I have a 3yr old Bracco Italiano dog. He is my constant companion and best friend and is the most perfect and beautiful boy. He was injured 4 months ago (by a dog humping him) - the vet suspects cruciate ligament. He has had rest, lead walks, pain killers/anti inflamms. We are now doing off-lead walks, albeit on flat ground, no playing with other dogs. I am very much hoping to avoid xrays and operations. I want to try and get through the next 6 months and see 'how he goes' before committing him to such a big ordeal. Because of this injury to his back left leg, he is also now sore in his front left leg. The vet suspects because he is putting more weight on his front shoulders. He is ok when in movement, but is very stiff after rest and sleeping.
Has anyone got previous experiences of this? Any 'natural' medications that can be recommended for ligament injuries? Acupuncture? Any suggestions at all (other than  having an operation).
He is very happy in himself and not depressed. But he does suffer with serious separation anxiety (but as my constant companion is very, very rarely left) - and therefore to commit him to ops is a last solution for me.
Thanks for reading.

I've had similar experience with two of my dogs, both came right without surgery but they had pulled ligaments rather than torn. It does take a lot of time I'm afraid, things that worked for me were, hydrotherapy, shiatsu and I have a nifty wee gadget called a Magboy which is two opposing magnets in the shape of nobbly balls that can be rolled over sore bits.

Hope your boy comes right

We're going through the same thing at the moment, it's soooo frustrating isn't it, mine's just desperate to go and run and play again :(  He aggravated it yesterday and I've no idea why.  I can't suggest anything I'm afraid, just wanted to sympathise!

Cartrophen injections have had a good write up, sadly it did little for me. It it was me in your position i would definately bite the bullet and just have the x rays so you can then know what you are dealing with. You may spend months trying hydro, limited exercise, supplements etc and it all be a waste of time.

> Because of this injury to his back left leg, he is also now sore in his front left leg. The vet suspects because he is putting more weight on his front shoulders.

very likely, my boy was the same when he tore his cruciate. He had the TPLO operation and it is a big surgery with a long recovery

no advise really, but best of luck with getting it under control

> i would definately bite the bullet and just have the x rays

Me too.  I do think that money spent exploring and investigating is never wasted and will enable you to make some qualified decisions regarding his treatment.

Speak to your vet too about staying with him as much as possible throughout the process - many vets are very sympathetic to their patients emotional needs (and ours) and will try to accommodate you both.  Particularly if your boy thinks howling is the best way to get you back!!!

Think I'd get x-rays done then at least you know what you're dealing with.  If the crucite has gone then surgery maybe the answer, if not and its muscle or ligament damage then hydro or physio may help.

Thank you for your comments.
Just to keep you in the picture. I have just taken Gabriel to a chiropractor. And I am so glad I did. He was definitely out-of-kilter and she has manipulated his back. He is already walking with more ease and his mojo has returned. I am going back for repeat treatment next week. She has suggested treadmill hydrotherapy treatment as well, which I will probably do. She has also said she knows of a vet that does x-rays without anaesthetic. So that is also of great interest and hopeful. Have also spoken to the lady who runs hydrotherapy and she said she's got some client's dogs through crusiac injuries without ops, including one of her Bermese. So am feeling slightly more hopeful. They also suggested glucosamine/chron (Youmove) and Vit E Fish Oils (for anti inflammatory purposes). I am doing ALL of these things. Interestingly both women I spoke with said try and keep his life as normal as possible (just scale back the exercise. ie. no hills, no jumping, no playing with other dogs) - which I have been doing.
I guess going to your vet with a ligament or joint injury, is rather like going to your own doctor with a bad back and being told to take pain killers and lie down for 4 weeks. It's just not practical is it?! There has to be a balance of life going on, whilst using alternative treatments - and if that doesn't work, then of course surgery.
Will keep you posted. But fingers crossed and positive thinking!