Senior Husky Can Barely Stand After a New Leg Injury

We're so sorry you and Todd are facing this. In an older dog that has had cruciate surgery on one knee, a sudden severe limp in the other back leg is often a cruciate tear in that knee, though spine problems, arthritis flare-ups and tumors are also possible. Whether a dog is in pain can be judged from how much he moves, his appetite, his willingness to get up and whether he can rest comfortably.

Ask your vet whether pain relief can be improved, whether a rear-support sling would help, and how to judge his quality of life over the next week or two. Many families use a daily good-day and bad-day tally. A short wait, as your vet suggests, gives rest and medicine a chance to work. If he is still unable to rest comfortably, can't get up or toilet without being carried, or bad days outnumber good ones, choosing to end his pain sooner is a kind and reasonable choice, not giving up. Call your vet promptly if his pain isn't controlled. Your vet can help you decide when it's time, and many offer home visits. There's no single right answer, and it's a decision made out of love.

See torn ACL in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.