My poor pumpkin has bad knees?!?!?!

[parker]

I am really upset we went in for Parkers last set of shots and had a check up. She didn't say anything about his knees last time we went (to be honest I don't remember her checking; but I really don't know) and gave me a look of shock. She told me that his knees are really bad and that I have to watch them just in case they start getting worse.

Now he is only 4months old (and still weighs 1.8lbs) and she is already saying that they are really bad what do I do? He doesn't jump other then to let us know he wants in bed, and I bought him his stairs today. Other then that he really doesn't have much to jump off of. Now I am worried about my baby just her look of shock is still imprinted in my head.

Who all has experienced this, and suggestions, comments, anything to help me make this situation better (I have a feeling there isn't much I can do)

[CollegeCutieUSF]

What exactly did she tell you??

I took Mr. Biggs in for his yearly shots/check-up and the vet told us that his two back knees popped out of place. He said it's fairly common in smaller dogs. He also said that because of that he is prone to arthritis. He reccomended surgery, but that if it wasn't bothering him, then it could wait. He said once it becomes a problem that then surgery is a option.

This was my first time going to this vet....my other vet never told me any of this. The new vet seemed shocked that i was never told this before. Part of me wonders if it's just them trying to get money out of you. Even the tech tried to get me to have him neutered telling me that he would live so much longer, she even tried to change my mind about what flea/heartworm prevention to get and practically forced it on me.

If he doesn't seem to be btohered by his knees, I'd just keep an eye on it incase you notice him ever in pain.

[Ladymom]

If he's only four months old and doesn't jump on furniture, he probably inherited his bad knees. Did your breeder give you a guarantee on genetic defects? I'd definitely call her and let her know what your vet said because knee surgery, if he needs it, runs into the thousands. Your breeder will also want to know about his problem if she is reputable so she can stop breeding his parents.

Did you vet grade his knees? Luxations are graded from 1-4 with 4 being the worst. Threes and fours always need surgery.

I'd suggest if your vet thought his knees were so bad that you get a recommendation from her to an orthopedic vet for a second opinion.

Here's more information for you.

http://www.yorkshire-terrier.com/lacy/medical.htm

[parker]

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF

What exactly did she tell you??

I took Mr. Biggs in for his yearly shots/check-up and the vet told us that his two back knees popped out of place. He said it's fairly common in smaller dogs. He also said that because of that he is prone to arthritis. He reccomended surgery, but that if it wasn't bothering him, then it could wait. He said once it becomes a problem that then surgery is a option.

This was my first time going to this vet....my other vet never told me any of this. The new vet seemed shocked that i was never told this before. Part of me wonders if it's just them trying to get money out of you. Even the tech tried to get me to have him neutered telling me that he would live so much longer, she even tried to change my mind about what flea/heartworm prevention to get and practically forced it on me.

If he doesn't seem to be btohered by his knees, I'd just keep an eye on it incase you notice him ever in pain.

Ah, well she said the "slip very easy back and forth and used this hand motion" and pretty much said the same about how it is common and that I need to keep a watch out for him to make sure it doesn't get worse. Too if it does get worse then surgery is an option. I have been hearing a lot of cracking noise so I kinda knew something was up.

I am extremely paranoid about him!! Every squeak that comes out of him, tumble, roll, etc!! I cannot imagine how I am going to be when I finally have children.

[parker]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

If he's only four months old and doesn't jump on furniture, he probably inherited his bad knees. Did your breeder give you a guarantee on genetic defects? I'd definitely call her and let her know what your vet said because knee surgery, if he needs it, runs into the thousands. Your breeder will also want to know about his problem if she is reputable so she can stop breeding his parents.

Did you vet grade his knees? Luxations are graded from 1-4 with 4 being the worst. Threes and fours always need surgery.

I'd suggest if your vet thought his knees were so bad that you get a recommendation from her to an orthopedic vet for a second opinion.

Here's more information for you.

http://www.yorkshire-terrier.com/lacy/medical.htm

Well, the breeder isn't breeding anymore due to health issues(of her own). I actually got the second to last pup of her last litter. As for the health guarantee I am going to pull it up and look, I really don't think that it deals with anything on genetic defects. I will be giving her a call just in case but on her site she is actually selling Parkers Dad so I am almost positive she isn't anymore.

The grade, no she didn't do anything like that. I am in a very small town and only one vet in at least 100 miles. Sooooo... I might need to take a nice long drive to get a second opinion.

[Yorkiekids]

Sorry you're baby has bad legs. It can be quite expensive to fix, so I'd see if the breeder would help with the bills.

[parker]

Originally Posted by Yorkiekids

Sorry you're baby has bad legs. It can be quite expensive to fix, so I'd see if the breeder would help with the bills.

So I hear, I grabbed a packet on pet Insurance, I was thinking about getting him it

[TLC]

Where in AZ are you?

I hate to say it, but if you hear the 'clicking' - then it is probably his knees and if you already hear his knees clicking at 4 months than it probably is genetic and it probably is a a high grade already

It is called Luxating Patella - There are only 4 Grades and it doesn't heal itself and it will only get worse.

IMO - I would get an appt. with an Ortho Specialist to evaluate his knees and discuss the options with you.

