To follow up a little more, Bella was diagnosed with stage 4 luxating patella in one leg--that's the most severe rating, and means that the knee cap is out of place more often than it is in place. If it is stage 4, there is a greater chance of muscle atrophy from the dog not using the affected leg, and arthritis can develop within months. Both muscle atrophy and arthritis can reduce the success rate of the surgery, so if the luxating patella is severe, it's best to have surgery sooner rather than later. Bella was caught early, and does not have those problems yet. Bella will be having surgery in two weeks. |