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crucial ligament damage in old shepard2007-11-25 3:00:30

help! our soon to be 11 year old shepard has torn her crucial ligament in her back left leg, today it's that bad she's not even putting any weight on it at all. we've taken her to the vet and because of her age he's unsure about the recovery for the surgery. does any one have any advice or suggestions that we can do to try and help her? Mum doesn't want to put her down but the vet seems to think that the recovery period for after the operation will be a extremely long one and may not be sucessful becasue of her age. She's still full of life and run and plays with our younger whippet. Any advice would be muchly appreciated!

Thanks

Jess

Answers:

Try a heating pad on low or medium setting. I have arthritis and it helps me alot. Hopefully she won't chew on the cord. Most older dogs won't though. You can even rub some of your scent on it to help the dog feel warm, fuzzy and cared for. Don't leave it with her overnight in case she does chew. I suggest giving it to her for 1/2 hour at a time several times a day. It will also help blood flow through the healing area. But bottom ine is to follow your vet's advice.

It always hurts to have to put a beloved pet down but believe me, living in constant pain, even with a smile on your face, is no way to live. Do what is best for your pet not what is best for your feelings.

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I am typing this article for you out of a booklet called Health and Wellness Series for healthy Pets. Here it goes: