able to do anything for him. The vet told me every 20 minutes to walk him slowly around the yard to try and get rid of the fluid and prevent a blood clot.

[bron]

So far the Vet has given him an xray for cancer but no blood tests...I don't know if that would help. He gave us
*metacam-for the inflamation and pain
*clavulox...anti-biotics incase of infection
*frudix fluidtablets-to get rid of the swelling

he told us that there is dangerous swelling, worried about no blood flow which could lead to gangrene. Have to wait to see if there is any improvement by tomorrow before he goes to the vet again. My poor baby. I am just a uni-student so I have no idea how I am going to afford anything for him. He's my best friend. He is so beautiful.

[bron]

For some reason some of my posts arent working

but the vet did xrays for cancer but not blood tests, I dont know if that would show anything.

He is on:
metacam for inflamation and pain, clavulov antibiotics incase of infection and frudix fluidtablets to get rid of the swelling

I really hope it improves a bit by tomorrow. I love him to bits, I am only a uni student though, I have know idea how I am going to pay for it.

[chivas]

Hmmmm, your vet makes me wonder. Osteosarcoma cant be seen on xrays till there are 1 million cancer cells. Insist on bloodwork, a high alkaline reading could be indicative of cancer.

[chivas]

Oh and the swelling can be lymph edema. Try gently massaging the limb to break up the fluid. You can also try holistic water pills. And try and keep the limb elevated when your dog is sleeping or resting. It can actually split the skin if it swells too much, if it IS lymph edema.