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Originally Posted by Erin  What grade is it? Loki's is a 2 and he will most likely never need surgery. Once in a while he limps, but either he or I can get the knee back in place (have the vet show you how.) Sam's are both 3's and she will probably need surgery in a year or two just based on how she walks. She doesn't bend her knees - she kind of pedals. She also sits with her legs straight out, rarely with her legs bent like most dogs. They say it's not painful but you never know. I give them both glucosamine supplements every day. You'll know if it becomes bad enough for them to need surgery. It tends to be a gradual thing. Also, it's true that you should *try* to keep them from jumping, but since mine can jump on the couch they also like to jump off. We have stairs for the bed but they only use them 1/2 the time to get down. Don't be too paranoid. We are just slowly saving a little extra money because we know it's inevitable Sam will need surgery. I've heard everything from $500-$1500 per knee. |
it is painful for them. not usually at a grade 1 or 2 but grade 3 and 4 are painful for them. you can tell when you manipulate the joint. Some will not show signs of pain because they have a higher tolerance, but some will because they have a lower tolerance. if my dog had a 3 or 4 i would get the surgery done. its only going to get worse and more painful. Also if its done earlier the muscles around the joint haven't atrophied as much yet and the recovery will be easier. Some people wait too long and since the dog has been favoring the leg it loses muscle mass.