Do all luxating patellas need operation?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

My Gizmo, who will soon be 7, has been diagonsed with a LP about 4 weeks ago.At that time the Vet(female) suggested "wait and see if it goes back into place on its own". Two days ago, I decided to take him for a second opinion since he didn't see to be getting better. That Vet(male) tweaked the area of the knee with his hands (turning, squeezing and pulling). He said Gizmo would need a more extensive exam, about $500. I took Gizmo home and now he is in worst shape then when I took him to the second Vet. Before that visit, Gizmo could walk on the leg and run. Now, he walks but lifts the leg at times. He's moping around the house. Not like himself at all. I think he misses our "fetch game, BIG TIME!" I did get pain meds and muscle relaxer for him. Tramadol and Rimadyl. To be given twice a day. Ugh...he hates when I put them in his throat, close his mouth and massage his throat to swallow them. I am going to wait because the second Vet also said, "Rest and no running or jumping. This may heal, work itself out, on it's own." As much as I am tempted to throw the ball for him...I must do what is best for him! I do massage the leg gently and stretch it slowly and gently too.

Did the vet give you an anti inflammatory med for him? Usually that is what is done and crate rest for a couple of weeks. I would not be massaging that leg OR stretching it....leave it alone!

I don't know what the vet meant by tests for $500 to diagnose. Sounds odd to me. They can do xrays but they are not always good for diagnosing and certainly don't cost that much!! If you want a really good opinion, go to a board certified surgeon. If he does not improve, he could have a torn cruciate ligament...and to diagnose that I highly recommend board certified!@!

[Melimar]

Hello, Yes the vet gave Rimadyl which is anti-inflammatory. The Vet suggested drawing a blood work up ($170) then following up with taking multiple ex-rays which would require sedation. Then they will be able to do a more in-depth evaluation. Total cost $500. Yes, “ a really good opinion cost a really good price." Not all of us have the means by which to obtain the absolute best available...etc. We all do our best for our pets with the income we have. Thank you for your opinion. I’m am aware that if he doesn’t improve it could be a torn ACL. I’m hoping and praying that he gets better. If not then I will continue to do my best to provide the care that he will need.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

Hello, Yes the vet gave Rimadyl which is anti-inflammatory. The Vet suggested drawing a blood work up ($170) then following up with taking multiple ex-rays which would require sedation. Then they will be able to do a more in-depth evaluation. Total cost $500. Yes, “ a really good opinion cost a really good price." Not all of us have the means by which to obtain the absolute best available...etc. We all do our best for our pets with the income we have. Thank you for your opinion. I’m am aware that if he doesn’t improve it could be a torn ACL. I’m hoping and praying that he gets better. If not then I will continue to do my best to provide the care that he will need.

I am not exactly sure what you mean by some of your remarks regarding vetting and/or care of your pup.

What I WILL say is that if you go to a board certified surgeon, he/she more than likely will be able to diagnose him for less than $500. The one I use can diagnose a torn CCL without xrays. I was not suggesting you do something that would cost more... actually I was thinking it would be less.

Kind of late for this incident, but if you have limited income, perhaps you might want to consider pet insurance. Sadly, I have seen people have to surrender their pets due to not having enough money to properly care for them. One recently had an adult yorkie with a liver shunt...they surrendered him because they wanted what was best for him. I always hate to see things like that.

[Melimar]

Lady Jane, my apologies if I misunderstood your intentions/advice. I have a lot on my plate ..caring for my mother, who will soon be 90 and has advanced dementia, and trying with all my soul to keep her home with her husband of 68 years. My darling dad who is quite healthy for 92 and adores his wife. I guess I’m emotionally strained, so again...I apologize.
As far as surrendering my dog. God willing I will never have to make that decision, I would be and borrow before I’d surrender either one of my boys. I have an appt for Gizmo on Aug 12 at the Humane Society. At that time I will insist they give me a more thorough diagnosis. I will let him rest until then. Continue to give him his meds., pray and shower him with lots of love and kisses.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

Lady Jane, my apologies if I misunderstood your intentions/advice. I have a lot on my plate ..caring for my mother, who will soon be 90 and has advanced dementia, and trying with all my soul to keep her home with her husband of 68 years. My darling dad who is quite healthy for 92 and adores his wife. I guess I’m emotionally strained, so again...I apologize.
As far as surrendering my dog. God willing I will never have to make that decision, I would be and borrow before I’d surrender either one of my boys. I have an appt for Gizmo on Aug 12 at the Humane Society. At that time I will insist they give me a more thorough diagnosis. I will let him rest until then. Continue to give him his meds., pray and shower him with lots of love and kisses.

Oh, no worries. I am sorry for your family issues....it is very hard to watch parents age.

I am with you on the surrendering ...I hope I am never in such a position that I would have to make a decision like that. I was just talking about that last night with a friend of mine.

