How long is too long for a lameness?

Basically Lola went lame at 18 weeks old, she’s now 7 months. She’s been seen by the vets and had X-rays that showed nothing. They don’t know if it’s her elbow or two of her toes causing the problem. I’ve been back and forth with her and they just keep saying more rest. She’s not getting any worse but she’s not getting any better, my bills at almost 2k and I’ve had enough. I need to know what’s wrong, this is driving me mad. Tbf to Lola she’s coping well with being on house arrest for so long. I’m at the vets with her again on Tuesday for another check up, there’s been no change, she’s still lame! What I want to know is where would you go from here? Keep going in the hopes that one day she will come sound? Or ask for a to see a specialist somewhere else? I’ve so had enough of this and want a happy little dog that can come out with me

So sorry to read that she’s still not sound
2k for xrays and rest recommendations ?!
TBH I would go for another opinion, maybe at vet specializing in canine lameness if you can find/afford it.
My vet also recommended going to see canine osteopath. I can really recommend osteopathy as it works wonders for my horses.  

Have you thought about bedding issues ?
May not apply to you but Nifty was recently lame for about a fortnight. Vet gave 5 days anti inflammatories but I also realized that Nifty was always sleeping on fairly hard surface (only thickness of vet fleece or thin foam discovered in doggy bed when dissected for washing) and in odd positions too.
I have bought a couple of new and better padded cushions, including a foam memory at around 50 euros. Nifty’s lameness was (fingers crossed) very temporary but I think her bedding is better adapted at least.

It may not be for nothing that they like to squat our sofas and beds !

I think at this stage you'd be better seeing a specialist, do you keep getting the same advice or seek out a more detailed opinion? You can ask for a referral and it's entirely your choice which specialist so you might want to do some research beforehand.

When Flo was referred we didn't know we could choose but to be honest I was only concerned that she got the treatment she needed so didn't research at all.

I remember from your previous posts that you weren't entirely happy with your vet so in your position I'd also be looking for another opinion, even if it's further away from you than ideal. Alternatively, you could go to a specialist straight away. Absolutely agree with Ian about doing your research and choosing the most appropriate person before you dive in. Although they are good (generally) they are expensive.

I know Ian had a good experience with Fitzpatrick Referrals. I can also highly recommend Dick White's - they were brilliant with Harley with both his laryngeal paralysis and his lymphoma, and a friend went there with her two very badly injured lurchers who had smashed into each other and done and extraordinary amount of damage. They were nothing but outstanding in all cases. I had a less good experience at Queen's in Cambridge but that might have just been that vet. I would also say with referrals not to just look at the closest. When you're paying a lot of money, it's better to go for 'right' rather than 'near'.

I think we discussed physio before, did you look into that? Animals (including us) can adjust the way we move to deal with pain and even after the source of the pain has gone we then hold onto the muscle tension, misalignment, etc. If you haven't looked into it, I'd still go that way (physio or osteo, as long as they are good) before plunging in with a specialist. It's a lot cheaper and less stressful for Lola if nothing else and a couple of sessions with exercises at home would be worth trying.

I would also splash out on a memory foam bed - it might not make a difference, but if you need further treatment a memory foam mattress will support the joints.

LizP wrote:I remember from your previous posts that you weren't entirely happy with your vet so in your position I'd also be looking for another opinion, even if it's further away from you than ideal. Alternatively, you could go to a specialist straight away. Absolutely agree with Ian about doing your research and choosing the most appropriate person before you dive in. Although they are good (generally) they are expensive.

I know Ian had a good experience with Fitzpatrick Referrals. I can also highly recommend Dick White's - they were brilliant with Harley with both his laryngeal paralysis and his lymphoma, and a friend went there with her two very badly injured lurchers who had smashed into each other and done and extraordinary amount of damage. They were nothing but outstanding in all cases. I had a less good experience at Queen's in Cambridge but that might have just been that vet. I would also say with referrals not to just look at the closest. When you're paying a lot of money, it's better to go for 'right' rather than 'near'.

I think we discussed physio before, did you look into that? Animals (including us) can adjust the way we move to deal with pain and even after the source of the pain has gone we then hold onto the muscle tension, misalignment, etc. If you haven't looked into it, I'd still go that way (physio or osteo, as long as they are good) before plunging in with a specialist. It's a lot cheaper and less stressful for Lola if nothing else and a couple of sessions with exercises at home would be worth trying.

I took her back to the vets again on Tuesday for another checkup, I had managed to get a video of how bad she gets. She has been referred to chestergate vets and we have an appointment Tuesday next week! The only downside is it’s 140 miles away but I’m hoping I will get some answers and possibly be able to fix her. I did speak to them about physio and they said not to at this point but possibly at a later date.

Crikey, that is a trip and a half! But if they can get you some answers it'll be worth it.

Good luck on Tuesday, I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how you get on.

That certainly is a fair old trip but hopefully all worth it. Good luck for Tuesday and do let us know how you get on.