[momofreese]

I have to thank both of you for your responses.

I would like to know more about legg perthes from you. I have researched it quite a bit and have spoken with at least four or five vets and two specialists. Her xrays were sent to a specialist at Cornell who said that he wasn't convinced that she had legg perthes. He and the vet (a friend of my daughter's dad) said to leave her alone if she was not showing signs of being in pain, or limping for that matter.

When we had taken her to a specialist on Long Island, more of a factory, they had of course said that they immediately wanted to perform the surgery.. and not only on her hips but her knees. I might seem lax but I can assure you I had followed up on numerous occasions.

I have been with my latest vet for over 2 years. She has xrayed her and also told us to wait since they didn't look too bad, and also was not positive that this was legg perthes. She felt that it was foolish to go in and operate if she never shows any signs of it bothering her.

Now, being so "lazy" can definitely be a sign of this condition, although none of the vets, whom I saw for first, second and third opinions found that to be the case. Most felt that she was "spoiled" by us and that it is the nature of her personality. I honestly do not believe that she is in any pain. She never wimpers or cries, she is certainly capable of climbing steps, although she does wait for us to place her on the first step. She does run, and quite a bit to play ball or just run around my property.

She does not act like the "normal" and quite often very hyper yorkie. She is by no means a jumper, will not attempt to jump on or off furniture (unless she hears someone eating in the next room). I do fear waking up one day and gd forbid seeing that she is limping or cannot walk at all. Now that it has come up again, I will probably call in the morning to ask my vet if she should get xrays, again.

I will take your advice about the carrying from room to room. We have shown her some tough love, by letting her bark or cry from another room. I will often scream out to her to come here.. and she will, unhappily. I know I seem nuts, as if I am able to analyze her every move, but I think most would agree, they certainly do have strong personalities, easily seen.

I once again appreciate all of the help and will certainly take all advice into strong consideration. I am definitely starting her on the canned string beans and gave her a baby carrot with her dinner tonight. I must admit we took her to drop off one of my daughters at a friends home, and she did throw up on the way there. She has an extremely sensitive stomach but continues to gulp down her food. I have tried various techniques with that also, spreading the kibble around my kitchen ( the things we will do for our babies) to try to slow her down. I should videotape her, since she looks like the canine vacuum cleaner. She will still manage to race around gulping every piece she finds.

Thanks again for all of your help and thank you for the compliments. We certainly agree that she is a beauty.. both in looks and personality. All of the yorkies on the site, whom I have been lucky enough to already meet, are beautiful. I hope you all have a great night and look forward to chatting again.

Randy and Reese