Hopefully, Gizmo will respond well to the meds and rest. Keep us posted please!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Melimar

My Gizmo, who will soon be 7, has been diagonsed with a LP about 4 weeks ago.At that time the Vet(female) suggested "wait and see if it goes back into place on its own". Two days ago, I decided to take him for a second opinion since he didn't see to be getting better. That Vet(male) tweaked the area of the knee with his hands (turning, squeezing and pulling). He said Gizmo would need a more extensive exam, about $500. I took Gizmo home and now he is in worst shape then when I took him to the second Vet. Before that visit, Gizmo could walk on the leg and run. Now, he walks but lifts the leg at times. He's moping around the house. Not like himself at all. I think he misses our "fetch game, BIG TIME!" I did get pain meds and muscle relaxer for him. Tramadol and Rimadyl. To be given twice a day. Ugh...he hates when I put them in his throat, close his mouth and massage his throat to swallow them. I am going to wait because the second Vet also said, "Rest and no running or jumping. This may heal, work itself out, on it's own." As much as I am tempted to throw the ball for him...I must do what is best for him! I do massage the leg gently and stretch it slowly and gently too.

There is not a more exstensive exame to check for LP so that would be a waste. Last time I went to the orthopedic surgeon for a consult it was $100 and he would be able to tell if there was a torn CCL or LP. X-rays really aren't necessary. Have you tried putting the medicine in a treat or cheese or peanut butter?

[aweitzm1]

I see you are in NY and yes here it is very expensive to see a specialist. I went through something similar with an oncologists. It was $200 just for a consultation with no tests done.

Did you go to Blue Pearl or Animal Medical Center. Those are the two hospitals I am aware of for board certified ortho surgeons.

Humane Society is also a great resource I just get nervous when they ask for money up front before even being seen over the phone.

[Melimar]

Hello and thank you for that knowledge. I will try to seek out an ortho vet and book an appt for Gizmo. Also, I will give those treats a try because he hates taking med. FYI. before this time, the Humane society has Rimadyl in a chewable form that GIZMO ATE with nooo problem.

[Melimar]

Hello, I’ve been to Blue Pearl in the past when I had an emergency with Gizmo. They did a great job but are quite expensive. I’ve also been to the Animal M. C. With other pets and the experience was traumatic to say the least.
The Humane Society has to charge up front because their prices are reasonable and they need the money. If we cancel, especially surgery..they can’t always book another appt immediately since blood works are required in advance. The bad part is that you can’t always get an appt when you need it. My Lucky needs to have his teeth cleaned. I took him to the H.S. last week for his shots and had the vet check his teeth. She said,” OH yes...he is going to need some extractions.” THREE OF HIS FRONT TEETH ARE LOOSE. It didn’t take a genius to make that call! When I went to pay for the blood test for heart-worm(neg.) The woman at the register, who also books appts., told me the next appt won’t be until Sept or Oct. The waiting list is about 700!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

Hello, I’ve been to Blue Pearl in the past when I had an emergency with Gizmo. They did a great job but are quite expensive. I’ve also been to the Animal M. C. With other pets and the experience was traumatic to say the least.
The Humane Society has to charge up front because their prices are reasonable and they need the money. If we cancel, especially surgery..they can’t always book another appt immediately since blood works are required in advance. The bad part is that you can’t always get an appt when you need it. My Lucky needs to have his teeth cleaned. I took him to the H.S. last week for his shots and had the vet check his teeth. She said,” OH yes...he is going to need some extractions.” THREE OF HIS FRONT TEETH ARE LOOSE. It didn’t take a genius to make that call! When I went to pay for the blood test for heart-worm(neg.) The woman at the register, who also books appts., told me the next appt won’t be until Sept or Oct. The waiting list is about 700!

Blue Pearl is expensive but they have a great reputation. It wouldn't hurt to go just for an opinion on his leg IF you don't see improvement. I don't think they would charge more than $150 for the exam. Of course there IS a chance he might have to be anesthetized to fully evaluate....they need to manipulate the knee in a certain way and sometimes the pups are resistant. Most times though, they can evaluate for a torn CCL without anesthesia.

That wait for a dental is crazy long...but honestly I doubt there is much harm done in waiting. Doesn't the SPCA also have a place in NY?? I think I heard of one that is low cost and quite good??

[Melimar]

More than Likely They will suggested a local anesthetic for ex-rays. They are too costly. I know this well.
The the ASPCA is the org. that refers people to The Humane Society. The wait is long because the price is THE BEST. EX-RAYS, EVAL. CLEANING, AND EXTRACTIONS all together $300!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

More than Likely They will suggested a local anesthetic for ex-rays. They are too costly. I know this well.
The the ASPCA is the org. that refers people to The Humane Society. The wait is long because the price is THE BEST. EX-RAYS, EVAL. CLEANING, AND EXTRACTIONS all together $300!

The boarded surgeon I use hardly ever needs to do rads to diagnose ... I have sadly been to see him more times than I can count...
for fosters and my own pups. I am so lucky to have him!

Definitely a great price on dentals!

[Melimar]

You're lucky to have him, and your fur babies are blessed to have you.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Melimar

You're lucky to have him, and your fur babies are blessed to have you.

Aww thank you. I can tell how much you love Gizmo as well. They really are the best companions!

This is where I go in Houston. The surgeon I use for knee and other ortho issues is Dr. Beale. He is an awesome surgeon and also a wonderful person. The facility is amazing ... many great vets there.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.co...lists-2109373/

[Melimar]

Thank you. I love my boys more than words. People love you but animals ADORE YOU! Now THAT IS A PLACE where animals are truly cared for, I can tell! Awesome!