We have a 5 1/2 year old large breed bitch who weighs around 50 kilos. She has had some rear leg lameness due to ligament damage in the past. It was treated conservatively with rest and Previcox, and is much better these days. But now and again she looks slightly unsound for a day or two. If I put her on short lead walks with no free running for a while it seems to resolve.

What do people think I could give her as a support for what is probably a chronic condition now?  I could give her Previcox again, try Glucosamine & Chondroitin, use mixed vegetable & Fenugreek tablets from Dorwest, use fish oil ...

I have to admit to not having much faith in Glucosamine, due to having taken it myself for two years for arthritis. It didn't seem to make any difference. But it could be that a dog would respond differently. What does everyone think?

Have you considered something like a brace to help support her leg? (http://www.k9-massage.co.uk/Back-on-Track-Dog-HOCK-BRACE.asp?src=main/conditions_cdrm.asp)

Thanks Pedlee, that's another way of looking at it I guess.

Can I also suggest seeing a therapist

http://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/

Thank you Jaspersmum, she's due at the vets for vaccs next week so I'll discuss it then.

My old lab (who is now sadly no longer with us) suffered from lameness which the vet thought was soft tissue/ligament damage, and prior to going off for ( very expensive ) diagnostic procedures I put her on short walks on the lead/no jumping/ glucosomine amd chondroitin (sp?)/ devils claw (careful with dosage)/ got her one of those bio collars AND got a dog physiotherapist. I worked on the assumption that none of this would do any harm. Anyway after 2 or three weeks the lameness went and never recurred and we never had to get the expensive stuff done. HTH. and hope your pooch is better soon.

That's good Treacle. Our girl does improve with short lead walks and no free running with her mother and daughter. But we have had several relapses, not particularly bad, just a bit uneven at the back. I managed to get some glucosamin hydrochloride from Holland & Barrett to try. I could also try swimming with her. She used to go with our old boy - actually she went more than he did as he hated it! But this was before she had any lameness so I couldn't say if it did her any good or not. She really enjoyed it though and is a super-strong swimmer!