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09-11-2010, 05:14 PM | #1 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canton, GA
Posts: 3,242
| Sophie Kate Has LP Today my worst fears were confirmed Sophie Kate has Luxating Patella in her rear left leg. I feel kind of silly for reacting this way but I am just numb and I need to educate myself on everything regarding this subject. I happened to notice this last week for the first time, she was favoring this leg when she would wake up but after about 10 minutes she seemed fine. I called the vet right away and since Sophie Kate had an appointment Friday for her yearly exam we decided to wait until then and have the Vet look at it. Her Doctor called me today and asked me to come in, boy that scared me (but they know me and how I would react- I am a little over protective). Sophie Kates LP is very minor at this point, the Vet and I decided we do not want to put her on any daily medications yet (however I am aware that day may come). The Vet has promised me that Sophie Kate is not in any pain and if the time comes where she is appearing to be in pain I need to get her in there right away. For now we have to change her routine and see how that works, no more stairs (which will be hard we have four story house), no jumping on or off furniture and no more day care since she tends to play rough there. What I really want to find out from experience owners is did I make the right choice by not putting her on medication? Will this increase the speed in which the LP advances? I feel kind of dumb being so upset over this, I know there are other dogs out there in greater need.
__________________ Cheryl,Mom to SophieKate |
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09-11-2010, 05:46 PM | #2 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Texas USA
Posts: 2,473
| I remember when Apple's knee popped out, and she stumbled, while we were out walking...I was heartbroken, and soooooooooooo sad...I took her in, and the vet said she had stage 1 LP in her back right leg...I think she had one or two more episodes, and she's never had one since??? I know I spent alot of time agonizing over this, instead of just enjoying her every minute of the day...She seems to be o.k., right now, but if she gets worse, I'll deal w/it, "if" it even happens...My vet is very conservative about surgery for these things, and I believe, unless it pops out, alot, or won't go back in, then surgery is not considered...For now, we're just running around, having fun, pillows around the couch, stairs up and down on the bed, and taking one day at a time...I got to thinking, she probably doesn't hurt near as bad as I do w/my osteoarthritis, and I'm doing o.k. lol...I know you're upset, but you'll both be just fine...Maggie & Apple & Buzz & Cha Cha |
09-11-2010, 05:48 PM | #3 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | Sorry to hear about the LP. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon in these babies. All 4 of mine have it to some degree. I would limit the jumping as much as possible and keep her from getting overweight. Did you discuss giving her a joint supplement? One of mine has grade 4 in both legs and is 5 years old and has not needed medicine. We have been doing the watchful waiting and it so far hasn't bothered her. One of my other ones had surgery on hers a few months ago and is doing fine. My vet said she has had dogs with grade 4 never need surgery so I would do exactly what you are doing. Don't feel bad for being upset these are out babies. When I found out Pixie needed LP surgery I was so upset, I did not even know she had LP. She was the last one of mine I expected to need surgery.
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
09-11-2010, 05:58 PM | #4 |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia
Posts: 4,566
| I am so sorry to hear about SophieKate. It seems that so many of the babies here have that, so I'm sure you'll get a lot of good advice. She will be in my prayers.
__________________ Prince, rest in peace. We miss you and love you so much. |
09-11-2010, 07:29 PM | #5 |
Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 27,451
| I have a few pups with LP and none have required surgery. One of my fosters recently tore a cruciate ligament and needed surgery for that, but not for LP itself. My vet, and also the orthopedic surgeon I use, do not recommend surgery for LP unless it is a constant problem for the pup. Thankfully that has not happened to any of mine. Once in a while a knee might pop out but it goes back in and does not continue to be a problem. I have one foster who had a problem after jumping off of my bed one night...he was on anti inflammatories for a week and has been fine ever since. I have stairs to my bed and try to avoid their jumping on and off of things. Keeping weight off of them is also helpful. None of my pups are on medications for the LP. I know some people swear by glucosamine but I am not a fan. I used it for my knees and it did nothing. Hopefully Sophie Kate will never go beyond where she is now...that is often the case. The fact that you are doing your best to avoid things that will make it worse is a good thing!
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09-11-2010, 07:50 PM | #6 |
Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL
Posts: 12,235
| All three of mine have some grade of LP and are doing fine. The only one that has ever had any problems with their LP is Doodlebug when he took an awkward jump off the back stair and landed funny. He favored his leg for about a week and the vet put him on an anti-inflammatory. He's never had any other issues. The vet put him at a Grade 2 last year and he still was the same at his visit a few weeks ago. We use stairs for the bed and do not use glucosamine but I have discussed it with my vet and he didn't think they needed supplements. They all run like the wind, wrestle and play without any issues. I just keep an eye on their weight and even Bogey who was my little porkchop is now slim. Try not to worry yourself too much~which I know is easier said than done.
__________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain |
09-11-2010, 09:25 PM | #7 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD
Posts: 10,908
| So sorry that you have to deal with this. I would highly recommend a supplement especially since she in early stages. My philosophy is prevention is key. If it would put your mind at ease, talk with a board certified surgeon abut options they will be better able to guide you.
__________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10 |
09-12-2010, 05:43 AM | #8 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canton, GA
Posts: 3,242
| Thank you all for the information and advice. I am not nearly as freaked out as I was yesterday and honestly I was much more upset then Sophie Kate who just wanted to go for a walk. I need to educate myself, keep an eye on my dog and move forward with life. I have a tendency to be an alarmist when it comes to my family and their health- never going to change, I have tried (probably comes from losing both parents at a young age). Again, thank you all.
__________________ Cheryl,Mom to SophieKate |
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