8 yr old limping

[bron]

I know I am bringing up an old thread but I can't seem to get it to work for me, I am not able to find them!

Here is my situation:
I have an 8 yearold male rottweiler, 3 days ago he began to limp on his rear right leg and it was quite swollen, especially around the knee. We took him to the vet and had him tested for cancer and Hip problems but he was clear. The vet said maybe a torn ligament and the swelling was fluid. He told us to take him home and let the fluid go down. But it has been 3 days with no improvement. He is eating and drinking and otherwise seems fine apart from his leg. The vet seems at a lose and so am I, I cant put down a loving and happy dog when I dont even know what is wrong or whether it is treatable. Does anyone know what this might be? Or if it is fluid what can I do?
He is a big male, the vet says if amputation is needed it wont work as he is to large and he wouldnt survive. When I bought him I checked all his papers for genetic diseases and it was fine. I am hoping that it is not serious but I feel terrible just waiting for something to happen, I dont want it to get worse...any help is much appreciated.

[Paulos]

This may sound simple, but give her a thorough examination of every part of her leg...and son't forget the paws. I have seen many dogs' limp caused by something in the paws.

[Mako'sMom]

Not that I doubt your vets intelligence in any way but have you considered getting a second opinion? Sometimes another vet may be more experienced in certain areas than others, or may have seen this type of case before. I had taken my Harlee to 3 vets when she was experiencing a reoccuring problem and it wasn't until the last vet that anyone had a clue what her problem was or how to treat it....then BINGO....the last vet diagnosed her in the first 2 mins after she examined her...set her up for a minor surgury....and she has been as healthy as a horse ever since. Don't give up just yet....explore other opinions and options please.

[bron]

Originally Posted by Mako'sMom

Not that I doubt your vets intelligence in any way but have you considered getting a second opinion? Sometimes another vet may be more experienced in certain areas than others, or may have seen this type of case before. I had taken my Harlee to 3 vets when she was experiencing a reoccuring problem and it wasn't until the last vet that anyone had a clue what her problem was or how to treat it....then BINGO....the last vet diagnosed her in the first 2 mins after she examined her...set her up for a minor surgury....and she has been as healthy as a horse ever since. Don't give up just yet....explore other opinions and options please.

I followed the vets advice and kept giving him little walks and it did not improve. He called this morning and it was just as bad. So I let him rest, and the leg has gone down a slight bit. So this afternoon I called back and the vet had booked him in to be put-down. I am really upset about it, the vet doesn't even know the cause. I was thinking that it is cause I am a uni student and might not be able to pay for surgery. I dont think I will go back to him. I will see how his leg is tomorrow. I am going to consult another vet.

[Anne]

The vet has no right to make this decision for you. How dare he! Tell him what to do with his appointment to euthanize your dog and find yourself a vet who is capable of diagnosing the problem....run away from this vet as fast as you can.

This problem your dog has sounds as though it can be fixed if you find a vet who knows what he is doing.

[observer]

I'm glad you are going to find another vet. The vet has scheduled him for euthanasia on his own?? I don't think so.

Keep us posted.

[koberogersmom]

PLEASE heed the majority advice and get another opinion or two other opinions. I am going to challenge your vet's intelligence on making the decision to put the dog down (so quickly). The vet you are dealing with may truly NOT know what the problem is, but should have the compassion and sense to admit that he/she doesn't know and refer you to someone who has a better chance of explaining what may be wrong.

[MeinHund]

Yes! Please get another vet to assess your rottie's leg. Sounds like a torn ligament. Look up CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament--it is similar to ACL that athletes suffer) and note the symptoms and treatment. My rottie recently had knee surgery and is recuperating.

[snoozie]

Do you have an animal hospital in your area? Sometimes these are more affordable and may be able to work with you if surgery is needed.
My two Rotts had minor leg problems, I gave them massages and Glucosamine & Chondroitin. This worked quite well for them.

[winniecnm]

I am SHOCKED that your vet scheduled this dog to be PTS!

It could be a sprain for pete's sake! A couple weeks ago Bear (who is 6) was really buggered up and very swollen in the wrist and hind leg after taking a fall over some tree stumps out in the back yard. I gave asprin and put him on crate rest. About a week is what it took for the swelling to go down. He limped for about 2 weeks. But we are very used to dealing with sprains and strains in this house. I don't even invovle the vet unless I suspect a dislocation or break or if the dog has very limited motion in the joint. (could be my ortho nurse background )

If you have a really well behaved dog you can put them in the down postition and ice the leg with a frozen bag of peas for a 20-30 minute interval then ask another vet about an asprin regimen ( I give Bear one 350 mg asprin daily when he has hurt himself - but he is about 110 lbs)

Hope you find a vet who can give you a better second opinion and that has a bit more compassion for the wellbeing of your pet!

[LadyEvil2172]

OMG! Don't put him down! That would be the last time I go to that vet! My 10 year old girl sprained her knee about 3 weeks ago and was limping badly and not walking on it. My vet took xrays and put her on meds and she is back to herself 100%. She is very high strung so it was hard seeing her limping and in pain, but it did go away!
I'm also caring for my BIL's Amercian Bulldog which tore her cruciate liagment. The symptoms are pretty similar to what you described. She is younger and is recovering from the surgery pretty good. If this is what he has you don't always have to have the surgery. Some dogs can live with it being on meds. I would look into another vet ASAP for a second opionion. Good luck with your baby.

[chivas]

I think your vet thinks its osteosarcoma, which is EXTREMELY common in this breed. But I am concerned on the attitude of your vet. Get a 2nd opinion and ask for xrays.