Bailee has Double LP?? Advice Wanted - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Saltypearl · 07-10-2014, 05:38 AM

Hi All,

Been a while since I have posted. All has been going great with Bailee. !! she is approaching 9 months old (tomorrow) and is a whopping 4.7 pounds and is as cute as can be.

I noticed a couple weeks ago she had been lifting her left hind leg at times. Nothing else out of the ordinary. when I took her to the vet last week (she had a stitch that never dissolved from her spay surgery), I asked about luxating patellas. She said Bailee had them in both legs. In just a week, she is now lifting her right hind leg at times, but she does not seem to be in pain??

I have done reading and talked to another vet, and he said just to keep an eye on her?? Some dogs as long as they are not in pain, can live with this??

I am heartroken. My baby is only 9 months old.

GracieJane · 07-10-2014, 06:58 AM

I feel your pain. Our little stinker had surgery on her double LP yesterday and won't be home until tomorrow. She will be ten months old on the 22nd, so we were certainly not expecting this.

I am NOT an expert, but please talk to your vet about his/her recommendation and have Bailee seen by a surgeon. Because you are dealing with a young dog, the choices you make will have a longer impact. Our first yorkie was diagnosed with LP on one side when she was older, and I never pursued treatment. It just wasn't a big factor in her life at that point. The thing that scared me with Gracie was her youth and the risk of arthritis for many years remaining to her (and some of us know how that feels!) It seemed important to address the problem.

Others who have deeper, more significant knowledge will surely reply, and your professionals may have other advice. Just know that you are not alone--it is scary, and our house is way too quiet today with Gracie at the hospital.

pstinard · 07-10-2014, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saltypearl

Hi All,

Been a while since I have posted. All has been going great with Bailee. !! she is approaching 9 months old (tomorrow) and is a whopping 4.7 pounds and is as cute as can be.

I noticed a couple weeks ago she had been lifting her left hind leg at times. Nothing else out of the ordinary. when I took her to the vet last week (she had a stitch that never dissolved from her spay surgery), I asked about luxating patellas. She said Bailee had them in both legs. In just a week, she is now lifting her right hind leg at times, but she does not seem to be in pain??

I have done reading and talked to another vet, and he said just to keep an eye on her?? Some dogs as long as they are not in pain, can live with this??

I am heartroken. My baby is only 9 months old.

Our Bella was diagnosed with LP after I noticed that she kept one of her hind legs up most of the time. My vet told me that Bella had a couple of years before arthritis would set in, but the sooner the surgery, the better the prognosis. Here is the thread about Bella's surgery and recovery:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...a-surgery.html

Edit: Bella was 15 months old when she had her surgery.

ladyjane · 07-10-2014, 02:59 PM

The surgeon I use for ortho surgery said that arthritis is not an issue with LP. The issue with LP is that after a period of time the cruciate ligament gets worn and often the pups end up tearing that ligament. With adult dogs he usually does not recommend surgery for LP because the ligament is already worn at that point and often the pup will end up tearing the ligament after the knee is repaired. Then, the poor pup must undergo another surgery and the owner is stuck with another large surgical bill. He does do repairs in young dogs to avoid all of the wear and tear. SO, I highly recommend you seek the opinion of an orthopedic surgeon. I personally will only use board certified surgeons. If interested you can find one at:
www.acvs.org Or, perhaps your vet knows of one.
Good luck and please keep us posted.

Saltypearl · 07-11-2014, 05:26 AM

How do they determine the severity of the LP?

ladyjane · 07-11-2014, 05:38 AM

Here are some helpful links about LP:

https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear Info

Saltypearl · 07-11-2014, 07:33 AM

Thank you all. going to the vet today for a consult

Wylie's Mom · 07-11-2014, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saltypearl

Thank you all. going to the vet today for a consult

Awesome...let us know how it goes. I know you said your kiddo isn't in pain, but if she is lifting her leg like that...that means she is in pain, that's why she's lifting it bc it's uncomfortable. Remember too, that dogs can and do mask a good deal of pain.

