[gemy]

There are many threads on here about loose kneecaps, technically known as LP or Luxating Patella. An orthopaedic surgeon is best qualified to diagnose the grade 1 on up to 5, and then based on your pups clinical symptoms, recommend if now is the time for surgery, and specifically what type of surgery he is recommending.

Your vet should be able to recommend a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and can refer you to that particular person. They also like to do their own Xrays, and of course their own physical examination to assess throughly your pup.

Each dog is unique in the way the can manifest their symptoms, some live quite happily for years and may never have to have surgery, some need surgery quite early in their lives.

For now and until specifically told otherwise by the expert, do not allow your boy to jump up or down off couches or chairs , or beds. This action can and often times exacerbates the symptoms. You can apply a little cool pack to the affected knee, and also if you are getting some really hot weather as we have here, fill a kiddy pool with cool/cold water and play with your pup in the water. This has a dual benefit, the cool hydrotherapy can reduce both swelling and inflammation and therefor pain, and the pup gets to play and exercise as safely as possible. It also serves the purpose to keep the muscles surrounding the knee joint strong. If you don't have a kiddy pool, a bathtub with a non slip mat on the bottom, will serve the purpose.

If you do a search on here for LP or LP surgery, you will find lots of threads, as this is a very common problem not only with the Yorkies but almost all of the toy breed dogs.

I do sincerely hope that you pup can go some more years without surgery, but only the orthopaedic surgeon can advise you of this.

Good luck keep us updated.