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Originally Posted by GracieJane  Thanks for the advice. We may have a more difficult situation, because it gives way on her and she falls. She just gets up and moves on, but it scares us. We have steps to the sofa, but she doesn't quite see the need to use them to get down. Working on it, though. . .
I will try to delay the repair if that is prudent, but I don't want her to develop arthritis (I know how that can ruin a day!). She is just turning into such a sweetheart-not perfect, but incredibly lovable.  She is just so good with our grandson, and he loves her so much, that I would hate for her discomfort to make it hard for them to be together. Yes, we watch them very carefully when he is with her, and he has learned how to carry her safely, but I don't want him to hurt her inadvertently. Neither of them would understand. |
Since the dog is experiencing trouble walking, now is probably the time to consider surgery, before the LP gets worse, or before arthritis develops. The longer you wait, the more difficult the recovery will be. You should get a referral to an orthopedic specialist, just to be sure. If you do decide on surgery, you will have to be extra careful with your grandson's involvement because the dog will need to be crated and take it easy for the two weeks until stitches come out, and for some time afterward during the rehabilitation. The dog will probably have to wear an E-collar until the stitches come out to keep her from pulling and licking at them. Since she is young, she will probably recover quickly.