I had Wylie's LPs done about 1.5 yrs ago when he was around 8, and it went really well. He didn't lift his leg or show any other symptoms until that age, even though he had LP since he was a pup. The recovery was not as bad as I thought it would be...although the 1st couple/few days are tough.

Good luck w/ your kiddo

!

Saltypearl · 07-11-2014, 01:54 PM

Just got back from the vet. Bailee is a 4 in her right leg and a 3-4 in her left leg.
Our vet works with an orthopedic surgeon, and she will contact him. Bailee will need both knees done at the same time .
I am going to schedule for October .

pstinard · 07-11-2014, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saltypearl

Just got back from the vet. Bailee is a 4 in her right leg and a 3-4 in her left leg.
Our vet works with an orthopedic surgeon, and she will contact him. Bailee will need both knees done at the same time .
I am going to schedule for October .

I'm glad that you're in contact with an orthopedic surgeon. Things will be intense for a while as Bailee is recovering, but she will recover quickly. The most critical things during her recovery will be keeping her from picking at her stitches right after the surgery, and following the surgeon's post-surgery instructions to the letter so that she does not injure herself during her recovery and rehabilitation. Keep us posted! Here is one more informative link:

01 Medial Luxating Patella - VeterinaryPartner.com - a VIN company!

AmberH · 07-11-2014, 08:14 PM

Penny has LPs. Her right leg is worse off than her left. The vet did not recommend surgery. While one is worse, neither are horrible. He said, often times, surgery can do more harm than good. He said, as she gains muscle tone around her knee, the issue will probably go away. I had a feeling she had them but I wanted confirmation. That was over a month ago and she's not shown signs since.

I'm interested in hearing what others who do not opt for surgery are doing for their dogs. Are you giving supplements to prevent issues down the road?

Lovetodream88 · 07-12-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmberH

Penny has LPs. Her right leg is worse off than her left. The vet did not recommend surgery. While one is worse, neither are horrible. He said, often times, surgery can do more harm than good. He said, as she gains muscle tone around her knee, the issue will probably go away. I had a feeling she had them but I wanted confirmation. That was over a month ago and she's not shown signs since.

I'm interested in hearing what others who do not opt for surgery are doing for their dogs. Are you giving supplements to prevent issues down the road?

In my opinion your vet is wrong many many dogs get LP surgery and go on to live much more comfortable happy years. It's not about how bad the LP is but if your dog is in pain. LP can also lead to ACL tears.

ladyjane · 07-12-2014, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmberH

Penny has LPs. Her right leg is worse off than her left. The vet did not recommend surgery. While one is worse, neither are horrible. He said, often times, surgery can do more harm than good. He said, as she gains muscle tone around her knee, the issue will probably go away. I had a feeling she had them but I wanted confirmation. That was over a month ago and she's not shown signs since.

I'm interested in hearing what others who do not opt for surgery are doing for their dogs. Are you giving supplements to prevent issues down the road?

Your vet is correct. The orthopedic specialist I use does not recommend surgery on LP if it is an adult dog. While LP leads to CCL tears, often the ligament is already worn and if they repair the knee, the ligament is still in a weakened state and often will tear leading to yet another surgery that is hard on the pup and the owner has to pay for yet another surgery. LP that is not causing issues does not need to be repaired ... I have pups with LP and they will not be operated on unless the ligament tears and then I will have the ligament and knee repaired at one time.

Wylie's Mom · 07-13-2014, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Your vet is correct. The orthopedic specialist I use does not recommend surgery on LP if it is an adult dog. While LP leads to CCL tears, often the ligament is already worn and if they repair the knee, the ligament is still in a weakened state and often will tear leading to yet another surgery that is hard on the pup and the owner has to pay for yet another surgery. LP that is not causing issues does not need to be repaired ... I have pups with LP and they will not be operated on unless the ligament tears and then I will have the ligament and knee repaired at one time.

