Kahler: Flipper's bad leg needs second look

Over the years, I have had numerous inquiries about patients with lameness of various limbs.

Flipper, a 7-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever, is a recent example.

According to Shaun and Wendy, Flipper developed lameness in his left rear leg about six months ago. It came on suddenly after a romp in the back yard.

The veterinarian's diagnosis was a strain of the knee, and Flipper was put on medication for inflammation and pain. The treatment helped, and Flipper was back to normal in three or four days.

A month or so later, Flipper again showed a similar lameness and Shaun put him back on his previous medication with the same excellent results. The problem is that the lameness has continued to reappear on a somewhat regular basis.

I have no information on any diagnostics done on Flipper. I suspect he may have damaged a ligament.

I suspect the injury improved with treatment but some of the damage remains. It may be that he partially tore the ligament and may have damaged other structures within the knee, such as a cartilage. These types of injuries can result in chronic pain and lameness.

Flipper needs to be re-evaluated and might need surgery to get better. This should be done as soon as possible because, if left alone, the problem could get worse.

Jeff Kahler is a veterinarian in Modesto. Questions can be submitted to Your Pet in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352.