Dog Community

that day has finally come, I think :( knee problems

Posted : 9/30/2009 12:56:57 PM

Sheba is limping pretty bad on her 'good' leg last night & this morning. I kept her inside today. I think it's finally happened her good knee has given out. I haven't taken her into the vet yet, I'm going to see if some rest helps. But I'm pretty sure it's gone out. Right now I'm weighing my options. I really dont feel like she should be put down :( she still is energetic about life, but her poor body isnt keeping up with her! She's 14 years old now!

Knee braces are quite expensive & that only supports ONE leg. I'm seriously thinking about getting her a doggie wheelchair. She's so old that I dont know how long she'd be around after an expensive surgery, and frankly I'm not in a postition to get her the surgery at the moment. But I need to discuss things with my vet & Sheba's previous owner.

Has anyone had any experiences with the dog wheelchairs??

thanks

willowchow

Posted : 9/30/2009 3:55:24 PM

No experience with wheelchairs.

I think it would be best to take her to the vet to find out exactly what's going on before you decide on a wheelchair. That might not even be necessary.

JackieG

Posted : 9/30/2009 6:05:57 PM

I'm sorry this happened. I would encourage you to take her to the Vet and see what they say. I know the surgery is so expensive and the rehab for an older dog is usually longer. My 11 yr old Lab went through this and lived two more years after the surgery with good mobility. It's such a tough call. At this point, study your options, look at alternatives that you can afford and hopefully get her some pain relief, if you haven't already. No experience with doggie wheelchairs. Sending good thoughts your way and scritches for Sheba.

babelfish

Posted : 11/24/2009 3:17:05 AM

I came across about braces that support both knees, looks sorta like sweat pants.

babelfish

Posted : 11/24/2009 5:33:06 PM

Here is one of the bilatelar braces:
http://www.animalrehab.on.ca/braces/braces.php

akyramoto82

Posted : 1/5/2010 1:54:47 PM

I wanted to update, after a good 8 weeks or so of kennel rest, Sheba gets around great. She still doesn't' put as much weight as she should on that leg, but she uses it. I even see her running from time to time ( which stressed me out! LOL). I just keep her inside all the time now, she doesn't get to go run the fence with the other dogs - keeping her separate from them keeps her more relaxed and less likely to re-injure herself again. Plus being old & short coated, she loves staying inside!

Johnny&Tessy

Posted : 1/6/2010 12:01:53 PM

Did she ever end up going to the vet to see what it was? Good to hear she's getting around better and not needing a wheelchair or braces. You're lucky she likes the indoors and doesn't whine or get upset by not being out with the others.

Hugs for Sheba.

babelfish

Posted : 1/6/2010 2:56:15 PM

Glad to hear she's doing better! Depending on the issue, the braces still might be a good idea. Did you have it diagnosed?

Jana