This is very informative and interesting, thanks for posting this...I don't know if many people are aware of this info. Do you think the mindset has only recently changed to this? Bc prior, it seems the school of thought was to do the LP once they exhibit symptoms (ie leg lifting). So theoretically, I should've / could've waited until a ligament tear before getting Wylie's LP? On his L knee though...it was *so* bad when they got in there...I wonder if they even could've repaired it had I waited...? I'm not sure, there is no way to tell of course.

Lovetodream88 · 07-13-2014, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

This is very informative and interesting, thanks for posting this...I don't know if many people are aware of this info. Do you think the mindset has only recently changed to this? Bc prior, it seems the school of thought was to do the LP once they exhibit symptoms (ie leg lifting). So theoretically, I should've / could've waited until a ligament tear before getting Wylie's LP? On his L knee though...it was *so* bad when they got in there...I wonder if they even could've repaired it had I waited...? I'm not sure, there is no way to tell of course.

I think if it's causing constant pain it becomes a different story but that's just my opinion.

07-10-2014, 02:59 PM	#4
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	The surgeon I use for ortho surgery said that arthritis is not an issue with LP. The issue with LP is that after a period of time the cruciate ligament gets worn and often the pups end up tearing that ligament. With adult dogs he usually does not recommend surgery for LP because the ligament is already worn at that point and often the pup will end up tearing the ligament after the knee is repaired. Then, the poor pup must undergo another surgery and the owner is stuck with another large surgical bill. He does do repairs in young dogs to avoid all of the wear and tear. SO, I highly recommend you seek the opinion of an orthopedic surgeon. I personally will only use board certified surgeons. If interested you can find one at: www.acvs.org Or, perhaps your vet knows of one. Good luck and please keep us posted. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

07-11-2014, 05:26 AM	#5
Saltypearl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 81	How do they determine the severity of the LP? __________________ Bailee's Mommy....Nancy

07-11-2014, 05:38 AM	#6
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Here are some helpful links about LP: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info Yorkie Haven Rescue - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear Info __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

07-11-2014, 07:33 AM	#7
Saltypearl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 81	Thank you all. going to the vet today for a consult __________________ Bailee's Mommy....Nancy

07-11-2014, 01:54 PM	#9
Saltypearl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 81	Just got back from the vet. Bailee is a 4 in her right leg and a 3-4 in her left leg. Our vet works with an orthopedic surgeon, and she will contact him. Bailee will need both knees done at the same time . I am going to schedule for October . __________________ Bailee's Mommy....Nancy

07-10-2014, 06:58 AM	#2
GracieJane Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 176	I feel your pain. Our little stinker had surgery on her double LP yesterday and won't be home until tomorrow. She will be ten months old on the 22nd, so we were certainly not expecting this. I am NOT an expert, but please talk to your vet about his/her recommendation and have Bailee seen by a surgeon. Because you are dealing with a young dog, the choices you make will have a longer impact. Our first yorkie was diagnosed with LP on one side when she was older, and I never pursued treatment. It just wasn't a big factor in her life at that point. The thing that scared me with Gracie was her youth and the risk of arthritis for many years remaining to her (and some of us know how that feels!) It seemed important to address the problem. Others who have deeper, more significant knowledge will surely reply, and your professionals may have other advice. Just know that you are not alone--it is scary, and our house is way too quiet today with Gracie at the hospital.

07-11-2014, 08:14 PM	#11
AmberH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA Posts: 143	Penny has LPs. Her right leg is worse off than her left. The vet did not recommend surgery. While one is worse, neither are horrible. He said, often times, surgery can do more harm than good. He said, as she gains muscle tone around her knee, the issue will probably go away. I had a feeling she had them but I wanted confirmation. That was over a month ago and she's not shown signs since. I'm interested in hearing what others who do not opt for surgery are doing for their dogs. Are you giving supplements to prevent issues down the road? __________________ Bayleigh - Gremlin - Penny Last edited by AmberH; 07-11-2014 at 08:16 PM.