Muscle atrophy and osteoarthritis

[Allfurcoatandnoknickers]

My 12yo border terrier cross had three operations when he was about 3yo to pin his knees following a diagnosis of luxating patellas. He’s getting over a chest infection which seems to have made him unsteady on his legs. The vet says he’s got muscle wastage and osteoarthritis in his back legs and he’s ‘dragging ‘ one leg behind him and very stiff.
Anyone had any experience of this? He’s been on metacam for a while now but that’s all. He had hydrotherapy following his ops but nothing since.
Any advice greatly appreciated!

No medic but in my experience any amount of osteoarthritis will create muscle wastage. Physio can help and hydro if appropriate. If you are willing I would get referred to a physio.

With the dragging leg I would want this explored further as can be spinal issues or a number of other reasons that may not be down to the muscle wastage.

Hope he feels better soon

Yes I did wonder about that too but vet didn’t seem to think so. He’s not dragging it all the time just occasionally- it’s more weakness really