We're Back, Got some bad news of Cookie & Mimi
 

I havent been on the forums for a while . I checked in here this past week and had to get off quick :( I havent been able to stop by as often since we've been in the middle of refinancing the house and it was a real headache!!

Well I changed Cookie and Mimi to a new vet. Their vet was just so expensive,not very caring and their staff was pretty much the same! I also found a huge error they made.I was taking Mimi in to get her Rabies Booster shot because I received a reminder that she was due for her rabies booster 06/05 . Well when I took her today to her new vet they asked to see that reminder paper from my old vet. I totally forgot that the booster shot is to be given once a year. Mimi just had her rabies shot 3 months ago! The new vet couldnt believe how they sent me this reminder! They made a copy of it and saved it. The new vet told me that both of Cookie's back knees are out of the joint pocket :( She also checked Mimi and both of hers are also out the joint pocket :( She told me that there is nothing they can do . She told me to be extremely careful and NEVER allow them to jump on or off anything because they will end up being in casts.She told me it could get very serious if it happens multiple times:(

I can't believe that my other vet never ever mentioned that Cookie's or Mimi's knees were out! So now we are looking into buying some steps so hubby can make at least two more to put one by my bed and in the Family Room.My bed is 32" high which is too high for Cookie to jump off of and he still has jumped a few times .

Genie, Cookie & Mimi

oh gosh im so sorry ... could it be that they developed this over time from jumping ?

i can totally understand about bad vets... still searching for one the last one was just horrible ...

good luck with ur babies .. :)
*hugs*

I was worried it was because they had jumped too many times. The vet told me this was commonly seen in Toybreeds and most of the time it's a birth deffect.
I love them so much. I dread them jumping now. We are about to put tile floor on most of the house so if they do fall the fall will be harder on them. SO I am deffinately going to get them steps for the sofa and my bed...



Genie

i take my baby to puppy preschool and our next lesson is jumping prevention...
once i get the lesson ill post it up for you ...
Chicle is being trained using hte clicker method but im sure u can do this with verbal commands...
just reward the positive
never acknowledge the negative, ignore it walk away for a bit then start again until they get the idea and once they do praise and give a treat :)
ill keep u posted ...

I'm so sorry to hear about little Cookie and Mimi.

I am sorry to hear about Cookie!

Im So Sorry To Hear That About Cookie & Mimi :(

Unfortunately, luxating patellas is a common occurence in toy breeds and LARGE breeds have bad hips. Well, so do toys but not as often. You are right to make steps for your babies. I try to keep my pack from jumping because even though it is genetic, jumping and obesity can really make it worse..

There are 5 levels of LP. Level 1 is the least severe and they are born with it. It usually is in both hind legs. However, LP is very common in the small breeds. Chi's, Boston Terriers, Yorkies, and Toy Poodles are very prone to it. Not all vets check for it.

Are you sure that they cannot have surgery? My Maltese has LP and he had the surgery and is now doing WONDERFULLY!!! It's like he has a whole new level of quality added to his life. He's a totally different (more happy) little boy now. I'm so sorry for your little girls. :(

I'm sure they could have surgery. Your vet probably meant that they didn't need it. If they got LP from an injury, then that would be a much bigger problem and surgery would be needed. Actually, being told they have LP will make you more aware of what you shouldn't let them do....however, it is all of the things none of us should let our Yorkies do, LP or not. Telling them not to jump is like telling a toad not to hop. It just comes so naturally to them. They do sell harnesses that are "non-jumping". I wonder if you could put those on both of them while you are in the house to train them not to jump.

Surgery for this condition is extremely successful. My old gal had both knees done and has been running, leaping, dancing, jumping for years now. Perhaps you should clarify with your vet what he/she meant when they said nothing could be done.

Ohmigod Genie this is awful! What vet are you using?As you know I am in Port St Lucie also, i currently use Dr Kelly in St Lucie West.

Sorry to hear this and Vets!!! These days I don't know what to think they charge up the whoo ha and you never know what is going on. I shoped around for many vets until i finally setteled for my current one hopefully I don't ever have to change again.

No Jumping
 

When I first got Kodi he was too small to get on and off the couch. I also have a very high bed. I read that Yorkies can have bad knees and since I have hardwood floors I was worried about him jumping. I bought some "pet steps" for him. They are made out of solid foam and covered with fabric, are very light weight but sturdy enough for even a bigger dog. Kodi is now big enough to jump on and off the couch but I always encourage him to use the steps. They work great and it's funny to see him climbing the steps.

I am so sorry to hear about your babies, you must be a wreck. Dennis is only 4 1/2 months and it is a constant fear of mine even though the vet said he was fine. It is not so much his jumping, it is that he is clumsy and seems to be unsteady.

I never allowed any of my babies to jump off anything, especially the first 2 years. However after a couple of months they learned to call me when they wanted to go up or down. So Dennis will learn that I just don't allow it.

Sue

I am so sorry to hear about your babies. I hope they feel better soon. Some vets should not be in business!

So sorry to hear about your babies. One of mine had the same thing, but she was overweight, and the vet said to get her weight off and she should be fine. Well, I was very doubtful, but since I wanted to help her any way I could, I put her on a diet, and, sure enough, her knee is fine now, and she has lost the extra weight. The other thing is, we got a good picture of a ramp for dogs, and went out and got the materials, and my hubby made one. I like the ramp better, because they don't have to jump at all. I found the dimensions and materials needed, online. If you are interested, I will find it and give it to you. Let me know. :thumbup:

i'm so sorry to hear that!

Yorkies should NOT jump up onto or off anything higher than their shoulder. I know this may sound ridiculous for those of us who have althletic dogs who seem to think they can fly and will jump off things ten times their height.

I learned this lesson the hard way with a miniature poodle I had who jumped onto my bed and off again all the time. When she got older she developed severe arthritis and it was heartbreaking to see her in pain.

It is especially important for yorkies to make steps or ramps for all the furniture and anything else you allow them to get onto. I have bought the foam steps for the kids rooms and I have fashioned steps from ottomons and decorator suitcases in my bedroom. I also use pillows and ottomans in the family room for the couches in there. It doesn't have to be expensive or unattractive.

It will save broken bones, arthritis and luxating patellas.

Hope this helps

http://www.ahtluvr.com/ahtpatellarluxation.html

There is something you can do!
 

Hope this helps

http://www.ahtluvr.com/ahtpatellarluxation.html

Adm. said I could only post every 15 seconds so that is why I didn't think the first
went through. That is a good idea but I'm so slow they must have had me mixed
up with some speed ball. Ha

I was taking them to Kellys Animal Hospital too! I'm asking for their records and taking them to this new vet in Fort Pierce. It's 10 miles from me instead of 2.5 miles to Kellys Hospital :( . The price wasnt my main concern,the mistakes were my concern. Our new vet is Dr. Cathy Scott in Okeechobee Rd.

Genie

:eek: Is it the one right off of 25th street? I used to take my animals there but the vet sold the practice. Now you have me worried I should get Pita checked by someone else! It'll have to wait I just spent 265.00 on a horse vet last nite cuz one of my horses went down, but he's ok now... :rolleyes: