Luxating patellas is an extremely common issue in toy breed dogs. Most of the time, if the grade is high enough, you can tell by watching your dog run and play. If she hold up one or both back legs sporadically, LP is a definite possibility. Xrays are the only definitive diagnosis. Your vet can palpate her knees, which can certainly diagnose more severe levels of LP. However, keep in mind that normal palpations are a possibility and really xrays are the way to go if your suspecting LP. Ranger had LP in both legs, but the left leg was the only one with an abnormal palpation.
I have no idea how much the cost of an exam out of country would be and you really need to call and ask your vet. |