What grade luxation does he have?
It's not the actual patellar luxation that causes pain, but the arthritis that sets in. That's why grades 3 & 4 should be surgically corrected early on, before the arthritic changes take place. Luxating patellas put abnormal stress on other joints which can cause changes and arthritis, too. Bowed front legs are pretty common.
A friend has a Maltese who was diagnosed with LP's at age three and her vet told her he would just keep an eye on them. At age five the poor dog has front legs that are so bowed and arthritic he is in constant pain and she has been told it is too late to do surgery now. Poor thing has to be on pain medication for the rest of his life and he is only five.
At almost four, it is possible Wookie has arthritis if his LP's are significant. I would definitely talk to your vet about it. |