Limping labrador!!!!

Hi there,

I have a two year old Labrador (Ben) and he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in July 2011. He was operated on in August, where he underwent ACL reconstruction, retinaculum tightening and trochlea deppening on his right hind leg.

Ben was progressing well and we were taking him to the local lagoons for swimming sessions every week as well as building up his walks. Over the past two months, we have moved house and what with it being winter, the swimming stopped, although the walks remained. Now, in this time, Ben has put on 3kg (he was 34kg pre-op, now he's 37kg) and its taking its toll on his leg...he limps after walks, although when we do walk he's ok.

I have started hydrotherapy at our local canine pool and have started taking him to the lagoons again. Is there anything else we can do?We are putting him on a diet as well...what sort of diet would you suggest?Oh, and he's been castrated!

Thanks

Karl Jackson

Hello

Any diet works so long as they consume less calories. There are special 'prescription' foods available that can really help shift the weight without the dog feeling hungry.

Have you been back to the vet? Might be wise to get the knee checked.