luxating patella

[hiddenlady]

Trinket was just diagnosed with mild luxating patella in one knee. No surgery so far, and no pain. Is there anything I can do to keep this from getting worse? I did have a long talk with my vet, and she said the surgeon there is very good, but if we want a specialist , she will set it up for me later on. She said no surgery unless it gets very worse or causes pain.
My baby girl needs prayers. She is too sweet for something to happen to her although I know it does happen.

[MandiesMom]

You might want to ask a moderator or admin to move this to the sick and injured section so you can get more view by people able to help. (just click that triangle icon at the bottom of your post - under your name and stuff - and type in the box asking to move it to that section)

With that said, I am so sorry to hear about your baby's diagnosis. Sadly, this is so common in Yorkies. I don't have experience in this area but I know the number one thing you can do is keep her from jumping onto and off of furniture. Get her a ramp or stairs (I think ramps are easier on their joints).

Praying for Trinket.

[LanaHamilton]

Go to Walmart and buy some Cosequin. My baby has a LP also, my vet did not tell me how bad it was, and I have not gotten a second opinion yet, but I plan to. I have been giving Freddie the cosequin and it really does seem to help him. He is not in pain either, occasionally, when running he raises is leg, but since the cosequin it happens much less. You'll have to break them apart because our babies are so small. Good luck and I hope this helps!

[Maximo]

I agree with the suggestions for a supplement and stairs. No jumping from high places, couches, beds or car seats. Maintaining a good weight is also helpful.

Many Yorkies have LP and never have to have surgery. Best wishes for Trinket.

[hiddenlady]

Originally Posted by LanaHamilton

Go to Walmart and buy some Cosequin. My baby has a LP also, my vet did not tell me how bad it was, and I have not gotten a second opinion yet, but I plan to. I have been giving Freddie the cosequin and it really does seem to help him. He is not in pain either, occasionally, when running he raises is leg, but since the cosequin it happens much less. You'll have to break them apart because our babies are so small. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Is the cosequin a med for dogs or is it a human med. She only weighs 5 pounds.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by hiddenlady

Is the cosequin a med for dogs or is it a human med. She only weighs 5 pounds.

It is for pets. There is one specifically for small dogs. Cosequin Regular Strength (132 capsules)
Some give Dasaquin, that is a little stronger I think. Did your vet give you a grade of the LP? Lowest is 1, highest is 4.

I wouldn't rush into surgery unless your dog have trouble walking. The surgery has a very long recovery time, about 8 weeks. My Uni has it too, about grade 2 or 3 but she's been doing well on supplements. I still feel her knees pop in and out though, but she doesn't hike or favor a particular leg.

Keep in mind that this condition is passed down genetically, and it is very common. Yet another reason to spay and neuter pets, bc too many are bred with this in their genes and it passes down to the pups. Some cases it can be very painful and can cause lameness.

[Lovetodream88]

No jumping, keep weight down, swimming is really good for dogs with LP, joint supplement, and if you do have to get surgery at some point make sure you go to a specialist.

[hiddenlady]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

It is for pets. There is one specifically for small dogs. Cosequin Regular Strength (132 capsules)
Some give Dasaquin, that is a little stronger I think. Did your vet give you a grade of the LP? Lowest is 1, highest is 4.

I wouldn't rush into surgery unless your dog have trouble walking. The surgery has a very long recovery time, about 8 weeks. My Uni has it too, about grade 2 or 3 but she's been doing well on supplements. I still feel her knees pop in and out though, but she doesn't hike or favor a particular leg.

Keep in mind that this condition is passed down genetically, and it is very common. Yet another reason to spay and neuter pets, bc too many are bred with this in their genes and it passes down to the pups. Some cases it can be very painful and can cause lameness.

She is stage 1. I have never seen her lift or pamper her leg. The vet always checks her knees on exams and this time found it. I would have never known. Thanks and I will let the breeder know so she can pass it on.

[marlenemaria]

Praying for her to not have any issues

[gemy]

First LP in one knee at Grade 1 is very mild. But just to note, different vets can and do grade LP's at different grades. NOt something to deep six about, but as I have said just a note.

I would still limit jumping as much as I could. But more importantly start intelligently exercising your dog.

What do I mean by that statement?

Here we go. Normal Exercising every day, at least two walks on lead, for at least 15 minutes, better 20 minutes, and great if you can do 30 minutes per day.

You want to build good muscle tone everywhere. This is very important.

Sharp, high speed turns to chase balls especially on slippery ground or surfaces not suggested. Sorry that means no fly ball , or discus competitions with your pup.

Stack your dog every day on a table any table - put a non slip surface down. Treat a lot. Why the stack? Because you will start to train your dog to engage the postural small muscles.

Stack means - to place your dog in a stand where-in the rear paws are in line with the tip of the ischium-their pelvic bones and the front paws are under their shoulders. Try to work up to a 3minute still stack every day. You will correct the leg/paw placement - if they break the stack no treat. And re-adjust legs.

On you walks, walk uphill a lot. Do downhill on a S curve. Not directly downhill.

Walk if you can your dog on pebbly - gravel surfaces. This will strengthen the all important foot muscles. Sand is very good too, but different.

Swimming is a wonderfull exercise for all dogs, but especially dogs with joint problems. You can use a kiddly pool. You can also just walk your dog along the waterfront in the water up past their knees.

