LP limping but no pain - need advice/info - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Lolli_lah · 02-01-2014, 12:15 PM

So Lolli has LP, I think she was diag grade 4 if I'm not mistaken. They told me that since she's not really showing much symptoms and not really limping (she holds her leg up occasionally for like literally 1 second every so often when running or walking) that surgical intervention may not really be necessary given age and everything (she's about 11). She's healthy and would be ok to have surgery but if she's not in pain or anything then we left it at that.

But today I noticed when she went to get water she kinda toppled onto one side into a leaned sitting position, but she had drank just fine and had eaten a bit of her food, and she followed me around the apt like she does, but she's obviously limping. She's not hiding, she's not shaking and she does these when she is in pain. She shakes for almost any emotion that is not just plain or happy. Scared, pain, anything, she shakes. So she's obviously not in pain, no whining, not licking or anything, just limping and it's not really to the point of not using that leg at all whatsoever, but she's like pressing onto it and limping quite obviously. Just not holding it up and hopping. I'm not sure if she could really go around like this..

We currently feed her 1/2 a treat a day (per weight instruction) of Zoom Chews which are vet bought that have MSM, 99% pure glucosamine (whatever that means), and chondroitine sulfate. This is also a complete multivitamin as well so it has Vit C.

So.. I mean I'll call the vet obviously but it's the weekend so they're not open so I just would like others experience and advice. I figure they will prob refer me to an orthopedic vet which is about 20-40 mins away I forget exactly now, and consider surgery. To be frank I don't have the funds whatsoever. I'm barely making rent at this point and all my utilities, it's just paycheck to paycheck.

We had applied for CareCredit in the past and were denied but maybe my boyfriend can apply instead of me since my credit is too midpoint. What are my options? I've searched high and low, for local things or whatnot to try and ask for help. I can't find anything. What do I do?

Lolli_lah · 02-01-2014, 12:27 PM

Well, I can't say she's "obviously not" in pain. I don't actually know that 100%, but we'll leave it at she's not showing her usual tell tale signs of pain at this point just yet.

Also I had tried to ask for help from friends and family when I thought it may be needed when she was having a nerve problem in her back but that has resolved. But I hadn't been able to get any help with that so I don't think this will get help in that regard, either. I feel lost and sad and depressed. Things only seem to happen when you are financially in the crappiest spot ever.

Kiki Mama · 02-01-2014, 01:13 PM

Kiki also had LP in both legs but as long as it wasn't bothering her we didn't have to perform surgery just yet. But I was also warned it will more than likely get worse with age. She has had a few spells where we see her limp or if she is playing too hard she might yelp before limping. I understand that her LP has popped out of place and it works its way back in. We have pain meds provided by her vet for any spells she may have(only given if in pain). You could call the emergency vet and see if there is something you could do for her. My friend gave her poodle warm baths & worked with her legs when she seems to be having trouble getting around.

Lolli_lah · 02-01-2014, 01:26 PM

A friend of mine on FB has a pug and he has LP, too. I'm not sure what grade but she also mentioned that they have pain med/anti-inflammatory for "spells". I felt very comforted by my vet and he has a lot of certifications like a really legit type vet, but I was never given any preventative care for future use. That makes me a little sad, I could have something for her now if I had preventative care for spells.

I picked up her in the fashion that he showed me when she had a nerve in her spine pinched a while back and gave her a hug and a kiss and gently placed her back down. Surprisingly her limping has gone away ever since by about 50%? So I don't know if maybe somehow my lifting it and her one leg kind of was extended through my fingers (hard to explain) but maybe this sort of popped the kneecap into place. But I was under the impression grade 4 and 5 LP that the kneecap pretty much never is in place? I could be wrong on that though. I get so overwhelmed with worry that sometimes I don't remember what I'm told 100%.

Patti · 02-01-2014, 01:46 PM

Sorry to hear about Lolli's LP. I would have an orthopedic surgeon check her out and get their opinion. Some times they can avoid surgery if the dog is not in pain. My 9 year old has grade 4 in both knees and so far we have avoided surgery. Her knees are out of the socket. The vet checks them every time we go in and so far we have been lucky. Cali is not bothered by it and is the most active of my 3. Now Pixie had grade 3 in one leg and it bothered her so after several opinions I had it repaired by an orthopedic surgeon. Keep us posted.

Lolli_lah · 02-01-2014, 02:03 PM

I just wish it all wasn't so darn expensive. The ortho's website has all their stuff laid out real nice, says they are board certified, etc. But they also state the consult is $90-$120 which for someone like me is a small fortune. I'm lucky to have that much for groceries a month. I don't knowww what to do about that aspect. In essence the consult is doable, but actual surgery is out of the question. They clearly state on their website they don't do payments and they only accept credit cards (which we have none) and CareCredit.

Lovetodream88 · 02-01-2014, 07:18 PM

Limping means she is in pain but your best bet would be to get a consult with an orthopedic surgeon.

gracielove · 02-02-2014, 10:55 AM

Joint deformities tend to worsen with age. As the connective tissue wears away the dog starts to get that bone on bone rubbing and it is more notably painful.

The supplements are helpful and can help slow down connective tissue degeneration. Feeding a fresh healthy diet is very important as well. Omega 3 supplementation has also been shown to help with joint deterioration.

There are anti inflammatory meds that dogs can take but that would be the very last ditch effort to make her comfortable and should only be given on a full stomach.

