Different Surgeries to correct Luxating Patella?

[Zanders' mom]

Hi, All. I recently took Jazzie to an orthopedic surgeon, he took xrays, unlike the previous surgeons we had gone to. He talked about the procedure to correct bilateral medial Luxating Patella (mlp). He mentioned that because Jazzies femur has a 17 degree curve to it, he would cut into her femur at an angle, (sideways V) to straighten out the bone, he would apply plates to the area, he said this would keep the patella from stretching and being loose in the future. He thinks her acl is torn in her left leg, some cartilage damage as well. He concluded that her left leg needs to be taken care of 1st and due to the degree of surgery only one leg at a time.
I imagine for those Yorkies that have LP genetically, there must be some degree of curve in the femur bone. My question to those who have had MLP surgery, has your surgeon cut into the femur (thigh bone)? Can the Yorkies leg be OK with just the common LP surgery?
The other 2 surgeons that have seen Jazzie never mentioned cutting into her femur to straighten out the leg. I have to be well informed before putting her through surgery, please share with me your experience with LP Surgery.

[yorkiemalt]

Hi! Yes both of mine had the complete surgery.

There's a ton of information around...here's a great thread that just died after the op asked a question.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=117132

[majic50]

I don't know the difference between mlp and lp. Lucy had grade 4 LP. Her femurs were curved, but not a lot. They didn't have to cut them to straighten them, but they did have to move muscles and tendons by cutting out a chip of bone that was attached to the muscle or tendon and repositioning it with a pin in different place.

Were the previous vets orthopedic surgeons? If not, I would be more likely to go with the opinion of the orthopedic surgeon. If your not sure you trust him, find another orthopedic surgeon to get another opinion.

[Zanders' mom]

Thanks YorkieMalt for your reply, I did read that other thread thoroughly, you were very detailed in your babies recovery, thanks for sharing that.
Majic50 thanks for sharing as well, I believe medial explains to what side of the leg the patella is located. One vet mentioned most dogs that have this genetically have some degree of curve in the femur. From my research on the internet, http://www.carltonvet.com.au/luxating-patella it seems that most LP surgeries are done without cutting the femur. That site has a video of how the surgery is done & explained, pretty neat.

I'm very worried about this and researching so that I can do the right thing for Jazzies legs.

[yorkiemalt]

That's very smart of you Zander's mom....do all the research you can. Just let me say and I learned this myself...make sure your research is only from reputable sites.

I left the choice of cutting and pinning up to my surgeon. I trusted his expertise and knew once he got in there he was at a distinct advantage to decide what was best. Of course he had mentioned beforehand that it was a possibility.

All I can say is I know both mine will never, ever have problems with luxating patellas again. There is alot to be said for that kind of peace of mind.

I wish the best for you and your baby.

[Zanders' mom]

Out of the 3 vets I have spoken to that have examined Jazzie, one was an orthopedic surgeon, his fee is $3,000 per leg. The other 2 are surgeons and have knowledge of LP surgeries, both have a fee of $1800.-2,000.00. The 2 latter do the procedure in similar manner.

[kalina82]

i asked one of my surgeons today about cutting the femur. he said he's done it before but not in a yorkie. the bone must be pretty damn curved if the vet wants to cut it. if the other two surgeons aren't board certified orthopedic surgeons then i wouldn't let them do it. I'd go for the orthopedic surgeon with more experience. They do knee surgeries every day.

[Zanders' mom]

Thanks so very much for checking with a surgeon, I appreciate the advise. The vet that saw Jazzie said the curve was a 17 degree in the left leg and 15 in the right leg. It sounds like quite a bit, but then most pups have some curvature in their femur? especially if the lp is genetic?? just wondering....

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by Zanders' mom

Thanks so very much for checking with a surgeon, I appreciate the advise. The vet that saw Jazzie said the curve was a 17 degree in the left leg and 15 in the right leg. It sounds like quite a bit, but then most pups have some curvature in their femur? especially if the lp is genetic?? just wondering....

cutting the femur bone for an MPL is not common. that's why i don't really know to much about it. the doc i talked to was shocked when i said it was a yorkie and that the bone must be pretty damn curved for the surgeon to want to cut and plate it. its usually done on bigger dogs.

