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06-19-2017, 10:57 AM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
| Whimsy Diagnosed with Stage 3 Luxating Patella Hey everyone, I just wanted to share my sadness with the forum. Saturday I took Whimsy to the vet for his one year annual, and the vet diagnosed him with stage 3 luxating patella on his left leg. I've never had a dog before, so I didn't realize that the way he was walking wasn't normal. But I did notice that he didn't love walks like other dogs do, that he'd lean to his right side, and that he hated steps. Now I know why. I'm pretty heart broken. I know it's not life threatening but it's definitely life altering. I decided to go to a breeder instead of adopting because I knew I couldn't afford a sick dog. Now Whimsy is sick, and I don't care about the money. I just feel so sad that he has to go through all of this, especially since he loves to play. I asked my vet if there were any permanent solutions, and she said that she wouldn't recommend surgery unless Whimsy was in visible pain. She explained that getting a surgery brings about a ton of complications including increasing Whimsy's chances of getting arthritis. She referred Whimsy to a chiropractor. She explained that physical therapy could prevent Whimsy's knee from getting worse, and there's a chance that he might get better. When I asked if going to the chiropractor would be a one time thing, she answered that Whimsy is going to need chiropractic care for the rest of his life. :,( I'm seeing the chiropractor on Saturday. I spoke to her over the phone, and she said we're going to do sessions once a week for 4-6 weeks so that she can teach me all the exercises and stretches. After that, she said I only need to go to the chiropractor 2-3 times a year. When she heard the worry in my voice, she reassured me that puppies are quick to pick up on the physical therapy. I know there are options out there for Whimsy, but I can't explain why I'm so sad. To think my poor baby was in pain for so long and I didn't even notice. And Whimsy is not one to cry or whine. Once when he was 5 months, I accidentally cut his skin when he moved as I was cutting his hair. He didn't make a peep even though he was bleeding and we had to take him to the ER. (Yes, I failed him then but after lots of laser treatment, he's all healed). Long story short, it's hard to know when he's in pain. Anyway, I thought I'd share this with all the other yorkie owners out there. Here's a photo of Whimsy from last night. You can see how he's avoiding putting pressure on his left leg. |
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06-19-2017, 12:25 PM | #2 |
Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md
Posts: 23,247
| If it's that bad I would talk to an orthopedic specialist especially if he is still pretty young. The thing is if they are pretty young you can get it fixed and it wont put the wear and tear on the CCL and make it more likely to tear. I disagree with your vet about the chiropractor, they can not make it better nor can they fix it. Please talk to an orthopedic specialist before shelling out all the money for a chiropractor.
__________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart! |
06-20-2017, 01:55 PM | #3 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
| I just scheduled a consultantation for Saturday. When I asked whether the surgeon was an orthopedic surgeon, the center told me that they don't classify their surgeons by specialty. Is that normal? |
06-20-2017, 06:20 PM | #4 | |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Urbana, IL USA
Posts: 3,648
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06-21-2017, 04:07 AM | #5 |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Urbana, IL USA
Posts: 3,648
| Here's a more complete list of board certified veterinary specialties: https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/...ecialists.aspx Under surgery, they say the following: Veterinarians who specialize in performing surgery. A certified surgeon will be certified in either small animal surgery or large animal surgery. Within these groups, many surgeons will focus their work in one of these two subcategories but are not limited to them: Orthopedics: these surgeons focus on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, etc. of the body's skeletal systemYou will want to find a surgeon who has focused their interest in orthopedics. Last edited by pstinard; 06-21-2017 at 04:09 AM. Reason: better formatting |
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