Now teach and it is fun to teach this. Sit, beg, stand. Use a wall in the beginning. This exercise not only strengthens back muscles, but the thigh muscles. It must be taught for your dog on a non slip surface.

Now if you have a dog that is crazy for chasing toys, do it in the water most often. Never on dewey slippery grass, and limit that chase and only do it after you have warmed up their muscles.

Teach your dog to crawl backwards.... wonderfulll exercise.

These are just a few ideas.

Also yes joint supplements are great!

Let me know if you have any questions.

[LanaHamilton]

Originally Posted by gemy

First LP in one knee at Grade 1 is very mild. But just to note, different vets can and do grade LP's at different grades. NOt something to deep six about, but as I have said just a note.

I would still limit jumping as much as I could. But more importantly start intelligently exercising your dog.

What do I mean by that statement?

Here we go. Normal Exercising every day, at least two walks on lead, for at least 15 minutes, better 20 minutes, and great if you can do 30 minutes per day.

You want to build good muscle tone everywhere. This is very important.

Sharp, high speed turns to chase balls especially on slippery ground or surfaces not suggested. Sorry that means no fly ball , or discus competitions with your pup.

Stack your dog every day on a table any table - put a non slip surface down. Treat a lot. Why the stack? Because you will start to train your dog to engage the postural small muscles.

Stack means - to place your dog in a stand where-in the rear paws are in line with the tip of the ischium-their pelvic bones and the front paws are under their shoulders. Try to work up to a 3minute still stack every day. You will correct the leg/paw placement - if they break the stack no treat. And re-adjust legs.

On you walks, walk uphill a lot. Do downhill on a S curve. Not directly downhill.

Walk if you can your dog on pebbly - gravel surfaces. This will strengthen the all important foot muscles. Sand is very good too, but different.

Swimming is a wonderfull exercise for all dogs, but especially dogs with joint problems. You can use a kiddly pool. You can also just walk your dog along the waterfront in the water up past their knees.

Now teach and it is fun to teach this. Sit, beg, stand. Use a wall in the beginning. This exercise not only strengthens back muscles, but the thigh muscles. It must be taught for your dog on a non slip surface.

Now if you have a dog that is crazy for chasing toys, do it in the water most often. Never on dewey slippery grass, and limit that chase and only do it after you have warmed up their muscles.

Teach your dog to crawl backwards.... wonderfulll exercise.

These are just a few ideas.

Also yes joint supplements are great!

Let me know if you have any questions.

What great advise! However, I'm not sure exactly what the stacking is...would you care to explain it again? Thank you!!!!!

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by LanaHamilton

What great advise! However, I'm not sure exactly what the stacking is...would you care to explain it again? Thank you!!!!!

Stacking the that pose that show dogs do when they are getting checked out. I never thought of training to teach the stack pose since Uni's not show material. Maybe this could be a new trick!

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by gemy

....

Stack your dog every day on a table any table - put a non slip surface down. Treat a lot. Why the stack? Because you will start to train your dog to engage the postural small muscles.

Stack means - to place your dog in a stand where-in the rear paws are in line with the tip of the ischium-their pelvic bones and the front paws are under their shoulders. Try to work up to a 3minute still stack every day. You will correct the leg/paw placement - if they break the stack no treat. And re-adjust legs.

....

Teach your dog to crawl backwards.... wonderfulll exercise.

These are just a few ideas.

Also yes joint supplements are great!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Gemy
What word do you use to release the stack? Do you give a command word to start the stack? Do you just say stay?

How do you teach them to crawl backwards? Uni can crawl forward already.

[gemy]

How to Train Show Dogs - Whole Dog Journal Article

Here is an article on stacking. There are also you tube videos on the subject.

The command I use is Stand - then Stay. In obedience work your dog must stand and stay for the judges examination - so I use the same commands for the show ring.
The hand commands that go with it - Palm up sliding from dogs nose forward. Stay is Fingers down palm into nose with a quick push back motion.

For toys breeds depending on the size of your lap - as puppies I like to first stack on my own legs. Very gently with muzzle cradled between my thumb and forefinger and I set the muzzle parallel to the ground. My back hand - INdex and middle finger is set between their rear legs to either side of the testes. My palm rests on their buttocks.
Start with just 10 seconds or so. And reward with treats and kisses.

How far apart should the front legs be from the back legs? Well that depends on the length of the dog. Essentially you place the front feet so that the leg bones stand straight up and down and are apart the width of the chest. Toes point directly forward.
The back legs are placed so that the toes are underneath the rear pelvis or ischium. Again toes face forwards.

I am going to tell you the method that is safe and works for all dogs of all sizes.

To adjust the legs either the front or the back, do not adjust at the feet. Instead bring one hand up to where the leg comes into the chest, gently pick up and either turn inward or outward depending on if the feet are pointed naturally out or in.
At the rear same idea but here you come up high into the groin and upper leg area and do the same adjustment.

Teaching Crawl backwards. I started Magic learning this after he learnt heel backwards. I use the command BACK - for crawling backwards and BACK HEEL for the heeling command.

So to the crawl. Place dog in the down position. Stand in front of your dog and as you confidently step forward to the dog, say BACK - even two crawls back reward immediately. Also train first on non slippery surface. Try to build up to a continual 10 feet crawl back.

[gemy]

To signal the end of any trick - skill - I unimaginatively use the word RELEASE.