[amandawash]

Hi there! I am soooo sorry for this diagnosis. Unfortunately, LP occurs in a GREAT deal of yorkies. It can either be genetic or caused by injury, so many breeders do not include LP in their health guarantee. It was pretty big of her to offer to pay half the surgery, but I guess it worked out for you that you got your little girl as well.

Originally Posted by Sushismom21

Hi All,
I am the happy owner of 2 adorable yorkies, Sushi and Sasha. Sushi is 9 months old and Sasha is 4 months. Sushi has luxating patellas level 3. When we found out, we called our breeder and she said she would pay for half of the surgery. We thought that was fair and very nice so we agreed. She called back months later and said that she could make a deal with us. she would give us a new puppy and wash her hands about the surgery. we wanted a new one so bad, so we agreed. so now, we have Sasha, who is healthy and has perfect patellas.
Here are my questions:
1. Sasha is not in heat, but can she still get pregnant? No, not at this time. However, she can go into heat anytime after 6 months, although around one year is most common. Sushi is not spayed yet. we are having him spayed at the time of the patella surgery. we watch them like crazy but i don't know if that's really necessary...
2. I am horrified to have Sushi go in for surgery. he is a piece of my heart and i afraid of loosing him... I understand your fear, but remember, there are many, many, many yorkies who are spayed and neutered daily. While there are always risks associated with surgery, you can be proactive by getting a COMPLETE blood panel and bile acid test done very close, if not the day of, surgery
3.what is the breeder's responsibility when they sell you a puppy with LP? she did not have him checked by a vet... The breeder has no responsibility if there is no contract. I don't know for sure, but it doesn't sound like you had a health guarantee, so for her to offer to pay half of the surgery is pretty good. Of course a good breeder will get the puppies health checked, but a vast percentage are not GOOD breeders. When shopping for a breeder these are the questions you must ask. I don't know that I would have gotten another puppy from this breeder, but you said she is good so far so that's great. Remember though, even fantastic breeders will have health problems pop up. It's pretty much inevitable from time to time, but it's how they handle it that makes them a responsible person. Also, please remember that LP CAN and many times IS caused by injury, and many times not even injury but by jumping on/off couches, beds, etc.
4. Is the surgery horribly dangerous??? is it worth it??? he doesn't seem to be in pain... All surgery has it's risks, but if you go to someone EXPERIENCED in LP surgery, it shouldn't be a problem. There are lots on here who have done it. I most likely would not do the surgery until the pup was clearly hindered and/or in pain from the LP. From my understanding, most people wait until the dog is effected. You can start him on glucosamine supplements to help with the joints, and can use NSAIDS if necessary. However, if it got to the point where NSAIDS were required for comfort, I would most definately do the surgery. I guess you would need to speak with your vet though, and determine if waiting for further damage would make for a more difficult/less successful surgery.

Thank you very kindly for looking at my post and for any helpful answers. I am so panicky right now...I just love my babies so so much!

Thanks again,
Sushi and Sasha's mommy

Good Luck!!