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Originally Posted by Sugar's Mom  What age would think would be good to have it done since most vets are under the impression that ALL puppies have loose knees to a degree. This is something I would be interested in doing on all puppies. |
Dee, personally I would have them OFA'ed before breeding of course. I've had one puppy as young as 3 months to 6 months have tight knees and then after a year to almost 2 end up with a grade 2 LP. As in my Harvey. I'm sure his is genetic but it didn't show up until after he was over 16 months old. But his mother has LP but developed them after a year old so since mom and son have LP I'm going to say genetic. Harvey and Brookie had tight knees at 6 to 12 months old. LP is very hard but when a puppy under the age of 1 has LP upon examination I wouldn't breed them of course. After a year it can be caused from injury and that is why LP is so hard again as some have posted. In my contract I will cover LP up to one year if it's a grade 4 by one year of age. Both my Harvey and Brookie have up to grade 3's but I have maintained weight and control of jumping and haven't had a problem with them in over year since maintaining weight control. I will not have surgery on either yorkie unless they show any signs of pain and intolerance to the LP. It's a very painful surgery and if I can avoid it I will unless ABSOLUTELY necessary
Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers