Luxating Patella Grade 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lucaluca · 08-13-2011, 08:48 AM

Hi everyone! This is my first time using this forum.
I have always known my baby, Princeton, has had a "trick knee" since a puppy. In the past year, there have been times where he will stop what he's doing and will have a hunchback appearance and his back leg will slightly go up. I've noticed his back leg will become extremely tense and tight. He is fine after 5-10 minutes and when I would take him to the vet, they thought it was more GI/pancreas issues and would treat him accordingly. This week it happened again, yet he started shaking. I immediately took him to the vet and they said he has a grade 3 LP on his left back leg. His blood work came back fine, which eliminated any GI/pancreas issues. Has anyone had this problem with luxating patellas? I have heard dogs will yelp, but Princeton doesn't. He will do a hunchback, left the leg and start to shake, I've taken a video of it, and when I showed the vet, she said is was because of his knee. Any thoughts from anyone? Would love to hear!

FidoTheYorkie · 08-13-2011, 10:19 AM

I think dogs just to different things to try to ease the pain.

Fido yelps and runs in his cage or in my hands screaming (he does a sound like I've stepped on a mouse, screams like a little girl!) with his tail under his stomach and doesnt want to step into the leg that hurts.

I can't walk I'm when its too cold outside and I always have to dress him well up for going outside in the cold, if not he'll don't step into his leg for maybe a day or so, or more.
He has 2-3 grade's on 1 foot the other foot doesn't have any LP.

BabyGirl Rosie · 08-13-2011, 10:38 AM

I just found out Mikki has this. She is a grade 4. However, you would not know it. She never shows any signs of it at all. We just noticed her back legs looked funny. The vet confirmed luxating patella.

Lovetodream88 · 08-13-2011, 06:10 PM

Callie has grade 3 on one and grade 2 on the other and they pop out the opposite way they are supposed to. You can see hers pop in and out often but she never cries, limps or anything. If he is shaking it is more then likely due to pain and he needs something for the pain. Also keep him from jumping as much as possible.

lucaluca · 08-13-2011, 08:36 PM

He is on pain and anti-inflammatory meds. He doesn't jump at all (I babied him too much). But he loves chasing squirrels and birds.

DvlshAngel985 · 08-13-2011, 09:06 PM

Unfortunately, LP is one of those nasty things that plague this beautiful breed of ours. Usually, a lot of pups have it and you would never know it. Mine has it, grade 3/4 in both rear knees. If you saw him, you'd never know. Except for the fact that he can't sit like a normal dog. His knees just don't work properly and he can't tuck his legs in. He's never yelped, favored a leg, or anything like that. I also don't let him jump on high furniture or allow his weight to go up. Weight gain is a way to aggravate his LP.

Anyway, your baby has shown signs of pain. He may not be limping and favoring a leg, but he is showing definite signs of pain. Being hunched over, and tense are not good signs. You need to speak to an orthopedic vet. They might give you more information.

lucaluca · 08-13-2011, 09:13 PM

We have an appointment this week with an orthopedic surgeon. I'm also taking him to our vet in Dallas (we are from there) the following week. From what I'm reading the post surgery is painful. Princeton is active and not sure how I will take seeing him in pain and having to crate him (he's never been crated). I'm already turning into a nervous mom!

Mom to Hot Rod · 08-14-2011, 10:31 PM

Good luck with your appt. My boy had lp surgery as his leg was giving him a hard time. He started not wanting to walk which he loved to do. He had grade 3/4.

My girl has low grade 2 in both her knees and you would never know it. I was shocked when the vet told us. She runs, jumps and walks on her hinds alot.

Glad that you are seeking an orthopedic surgeon. Just make sure that he's board certified and versed in dealing with smaller dogs.

Please let us know how he does.

lucaluca · 08-19-2011, 02:36 PM

Thanks everyone for your posts!
We went to a fantastic surgeon in Irvine, and he examined Princeton thoroughly. Turns out his LP on both legs are a grade 2! YAY! He doesn't see a need for surgery. We are still trying to figure out what the cause of his "episodes" are. He said it could be back or stomach related issues.
I will keep you posted! Thanks again everyone!

Yorkiedaze · 08-19-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucaluca

Hi everyone! This is my first time using this forum.
I have always known my baby, Princeton, has had a "trick knee" since a puppy. In the past year, there have been times where he will stop what he's doing and will have a hunchback appearance and his back leg will slightly go up. I've noticed his back leg will become extremely tense and tight. He is fine after 5-10 minutes and when I would take him to the vet, they thought it was more GI/pancreas issues and would treat him accordingly. This week it happened again, yet he started shaking. I immediately took him to the vet and they said he has a grade 3 LP on his left back leg. His blood work came back fine, which eliminated any GI/pancreas issues. Has anyone had this problem with luxating patellas? I have heard dogs will yelp, but Princeton doesn't. He will do a hunchback, left the leg and start to shake, I've taken a video of it, and when I showed the vet, she said is was because of his knee. Any thoughts from anyone? Would love to hear!

My Zada had grade 3 in both knees so we took her to "the" best orthopedic surgeon in CA. Here is his information if you decide to take him. What ever you do, don't let a regular Vet. do this surgery. I did and ended up having to take her to Dr. Bruecker. Kenneth Bruecker | Veterinary Medical And Surgical Group (VMSG)

Roxiesmama · 08-20-2011, 02:47 AM

Roxie has grade 2 in both her back knees. Sometimes she seems a little stiff when she walks, but for the most part she doesn't seem bothered by it. I give her glucosamine supplements every day to try and help things.

She is a funny little dog and likes to jump around on her hind legs a lot. The vet yesterday called her a "circus dog".

mama2yorkies · 08-20-2011, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucaluca

Thanks everyone for your posts!
We went to a fantastic surgeon in Irvine, and he examined Princeton thoroughly. Turns out his LP on both legs are a grade 2! YAY! He doesn't see a need for surgery. We are still trying to figure out what the cause of his "episodes" are. He said it could be back or stomach related issues.
I will keep you posted! Thanks again everyone!

Glad to hear that surgery is not needed for your pup. Both of our two had to have LP surgery and are doing great now. I hope you are able to fine a cause for the pain and your pup is feeling better soon.

107barney · 08-20-2011, 09:25 AM

My 11-year old Daisy was diagnosed at 8 weeks old with two Grade 4 luxating patellas. At age 2 she had to have surgery on one of the knees. The other has remained just fine all these years. The few times it has "gone out" we put her on very very very strict crate rest and use medications to help with pain (she cannot take anti-inflammatory meds which are usually prescribed). The knee that had surgery 9 years ago is still in excellent shape with no arthritis. The knee without surgery is also non-arthritic and she hasn't needed surgery. I do not use Cosequin or any other supplements, but have been thinking of starting her on Cosequin now that she is older. This is a very manageable condition where surgery should be a last resort, done only by a board certified veterinary surgeon with a specialization in orthopedics.

anniernc · 08-20-2011, 12:31 PM

My little McKenzie has a grade 2/3 in her back knees. It was found after she stumbled outside and started holding up the one leg. After pain and antiiflammory meds she was back to normal in a couple of weeks. My vet just wants to watch that knee closely. He says if the knees remains straight and she is not showing any symptoms that he would just leave it alone because sometimes the surgery is not successful.

08-13-2011, 08:48 AM	#1
lucaluca Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	Luxating Patella Grade 3 Hi everyone! This is my first time using this forum. I have always known my baby, Princeton, has had a "trick knee" since a puppy. In the past year, there have been times where he will stop what he's doing and will have a hunchback appearance and his back leg will slightly go up. I've noticed his back leg will become extremely tense and tight. He is fine after 5-10 minutes and when I would take him to the vet, they thought it was more GI/pancreas issues and would treat him accordingly. This week it happened again, yet he started shaking. I immediately took him to the vet and they said he has a grade 3 LP on his left back leg. His blood work came back fine, which eliminated any GI/pancreas issues. Has anyone had this problem with luxating patellas? I have heard dogs will yelp, but Princeton doesn't. He will do a hunchback, left the leg and start to shake, I've taken a video of it, and when I showed the vet, she said is was because of his knee. Any thoughts from anyone? Would love to hear!

08-13-2011, 10:19 AM	#2
FidoTheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hafnafjörður, Iceland , North Europe Posts: 728	I think dogs just to different things to try to ease the pain. Fido yelps and runs in his cage or in my hands screaming (he does a sound like I've stepped on a mouse, screams like a little girl!) with his tail under his stomach and doesnt want to step into the leg that hurts. I can't walk I'm when its too cold outside and I always have to dress him well up for going outside in the cold, if not he'll don't step into his leg for maybe a day or so, or more. He has 2-3 grade's on 1 foot the other foot doesn't have any LP. __________________ Sun [Owner] ,Fido [Yorkie] ,Mímir [Chinese Crested] ,Kría [Icelandic cat] ,Skuggi [Forrest cat]

08-13-2011, 10:38 AM	#3
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	I just found out Mikki has this. She is a grade 4. However, you would not know it. She never shows any signs of it at all. We just noticed her back legs looked funny. The vet confirmed luxating patella. __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

08-13-2011, 06:10 PM	#4
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	Callie has grade 3 on one and grade 2 on the other and they pop out the opposite way they are supposed to. You can see hers pop in and out often but she never cries, limps or anything. If he is shaking it is more then likely due to pain and he needs something for the pain. Also keep him from jumping as much as possible. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

08-13-2011, 09:06 PM	#6
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	Unfortunately, LP is one of those nasty things that plague this beautiful breed of ours. Usually, a lot of pups have it and you would never know it. Mine has it, grade 3/4 in both rear knees. If you saw him, you'd never know. Except for the fact that he can't sit like a normal dog. His knees just don't work properly and he can't tuck his legs in. He's never yelped, favored a leg, or anything like that. I also don't let him jump on high furniture or allow his weight to go up. Weight gain is a way to aggravate his LP. Anyway, your baby has shown signs of pain. He may not be limping and favoring a leg, but he is showing definite signs of pain. Being hunched over, and tense are not good signs. You need to speak to an orthopedic vet. They might give you more information. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

08-13-2011, 08:36 PM	#5
lucaluca Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	He is on pain and anti-inflammatory meds. He doesn't jump at all (I babied him too much). But he loves chasing squirrels and birds.

08-13-2011, 09:13 PM	#7
lucaluca Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	We have an appointment this week with an orthopedic surgeon. I'm also taking him to our vet in Dallas (we are from there) the following week. From what I'm reading the post surgery is painful. Princeton is active and not sure how I will take seeing him in pain and having to crate him (he's never been crated). I'm already turning into a nervous mom!

08-14-2011, 10:31 PM	#8
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Good luck with your appt. My boy had lp surgery as his leg was giving him a hard time. He started not wanting to walk which he loved to do. He had grade 3/4. My girl has low grade 2 in both her knees and you would never know it. I was shocked when the vet told us. She runs, jumps and walks on her hinds alot. Glad that you are seeking an orthopedic surgeon. Just make sure that he's board certified and versed in dealing with smaller dogs. Please let us know how he does. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

08-19-2011, 02:36 PM	#9
lucaluca Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 11	Thanks everyone for your posts! We went to a fantastic surgeon in Irvine, and he examined Princeton thoroughly. Turns out his LP on both legs are a grade 2! YAY! He doesn't see a need for surgery. We are still trying to figure out what the cause of his "episodes" are. He said it could be back or stomach related issues. I will keep you posted! Thanks again everyone!

08-20-2011, 02:47 AM	#11
Roxiesmama Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY Posts: 849	Roxie has grade 2 in both her back knees. Sometimes she seems a little stiff when she walks, but for the most part she doesn't seem bothered by it. I give her glucosamine supplements every day to try and help things. She is a funny little dog and likes to jump around on her hind legs a lot. The vet yesterday called her a "circus dog". __________________ Roxie

08-20-2011, 09:25 AM	#13
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	My 11-year old Daisy was diagnosed at 8 weeks old with two Grade 4 luxating patellas. At age 2 she had to have surgery on one of the knees. The other has remained just fine all these years. The few times it has "gone out" we put her on very very very strict crate rest and use medications to help with pain (she cannot take anti-inflammatory meds which are usually prescribed). The knee that had surgery 9 years ago is still in excellent shape with no arthritis. The knee without surgery is also non-arthritic and she hasn't needed surgery. I do not use Cosequin or any other supplements, but have been thinking of starting her on Cosequin now that she is older. This is a very manageable condition where surgery should be a last resort, done only by a board certified veterinary surgeon with a specialization in orthopedics. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

08-20-2011, 12:31 PM	#14
anniernc YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brooks, Ga. Posts: 1,003	My little McKenzie has a grade 2/3 in her back knees. It was found after she stumbled outside and started holding up the one leg. After pain and antiiflammory meds she was back to normal in a couple of weeks. My vet just wants to watch that knee closely. He says if the knees remains straight and she is not showing any symptoms that he would just leave it alone because sometimes the surgery is not successful.