2 ACL Tears a Year Ago -- Now legs arthritic & collapsing

[aaron1948]

We're having a crisis. Over a year ago our 10-year-old 90lb wolf-retriever mix tore both ACLs within a week. She's been on daily pain meds. After a few months, scar tissue formed & she's been able to walk & play. We built a ramp for her so she could avoid going down the few steps to outside. The arthritis has gradually gotten worse, and one leg started bending outward & both legs have bowed. About a week ago--after 2 weeks of antibiotics for skin irritation, one leg started collapsing, and 2 days ago she seemed to be in greater pain and became generally unable to walk, with both legs wobbly; one knee seems locked. When we help her up, she's unsteady, one back foot folds under--but, with our help, she can hobble a short distance. She needs pain meds, but the pain meds also seem to weaken her ability to stand (she's been on Metacam daily, and now we've added Tramadol. We're not sure if it's all a temporary injury, or if she's losing use of her back legs. And we're trying to decide the best course of action--physical therapy, brace or splints, etc. Any suggestions greatly appreciated, Thank you.

[Bobbie]

Is it too late for surgery? Not sure anything else will give lasting results in a dog that size.

[slshepherds]

Hi

If surgery is not an option have you thought about a wheelchair? Bonnie (see video below) was my Lab/GSD mix who passed away in 2007. She went down on her hindlimbs so I got her a cart. She was 16 years old and it took years off her - she passed away at 19 years old, walking in her cart daily to within a week of her passing.

[Rayemond]

What did the vet say? Why did you decide not to opt for surgery at the time? She must be in agony, poor dog