knee issues

Hi..... so not been on for a while, busy life and change of job.
However, could really do with some advise or thoughts on Millie's suspected knee injury.

We took mills to the vet about 2 or so months ago as her back left leg was giving her some issues with pain and weight bearing.
The vet gave anti inflamatories for 2 weeks, suggested short lead walks and rest and to return in a month. We returned and as her tablets wore off and exercise slowly increased her lameness had returned.
The vet suggested this time that xrays would be good. We had these done but nothing much came up other than a bit of swelling on the knees. His thought was home and short walks with no meds for another couple of weeks...... we did this and again things were not much better. On return the vet gave her another 6!!! weeks of tablets with strict instructions of no longer than 2 10 min lead walks a day, no play, running.... nothing. Now I get this and the reasons for it but poor Millie is 3 weeks in and losing the plot. She's becoming very hyper, barking and bowling at everything out in public and looks very unhappy at times.
What on earth do we do? Our thought is.... if she's getting angry, anxious and low in mood this is not good. As a rehomer we have been trying to socialise her but this has made thing massively go backwards and I worry she will have long term issues from this. Should I suggest the vet try something else, give her something to reduce anxiety and stress..... we are stumped.
We are so close to just letting her play.... she's not been able to enjoy in way over 2 months now. I know if she does have a cruciate (oops spelling) knee injury she may need surgery which has a long recovery time but is this length of decision making time with meds and rest normal?

Not really clued up on this,and know its frustrating resting them as they are so hyper. Could you try complete rest i.e no walking just gentle play? if you already havent.Maybe some hydro therapy may be an idea also? Sure someone will be able to advise you more options. Poor baby Xx

Inez Maria wrote:Not really clued up on this,and know its frustrating resting them as they are so hyper. Could you try complete rest i.e no walking just gentle play? if you already havent.Maybe some hydro therapy may be an idea also? Sure someone will be able to advise you more options. Poor baby Xx

Thanks for getting back to me

No probs I do hope its sorted soon, I know its frustrating xx

I like the hydrotherapy suggestion and also mental stimulation to burn of energy. Glucosamine and chroniton supplements may also help. They help regrow cartilage and Suki and I both use them.

Hydro is a great idea, however, it's a difficult thing to advise on as there has been no diagnosis. I think the vet is doing the right thing and not going straight for an operation when they can't see any obvious injury.

I can feel the anxiety you have with not being able to play with Millie or let her burn off energy on walks but in the long term this might well be the best course of action to stave off complications later on. To help with her boredom try mental stimulation games like hiding treats around the room for her to find or treats in an old cardboard tube etc. An active mind workout can be almost as tiring for them as a proper walk.

Hopefully this extended rest will be enough to heal whatever is causing the limp.

Was going to suggest what ian says very frustrating hope millies better soon