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02-07-2009, 03:27 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wayne
Posts: 36
| Luxating Patella - help - I took my Oscar to the vet today just for a check up and some shots that were due./ The vet told me my Oscar has a Luxating Patella and is in stage Iv (the highest of all stages) - it means he needs to have his knee cap operaated on....very very sad day today - he's only a year and a half old. does anyone have a doggie that has had this surgery? I don't care about the money, but his health. He is part of our family....any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Kellie |
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02-07-2009, 03:42 PM | #2 |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Oh, I'm sorry to hear this, although expensive the surgery is quite successful. This is rather young to have it so advanced. It may be inherited, and they can also get it from being injured, I hope you tell your breeder about this, most will probably deny it, but perhaps, this one might take another look at her breeding program. So many breeders say, "I've never tested, but I've never had any complaints, and I think most people don't bother telling the breeder." From what I've read the hardest part is keeping them in a kennel, immobilized for a while after surgery, this is an extremely important step. Best of luck with your little guy, there are many people who have had to go through this. Is it just effecting one leg?
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals |
02-07-2009, 03:45 PM | #3 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sequim, Wa
Posts: 4,541
| My Gracie had bilateral LP surgery about one year ago. She is doing great. Her last vet check said the surgery took just fine. I posted several threads about my experiences with Gracie, along with some heartbreaking photos. There are lots of other threads on here about LP. Just use the search feature to find them all. The best advise I can give is get it done sooner rather than later. It will be harder on you than it is on your baby. Also get a super soft bed pillow, it will be much more comfortable during the first several days post-op for your baby to rest on it and be moved on it. Watch for signs that your baby is in pain (trembling, lethargic, not wanting to eat or move, whimpering). Don't hesitate to call your vet and ask for more pain meds. And no matter what, make sure they send some home with you. My Gracie was given Tramadol and Rimadyl. We had to up her Tramadol during the first 3-5 days post op to control her pain. If your baby has long hair, have it clipped short before surgery. I was glad I did that for Gracie. Laying around more they tangle up easily. Gracie got diarrhea and could not be given a bath because of her bandages. It would have been a nightmare to clean her up if her hair had been long. Take care and I hope the surgery goes well.
__________________ Gracie loves Bailey. Holly loves Tucker. Proud member of the YT Gracie Girls. |
02-07-2009, 03:48 PM | #4 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wayne
Posts: 36
| HI Thanks for your message - Someone else told me about telling my breeder. I'm just heart sick about this - spent all day crying. The vet said it is just the one knee cap for now...yes, it is expensive to the tune of $2400 plus exrays, blood work etc. I think i will get two opinions - thing is he is not limping...so i don't understand if you have a degenerative disease at the highest stage, one would think he would at least limp occasionally. |
02-07-2009, 04:01 PM | #5 | |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Quote:
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals | |
02-07-2009, 04:49 PM | #6 |
YT 1000 Club Member | I would get a second opinion. My Pom has a grade 5 patella and the vet said there wasn't any guarantee that surgery would make a difference. But she gave me Cosequin DS for her and it has helped. So just to make sure you are being told the right thing for your babies health and not helping the vet pay his monthly car payment or whatever.
__________________ Lori, Friday, Olivia, Miranda , Chanel and Casey |
02-08-2009, 08:13 AM | #7 |
Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member | I'd get a second opinion from a board certified orthopedic surgeon. They'd be able to tell you better if your dog needs the surgery or not.
__________________ Kellie and Morgan |
02-08-2009, 08:30 AM | #8 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,317
| To answer your question, luxating patellas are very common in Yorkies and other toy breed dogs. It is usually genetic, but can happen (or get worse) from jumping on and off furniture. As the others have said, get a second opinion from an orthopedic vet. If it really is grade 3 or 4, surgery is a must as otherwise he will end up with painful and crippling arthritis later on and it will be too late to do surgery. |
02-08-2009, 02:25 PM | #9 |
Lil' CoCo, Lotta Coffee. Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Africa
Posts: 3,115
| I am sorry your little one has LP. The surgery is hard on them but heartbreaking for you. CoCo had bi lateral LP surgery last November, and although still early days , it seems to have been a success! After she had been diagnosed by two separate vets, one was an ortho specialist, we decided to go though with the surgery to prevent the painful arthritis later in her life. We kept her contained in an xpen in the TV room, so that we were always near her. We used a continental pillow for her, it was comfortable and easy for her to get to her water etc. She slept in her stroller at night, right next to my bed. That way I knew she was safe and I could give her water during the night and put my hand on her to comfort her. I still have her in there at night as I'm worried about her jumping off the bed during the night. I used a rolled up towel, like a sling, under her tummy at potty time. This gave her stability and took any pressure off her legs. ( Wonderful hint from another member) If you are able to, let him swim for therapy when he is able to. It has worked wonders for CoCo. She is now running, playing and doing her little dance again! If you need any help, now or after the surgery,(should you have it done) please feel free to ask me. My very best wishes to you and Oscar.
__________________ Sheilagh CoffeeAbigail-Ceana. CoCoMurfee & Winston |
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