Still limping

[Georgie]

So my lab is still limping on her back right leg, it's been 4 months. The vet thinks she has injured the vertebrae in her back and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and rest. He said it can take a long time. He is an older vet and seems to prefer the wait and see method rather than excessive testing, which I agree, but not if there is something I could be doing now that will shorten the duration.

So, should I seek a second opinion for peace of mind, or can back injuries and subsequent limping last a long time? Initially the limping went away once she was receiving the pain relief/anti-inflammatory medication but after the first month the limping returned after we went for a short walk and has remained.

I actually fear she will have a permanent limp and also wonder whether there is something I could be doing ?physio of her legs etc ?? Strapping of her back...don't know.

She hasn't had any X-rays as the vet thinks to wait and see if it heals..he also has tested her knees and said there is no problem with her knees.

Second opinion or wait another month until her next appt?

[SunDance]

I'd get a second opinion at this point

[JenC]

Ortho. I would suspect knee injury.

[Georgie]

I should add that it's only been 9weeks of the anti-inflammation/pain relief medication which was started on the day I first saw the vet.

???Instead of a second opinion maybe I should ask the vet for a referral to a specialist (ortho).
This vet has indicated the limping could last 6months or more!?

[Berna]

I'd seek a second opinion. You waited long enough, 4 months is more than enough.

Hope your girl will feel better soon.

[Georgie]

Ortho. I would suspect knee injury.

That's exactly what I thought and what we all here came up with when I posted a couple of months ago. But he ruled out emphatically that her knees were fine!!
I suspect now that this vet (who I haven't dealt with before because I have just relocated) may be questionable?? I just assumed that because he is a longtime vet when he said "no not knees" that I could trust him....maybe not....

[smartrock]

It's tough when you're seeing a super experienced older vet who gives an opinion to ask for a referral but were I in your situation, I'd request a referral to an orthopedic vet for a second opinion. Yes, soft tissue and some other injuries can take a long time to heal. However, if something else is going on and you continue to wait it just delays more definitive treatment. Maybe you'll be given the exact same recommendation as the first guy has given you but at least you'll feel better about the course of treatment. And if there is a knee issue or something that requires surgery, you'll know that sooner also. Vets, like human physicians, shouldn't take it personally when someone decides they'd like to get a second opinion.

[SunDance]

I should add that it's only been 9weeks of the anti-inflammation/pain relief medication which was started on the day I first saw the vet.

???Instead of a second opinion maybe I should ask the vet for a referral to a specialist (ortho).
This vet has indicated the limping could last 6months or more!?

In my case, second opinion meant a specialist.

[POPTOP]

Totally agree. Enough time has gone by. Definitely would see an ortho specialist.

[Meeps83]

4 months is long enough. Ortho opinion.