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CobaltsMommy · 06-27-2013, 07:20 AM

Hey Everyone,

I have been lurking around the forums, and have read other peoples accounts on LP with their pup, however there is one thing I wanted to ask, if anyone has an opinion on this.

Cobalt was diagnosed with stage 2 Luxating Patella in his hind left leg, and the specialist I saw suggested surgery.

As of right now he has been on Cosequin for a few months but with no visible change, and we just started an anti-inflamatory to try to medically manage it until surgery becomes a possibility financially. I asked the specialist that I saw if medically managing long term, is it just prolonging the inevitable, or if they think that he can manage without surgery, but would not give me an answer. The general feeling I got from them was that it is better to do surgery now while he is young (he will be 2 next week) rather than waiting for it to get worse.

Back story on Cobalt, he is super happy/hyper. Jumps on everything he can find, so keeping him from jumping too much isn't really realistic (I have been trying :/) Cobalt spends more time standing on his hind legs and hopping around than he does on all fours. He limps/hops regularly, and won't put real weight on his left hind leg anymore when tested by the vet, but does not seem to be in pain from it during the day to day. (IE: he still launches himself off the couch regardless of limping)

My question for you guys is, does LP generally progress with time? or will he likely stay at stage 2? As much as I value my vet's opinion, it worries me that they kept dodging my question about this. I understand that they make money off surgery, and I do not want to put my pup at unnecessary risk.

06-27-2013, 07:20 AM	#1
CobaltsMommy YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 4	Luxating Patella... Can it get worse? Hey Everyone, I have been lurking around the forums, and have read other peoples accounts on LP with their pup, however there is one thing I wanted to ask, if anyone has an opinion on this. Cobalt was diagnosed with stage 2 Luxating Patella in his hind left leg, and the specialist I saw suggested surgery. As of right now he has been on Cosequin for a few months but with no visible change, and we just started an anti-inflamatory to try to medically manage it until surgery becomes a possibility financially. I asked the specialist that I saw if medically managing long term, is it just prolonging the inevitable, or if they think that he can manage without surgery, but would not give me an answer. The general feeling I got from them was that it is better to do surgery now while he is young (he will be 2 next week) rather than waiting for it to get worse. Back story on Cobalt, he is super happy/hyper. Jumps on everything he can find, so keeping him from jumping too much isn't really realistic (I have been trying :/) Cobalt spends more time standing on his hind legs and hopping around than he does on all fours. He limps/hops regularly, and won't put real weight on his left hind leg anymore when tested by the vet, but does not seem to be in pain from it during the day to day. (IE: he still launches himself off the couch regardless of limping) My question for you guys is, does LP generally progress with time? or will he likely stay at stage 2? As much as I value my vet's opinion, it worries me that they kept dodging my question about this. I understand that they make money off surgery, and I do not want to put my pup at unnecessary risk.