[Debbie]

My sheltie is nine and had FHO surgery three weeks ago today. He is doing pretty good but has gotten worse last couple of days, limping real bad on front left foot and it is the back left hip he had surgery on. Does anyone know if this is normal or not? I hate to be a hyprochondriac and keep calling the vet. HELP???

[Todd]

Being that the limp is not on the bad leg, I don't think this has directly to do with the surgery. I would be willing to wager that the dog may have strained its front leg because it was overcompensating for the lack of stabilization from the leg which recently went through this surgery. I'd have the dog rest for 2 or 3 days and if it doesn't improve then I'd consider making an appointment with your vet. I hope everything turns out OK.

[benj]

My 5 year old sheltie had an FHO about a month ago. We are doing therapy at home & he still is not really putting weight on the "bad" leg. How was your dog doing at a month after? He doesn't seem to be in pain & gets around well on 3 legs. I am doing stretching exercises with him twice a day for 15 minutes each time. We had him in the pool twice & he tried to kick some but it is still a bit chilly to go in now. Any advice? he goes back for a recheck next week.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by benj

My 5 year old sheltie had an FHO about a month ago. We are doing therapy at home & he still is not really putting weight on the "bad" leg. How was your dog doing at a month after? He doesn't seem to be in pain & gets around well on 3 legs. I am doing stretching exercises with him twice a day for 15 minutes each time. We had him in the pool twice & he tried to kick some but it is still a bit chilly to go in now. Any advice? he goes back for a recheck next week.

Do you have a pet rehabilitation center in your area? These places often have canine physical therapy they can assist you with as well as heated pools and underwater treadmills which would help tremendously!