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Originally Posted by GAOMariposa  Hello everyone. I took my babies to a new vet today and I was told Olivia, who's 1 year old has grade 3 luxating patell on the right and grade 2 in the left. He recommended I speak to an orthopedic vet about possibly getting them repaired. I'm really freaking out right now since this was something I never thought I'd have to deal with, especially in a one year old. Would surgery at this early age be the best option? I would love to hear any advice from people who have gone through this, please. I'm on the verge of tears. ;( |
First there is nothing wrong with seeing an ortho. Listen well - and then make the surgery call or not as the case might be. Usually non symptomatic Yorkies recommendation is to hold off on surgery.
Then your breeder should know this diagnosis and you ask how she is willing to help.
Surgery or not your call - but I highly recommend you do a few things starting right now. No playing fetch on wet or damp grass. No jumping off furniture. Swimming and underwater treadmill are wonderfull to keep those leg muscles strong.
Let me talk a little more about water work. If you have access to beaches and or lakes - it is wonderfull summertime enjoyment to start off walking your pup in the lake Shallow water and if you have a pebbly bottom all the better to strengthen up those ankles and also all the little intrinsic muscles of the foot.
You can use fetch and retrieve in the water to help build up cardio and it is very low impact.
To strengthen the postural leg muscles - ramp work place your dog uphill on the ramp then gently push on his upper thigh so that he has to stabilize the other side - and then reverse which thigh you press on. Only enough pressure to take the weight off the one leg and onto the other. You can use a plank a set of stairs and a yoga mat for non slip.
Use a deflated somewhat - physio ball to make your dog balance on it. Have your hands to either side of the dog - to help out with stabilization if necessary.
Stack your dog in a stand position - try to work up to a 3minute still hold or stay. Believe it or not standing properly really builds up all the postural muscles. The hind toes are underneath his rear end and the front feet drop straight down just a little in advance of the shoulder. So that when you look from the side the front legs stand straight up and down with the toes pointing straight ahead.
These are a few of the things you can do. Also talk with your vet about supplements Dasuquin has a very good reputation.