Dog Limping follow-up

Question
Hi!

I had emailed you early in the week asking about our limping dog and if it might be a sprain vs. a ligament injury.

We took him in and they sedated him and the x-rays were fantastic.  She said the drawer test on the sore leg had very little movement (and she said she wondered if she imagined the movement).

So we need to get him to lose 10 pounds and rest him for a few weeks.

Do you have any recommendations as to things to watch for and when to progress in his activity?

Thanks

Answer
If it is a partial tear of the ligament then a slight bit of movement (drawer) in the knee would be expected.

I would rest him for 6 weeks and then have him re-evaluated.  You should go by your vet's recommendations as when to ease back in to normal activities since she evaluated him.

Getting him to lose weight will definitely help all his joints.

I would also make sure to give him Glucosamine and MSM joint supplements to keep his joints lubricated.