Roxy and TJ both have LP. Roxy had surgery to stop the luxation and she is a brand new girl. TJ's isn't that high of a Grade (yet) - but if he gets worse, he will have surgery too.

IMO - Grade 3 and Grade 4 - there's no question, surgery is a must

Best of Luck and let us know what happens.

P.S. If you do a search here on YT for Luxating Patella - You'll find lots and lots of thread

[CollegeCutieUSF]

Originally Posted by parker

So I hear, I grabbed a packet on pet Insurance, I was thinking about getting him it

I think the pet insurance works the same as human insurance, in that if it's a previous condition, then they won't cover it, so you'd probably just be waisting your money.

For the knee surgery, my vet quoted me $2,000+. I'd just check on it and see if it gives him problems. If it gets worse as he ages, then I'd look into surgery. But definately get a second opinion first if you're considering surgery.

[parker]

Originally Posted by TLC

Where in AZ are you?

I hate to say it, but if you hear the 'clicking' - then it is probably his knees and if you already hear his knees clicking at 4 months than it probably is genetic and it probably is a a high grade already

It is called Luxating Patella - There are only 4 Grades and it doesn't heal itself and it will only get worse.

IMO - I would get an appt. with an Ortho Specialist to evaluate his knees and discuss the options with you.

Roxy and TJ both have LP. Roxy had surgery to stop the luxation and she is a brand new girl. TJ's isn't that high of a Grade (yet) - but if he gets worse, he will have surgery too.

IMO - Grade 3 and Grade 4 - there's no question, surgery is a must

Best of Luck and let us know what happens.

P.S. If you do a search here on YT for Luxating Patella - You'll find lots and lots of thread

Thank you so much, I am going to start doing my homework and see what my options are with Vets out here!! Again, thank you I will too check them out.

[Ladymom]

Parker, you're lucky to live in Arizona. You are one of the 17 states that has "puppy lemon laws".

Arizona - Title 44, Chapter 11, Article 17 of the Arizona Revised
Statutes "Pet Dealers" section. Covers contagious or infectious
diseases for 15 days; congenital or hereditary defects are
covered for up to 60 days.

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s...1799_01_09.htm

I assume since your puppy is only four months old that you haven't had him very long. The law requires you to get a signed vet's statement about his condition within five days and present it to the person who sold you the dog. I don't know what you paid for him, but the breeder would be responsible for vet bills up to the full amount of his purchase price. It may not cover the entire expense of the surgery, but it sure would help with the costs.

I am so sorry you are going through this, but at least you have some financial recourse even if you didn't get a good health guarantee.

[parker]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Parker, you're lucky to live in Arizona. You are one of the 17 states that has "puppy lemon laws".

Arizona - Title 44, Chapter 11, Article 17 of the Arizona Revised
Statutes "Pet Dealers" section. Covers contagious or infectious
diseases for 15 days; congenital or hereditary defects are
covered for up to 60 days.

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s...1799_01_09.htm

I assume since your puppy is only four months old that you haven't had him very long. The law requires you to get a signed vet's statement about his condition within five days and present it to the person who sold you the dog. I don't know what you paid for him, but the breeder would be responsible for vet bills up to the full amount of his purchase price. It may not cover the entire expense of the surgery, but it sure would help with the costs.

I am so sorry you are going through this, but at least you have some financial recourse even if you didn't get a good health guarantee.

Wow, I will check that out. We have actually pretty much had him a month this week so he would fall into that! Thank you sooooo much I paid in total with shipping $1200 so that could help me out immensely! It's too late now (2AM) but I am going to start my research tomorrow to get the ball rolling!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by parker

Wow, I will check that out. We have actually pretty much had him a month this week so he would fall into that! Thank you sooooo much I paid in total with shipping $1200 so that could help me out immensely! It's too late now (2AM) but I am going to start my research tomorrow to get the ball rolling!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

You are most welcome. Even if your breeder is no longer in business, she is still financially responsible for selling you a puppy with a genetic defect. The cost of shipping him to you wouldn't be included in his purchase price, but it would still be a good amount to put towards his surgery. Even if you can't get in to see an orthopedic vet in the next few days, have your regular vet document what she found when she examined his knees.

[Wylie's Mom]

I'm now in the same boat. I had Wylie (my 3 yr. old) at the vet yesterday and she graded him a high 2/possibly 3 in both knees. But, he is totally asymptomatic. I'm trying to find out where to get a 2nd opinion here in Phoenix.

[parker]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I'm now in the same boat. I had Wylie (my 3 yr. old) at the vet yesterday and she graded him a high 2/possibly 3 in both knees. But, he is totally asymptomatic. I'm trying to find out where to get a 2nd opinion here in Phoenix.

How crazy I was JUST writing you a PM I seen you are in Phoenix. My husband was raised out there and has most of his family is out there. I was going to ask if you could suggest a vet out there. As it looks like we will be coming out there sooner then later! We always go out there to visit family and shop (we planned on coming out here in a few weeks for Christmas shopping)

Too, a bit off topic but I would like to get my baby trimmed up if we go out there too, if you have a groomer that you like too I would love a suggestion. I am so scared of letting anyone touch him because he is so tiny. But this puppy hair is getting out of control and I don't have enough guts to cut it myself.