Arthritis vs. ligament damage with a pit-bull mix dog

I am dog-sitting a 2.5 yr old rescued pit-bull mix. I took him to the vet for a limp and she said it was a stressed ligament and prescribed pain meds and limited activity. He never quit limping. It's worse after a long rest and he seriously favors it after playing off-leash at the beach. It's been two days since the last major beach "injury" and he seems to be less stiff, but still won't do more than walk lightly on it. The next step is a cast and I don't want to commit if this is arthritis.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    This may be arthritis, but in such a young dog if it is arthritis, there was likely an injury or malformation that led to it. Your veterinarian was likely referring to a stressed cruciate ligament in the knee. In these cases pain medication and strict crate rest is prescribed until the limp improves. Because of your description of the progression of the injury it is very likely that this dog's stressed ligament has progressed to a torn ligament. This will cause to a severe lameness because the dog's knee is unstable and is both strange and uncomfortable to walk on. At this point there is likely only the options of a surgical correction of the ligament to add years to his knee's useful life, or allowing severe arthritis to set in and nearly immobilize the joint which will cause this young dog to have to give up his youthful play at the beach. Erika, DVM

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