[MrYorkiecrazy]

Originally Posted by Zanders' mom

Thanks so very much for checking with a surgeon, I appreciate the advise. The vet that saw Jazzie said the curve was a 17 degree in the left leg and 15 in the right leg. It sounds like quite a bit, but then most pups have some curvature in their femur? especially if the lp is genetic?? just wondering....

IMO and not to sound rude, but you should go with the orthopedic surgeon with the most experience and expertise and whatever he says. The one doctor you saw is the same surgeon who has treated the elder President Bush's dog Ranger.
It's great you're trying to do your very best for Jazzie, but I think you know what needs to be done now.

[nikkinack]

Zander’s mom, Lily just had surgery on both legs and she had a curve but the orthopedic surgeon never said anything about cutting it to fix it. Lily was born with this and when examined they said she was stage 2 but after surgery they said they were stage 3+. I did a lot of research as well and I would definitely go with a board certified surgeon. Lily’s surgeon was great she is the best around here all the surgeons in Michigan have been under her at one time or another and Lily’s surgery only cost 2,500 and that was with a night in ICU and some special care, I would look around and talk to lots of surgeons. I have heard of having to cutting the femur bone before but it is usually only done in extreme circumstances. I wish you good luck and sending lots of prayers.

[MrYorkiecrazy]

"Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery, Orthopedics & Neurology is a veterinary referral practice staffed by four board certified veterinary surgeons and two board certified veterinary neurologists. Dr. Bill Liska, Dr. Wayne Whitney, Dr. Brian Beale, Dr. Heidi Hottinger, Dr. Suzanne Hunter, Dr. Randall Longshore and Dr. Carley Abramson combine over 70 years of experience. The ability to collaborate among all our doctors, as well as with the other specialists in this hospital, significantly expands the knowledge base, improves the level of patient care, and greatly enhances accessibility."

"DR. BRIAN S. BEALE received his D.V.M. from The University of Florida in 1985. He completed an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and a surgical residency at The University of Florida. He became Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1991. Dr. Beale was an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine prior to joining Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery in 1992. Dr. Beale is an adjunct assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine."

[Zanders' mom]

Thank you MrYorkieCrazy, I appreciate the picture of combined expertise at Gulf Coast. I was very impressed with the staff & Ortho specialist.

Curiosity led me to wonder about the process of other LP surgeries. Many yters seem to have a yorkie with LP problems or having surgeries so I wanted to hear how many other lp surgeries have had the femur cut involved. How many have had success with an LP surgery not involving a cut to the femur.

I am gathering information, I'm hoping that the better informed I am the less scared I will feel about putting Jazzie through this LP surgery.

[Zanders' mom]

Originally Posted by nikkinack

Zander’s mom, Lily just had surgery on both legs and she had a curve but the orthopedic surgeon never said anything about cutting it to fix it. Lily was born with this and when examined they said she was stage 2 but after surgery they said they were stage 3+. I did a lot of research as well and I would definitely go with a board certified surgeon. Lily’s surgeon was great she is the best around here all the surgeons in Michigan have been under her at one time or another and Lily’s surgery only cost 2,500 and that was with a night in ICU and some special care, I would look around and talk to lots of surgeons. I have heard of having to cutting the femur bone before but it is usually only done in extreme circumstances. I wish you good luck and sending lots of prayers.

Thanks for sharing. Glad Lily came through the surgery well. I will pray that she continues to improve quickly. Thanks for your good wishes and prayers.

[MrYorkiecrazy]

Originally Posted by Zanders' mom

Thank you MrYorkieCrazy, I appreciate the picture of combined expertise at Gulf Coast. I was very impressed with the staff & Ortho specialist.

Curiosity led me to wonder about the process of other LP surgeries. Many yters seem to have a yorkie with LP problems or having surgeries so I wanted to hear how many other lp surgeries have had the femur cut involved. How many have had success with an LP surgery not involving a cut to the femur.

I am gathering information, I'm hoping that the better informed I am the less scared I will feel about putting Jazzie through this LP surgery.

Jamie and I feel for you. We understand your worries well. We were hoping to help alleviate some of your possible concerns with that clinic. From what we've been able to gather, nobody in the area comes any more highly recommended then they do.
I urge you to contact them again with a list of your concerns and questions. I'm sure they will answer them to your satisfaction.