Hi there.
Luxating Patella is very common in Yorkies, b/c this is a genetic defect and they are just being breed and breed, so this issue will never go away.
Please know that there are ONLY 4 Grades of LP - Grade 4 being the worst grade.
Please go see an Ortho Specialist for a 2nd opinion.
IMO Grade 3 and Grade 4 most definitely require surgery.
Please know that damage is being done daily from the patella (knee cap) luxating (sliding back and forth) - the cartilage in that area is being worn down and once it is gone, that can not be replaced, also, once that is worn down, you will start to have bone rubbing on bone - and YES that is VERY painful.
You don't want it to get to that point, and unfortunately, it is inevitable. LP doesn't get better on it's own, it continues to get worse and Grade 4 is the worst.
I have 2 Yorkies with LP in both rear legs - Roxy had surgery to stabilize the luxation and boy oh boy - what a BRAND NEW GIRL she is.
Do a search here on YT for: Luxating Patella
You'll find soooooooo much information
Best Wishes!
Last edited by TLC; 10-11-2007 at 07:41 AM.
|