10.5 yo w/Chronic Colitis & Torn ACL

[BuckshotSableMolly]

Just looking for some information/advise on my almost 11 (in Jan.) male. He was diagnosed with chronic colitis last year. Most of the time we can control it with metronydazol and diet, however he still does have his moments. This weekend was one of those moments. Yesterday he started limping very bad on his right hind leg also. I took him to the vet this morning for fluids and to check his leg.

The vet called and said all is okay with the colitis, but he has torn is ACL. Because of his age, he does not recommend surgery. He wants to only give him pain medication (Tramadol) until this flare up of colitis clears up and then possibly change him over to Rimadyl.

I have owned several Rottweilers in the last 10 years (him being my first), but I have never dealt with a torn ACL (I know I am fortunate). We have been through many other bouts (OS, kidney failure, etc.) I am just looking for a little feedback on your experiences and suggestions.

Thank you and I hope all is well with each of you.

[Debbie Ervin]

I don't know about the ACL, which neither one of my 2 ever had, Ceasar who is now passed had horrible bouts of colitis at 10 years old. Finally we got it under control with sulfasalizime, which is another drug totally safe that is used to control colitis. The Flagyl didn't work for him which it had when he was younger. Also the sulfasalizmine can be used for long periods of time. We even got his stomach x-rayed to make sure nothing was going on it was so bad. He was also on tramadol and antibotics(chefelexin 500 mgs). Ceasar however passed on Oct.15th at 11 years old from a tumor at his brainstem. Because of his age we were told not to operate and just medicate him. The same result would be. So at least things were normal for him and he wasn't stressed by hospitals and surgeries and rehabs. Good Luck, Debbie

[chivas]

I cant help with the ACL, but I can with the colitis. My almost 13 yr old sheltie has colitis but luckily his is rather mild. He eats a prescription food and I give him metronidazole when he does has flareups (about every 2-3 months). My holistic rottie person suggested that I add L-glutamine to his food too, its an amino acid that helps with digestion. Its every inexpensive, you may want to look into and try that too, it cant hurt and may just help!

[BuckshotSableMolly]

Thank you both very much.

Chivas, what type of prescription food do you feed? I am currently feeding him California Naturals Lamb & Rice, the vet recommended SD-ID, but I know that it is not very high quality, however if it works, I guess it would be worth it.

[chivas]

He is eating Science Diet Z/D Ultra Allergen Free, and dont let people scare you off SD foods if they are the only thing your dog will tolerate. The protein in Z/D Ultra is broken up so it doesnt irratate the digestive system. Many times you can also try a different protein, I tried several but his problem seems to be with the SIZE of the protein and not so much the protein itself and grains probably dont help either.