02-01-2014, 12:15 PM	#1
Lolli_lah YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gainesville, GA, USA Posts: 406 Blog Entries: 2	LP limping but no pain - need advice/info So Lolli has LP, I think she was diag grade 4 if I'm not mistaken. They told me that since she's not really showing much symptoms and not really limping (she holds her leg up occasionally for like literally 1 second every so often when running or walking) that surgical intervention may not really be necessary given age and everything (she's about 11). She's healthy and would be ok to have surgery but if she's not in pain or anything then we left it at that. But today I noticed when she went to get water she kinda toppled onto one side into a leaned sitting position, but she had drank just fine and had eaten a bit of her food, and she followed me around the apt like she does, but she's obviously limping. She's not hiding, she's not shaking and she does these when she is in pain. She shakes for almost any emotion that is not just plain or happy. Scared, pain, anything, she shakes. So she's obviously not in pain, no whining, not licking or anything, just limping and it's not really to the point of not using that leg at all whatsoever, but she's like pressing onto it and limping quite obviously. Just not holding it up and hopping. I'm not sure if she could really go around like this.. We currently feed her 1/2 a treat a day (per weight instruction) of Zoom Chews which are vet bought that have MSM, 99% pure glucosamine (whatever that means), and chondroitine sulfate. This is also a complete multivitamin as well so it has Vit C. So.. I mean I'll call the vet obviously but it's the weekend so they're not open so I just would like others experience and advice. I figure they will prob refer me to an orthopedic vet which is about 20-40 mins away I forget exactly now, and consider surgery. To be frank I don't have the funds whatsoever. I'm barely making rent at this point and all my utilities, it's just paycheck to paycheck. We had applied for CareCredit in the past and were denied but maybe my boyfriend can apply instead of me since my credit is too midpoint. What are my options? I've searched high and low, for local things or whatnot to try and ask for help. I can't find anything. What do I do? __________________ Lollipop my Pretty Little Princess

02-01-2014, 12:27 PM	#2
Lolli_lah YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gainesville, GA, USA Posts: 406 Blog Entries: 2	Well, I can't say she's "obviously not" in pain. I don't actually know that 100%, but we'll leave it at she's not showing her usual tell tale signs of pain at this point just yet. Also I had tried to ask for help from friends and family when I thought it may be needed when she was having a nerve problem in her back but that has resolved. But I hadn't been able to get any help with that so I don't think this will get help in that regard, either. I feel lost and sad and depressed. Things only seem to happen when you are financially in the crappiest spot ever. __________________ Lollipop my Pretty Little Princess Last edited by Lolli_lah; 02-01-2014 at 12:29 PM.

02-01-2014, 01:13 PM	#3
Kiki Mama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Tennessee with Kiki Posts: 199	Kiki also had LP in both legs but as long as it wasn't bothering her we didn't have to perform surgery just yet. But I was also warned it will more than likely get worse with age. She has had a few spells where we see her limp or if she is playing too hard she might yelp before limping. I understand that her LP has popped out of place and it works its way back in. We have pain meds provided by her vet for any spells she may have(only given if in pain). You could call the emergency vet and see if there is something you could do for her. My friend gave her poodle warm baths & worked with her legs when she seems to be having trouble getting around. __________________ Spoiled Baby Girl

02-01-2014, 01:26 PM	#4
Lolli_lah YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gainesville, GA, USA Posts: 406 Blog Entries: 2	A friend of mine on FB has a pug and he has LP, too. I'm not sure what grade but she also mentioned that they have pain med/anti-inflammatory for "spells". I felt very comforted by my vet and he has a lot of certifications like a really legit type vet, but I was never given any preventative care for future use. That makes me a little sad, I could have something for her now if I had preventative care for spells. I picked up her in the fashion that he showed me when she had a nerve in her spine pinched a while back and gave her a hug and a kiss and gently placed her back down. Surprisingly her limping has gone away ever since by about 50%? So I don't know if maybe somehow my lifting it and her one leg kind of was extended through my fingers (hard to explain) but maybe this sort of popped the kneecap into place. But I was under the impression grade 4 and 5 LP that the kneecap pretty much never is in place? I could be wrong on that though. I get so overwhelmed with worry that sometimes I don't remember what I'm told 100%. __________________ Lollipop my Pretty Little Princess

02-01-2014, 01:46 PM	#5
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Sorry to hear about Lolli's LP. I would have an orthopedic surgeon check her out and get their opinion. Some times they can avoid surgery if the dog is not in pain. My 9 year old has grade 4 in both knees and so far we have avoided surgery. Her knees are out of the socket. The vet checks them every time we go in and so far we have been lucky. Cali is not bothered by it and is the most active of my 3. Now Pixie had grade 3 in one leg and it bothered her so after several opinions I had it repaired by an orthopedic surgeon. Keep us posted. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

02-01-2014, 02:03 PM	#6
Lolli_lah YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gainesville, GA, USA Posts: 406 Blog Entries: 2	I just wish it all wasn't so darn expensive. The ortho's website has all their stuff laid out real nice, says they are board certified, etc. But they also state the consult is $90-$120 which for someone like me is a small fortune. I'm lucky to have that much for groceries a month. I don't knowww what to do about that aspect. In essence the consult is doable, but actual surgery is out of the question. They clearly state on their website they don't do payments and they only accept credit cards (which we have none) and CareCredit. __________________ Lollipop my Pretty Little Princess

02-01-2014, 07:18 PM	#7
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	Limping means she is in pain but your best bet would be to get a consult with an orthopedic surgeon. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

02-02-2014, 10:55 AM	#8
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Joint deformities tend to worsen with age. As the connective tissue wears away the dog starts to get that bone on bone rubbing and it is more notably painful. The supplements are helpful and can help slow down connective tissue degeneration. Feeding a fresh healthy diet is very important as well. Omega 3 supplementation has also been shown to help with joint deterioration. There are anti inflammatory meds that dogs can take but that would be the very last ditch effort to make her comfortable and should only be given on a full stomach.