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ScarlettMW · 12-14-2010, 01:59 PM

First of all, thanks to everyone who responded. It really helped to hear about others' experiences with their dogs, and what their decisions were!

I met with the board-certified surgeon at Blake's regular vet's office, and he said that he feels surgery should always be the last option. Since this is the first time it's ever happened to Blake, and since she appears to be responding well to the pain medication (straightening her leg, putting weight on it, etc.) he'd like to just keep her rested for a few weeks. He said that even if this were to happen once a year, it wouldn't necessarily indicate surgery--he feels that should only happen in cases where the kneecap just won't stay in place.

Feeling much better, we then brought her to another surgeon (recommended by my brother's girlfriend) just to get another opinion. The second surgeon said basically the same thing.

So I guess I've learned two things from this: (1) don't assume that surgery is immediately necessary when a vet at an emergency care facility recommends it; and (2) don't let the dog jump on and off furniture!

Thanks again, everyone! For those of you who did have the surgery, please post updates on how your little ones are doing!

12-14-2010, 01:59 PM	#15
ScarlettMW Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: New York City Posts: 28	Update First of all, thanks to everyone who responded. It really helped to hear about others' experiences with their dogs, and what their decisions were! I met with the board-certified surgeon at Blake's regular vet's office, and he said that he feels surgery should always be the last option. Since this is the first time it's ever happened to Blake, and since she appears to be responding well to the pain medication (straightening her leg, putting weight on it, etc.) he'd like to just keep her rested for a few weeks. He said that even if this were to happen once a year, it wouldn't necessarily indicate surgery--he feels that should only happen in cases where the kneecap just won't stay in place. Feeling much better, we then brought her to another surgeon (recommended by my brother's girlfriend) just to get another opinion. The second surgeon said basically the same thing. So I guess I've learned two things from this: (1) don't assume that surgery is immediately necessary when a vet at an emergency care facility recommends it; and (2) don't let the dog jump on and off furniture! Thanks again, everyone! For those of you who did have the surgery, please post updates on how your little ones are doing!