[hnybun128]

This is a follow up to the Luxating Patella thread I started here in the Sick/Injured page. I started this new thread in the Health section because it really is a health issue as it is a congenital disorder and he is not sick or injured.

We had our first visit with the orthopedic specialist, Dr. Peacock, yesterday. First of all, I just loved this ortho surgeon . He has a wonderful bedside manner. He agreed with the grading done my vet (back knees are 3/4 and 2/4). He said we could take a wait and see approach or we could do surgery. He did make it very clear that this wasn't urgent. I liked the fact that he wasn't trying to push the surgery. The doctor did mention that if Mojo went lame, we'd of course have to do the operation. I don't see Mojo doing a lot of limping, but I do see him trying to kind of work out his legs once in a while, so I know it has to bother him somewhat. Honestly, after speaking with the surgeon, I think the best decision is to go with the surgery. I mentioned that we'd need to get through Christmas first (I'm beginning a new job on Monday and won't be able to take a lot of time off right away) and the surgeon suggested waiting until after all the snow melts so there wouldn't be a concern of Mojo slipping on ice and snow.

Again, this doctor wasn't trying to push the surgery, but after hearing all of the information he presented, I feel like the best decision is to go ahead with it. As long as Mojo doesn't have any big problems over the winter, I think we'll wait until the spring. I believe he said Mojo will need to be on restricted activity for about 2 and a half months after the surgery, so I'd like to schedule at least a week off of work. I may even wait until my son is done with school for the year so someone will be home with him. Thankfully Mojo already stays in his x pen when we're not home, but I can't imagine how challenging it will be to keep him from running and jumping for two months! It's horrible to think about such a young dog needing surgery (he'll be one on the 28th), but I want to do what's best for Mojo. The estimate the specialist gave me was $3,600 to $4,500 to do both legs at the same time. I think it was about $2,600 to do one knee by itself.

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