Patella Injury - Advice?
 

My 3 year old yorkie had a bit of a tumble this last summer...he had been relatively healthy up until that point with no injuries. After the emergency visit to the vet she informed me that he had injured his Patella and that this is something Yorkies are prone to but the accident simply set it in place much much earlier. She sent me home with pain killers and anti-inflammatory. she said that if it doesn't get better we should do surgery. I have read on the internet that the surgery can cause more problems and isn't 100% successful. Also, he is only what they consider 'stage 1' or 'stage 2' where he is only occasionally limping and doesn't cry in pain but it does dislocate on a daily basis. I am wondering if anyone else has been through this and what your experiences were..we are going the 'au natural' route right now with Glucosamine supplements and trying some holistic remedy recommended to me called 'Traumel' .. is there any other products out there anyone would recommend to me? what are thoughts on the surgery? I really don't want to put him through it at such a young age if we really don't have to and am open to any alternatives...we have insurance so cost is not the issue I just don't want to put him through it..

Any help/advise is appreciated!

Glucosamine I recommend highly......I use Cosequin for cats.....it's the correct dosage. I would talk to your vet on some anti inflammatory meds.... Keep our lil guy from jumping....help him on and off of furniture...you might want to invest on steps.

Surgery on a grade 1 or 2.....mmmmmmm. It seems that LP Surgery is the surgery of the month.....big bucks for vets. However, I would highly suggest a 2nd opinion, from an orthopedic vet.....As a good vet will not recommend surgery unless the dog has become lame, or grade level 3 or 4. Monitor him very closely, keep his weight down....don't let him jump and glucosemine is a good start....

Definitely try the supplements and invest in steps or ramps. We went thru a grade 3 lp surgery last year. Hot Rod was 1 1/2 at the time. He's done very well since, the surgeon and vets have said that his little knee is as tight as can be. The surgeon also said that he should not develop arthritis from this either.

I would get a 2nd opinion from a qualified orth surgeon. Did your vet take xrays? This will show you the extent of the injury. If your little one is not in any pain, then I would probably hold off on surgery, but if he seems to wince and hobble, then maybe take another look at it. Surgery, once done is the easy part...the recuperation is a whole 'nuther story. :) feel free to private message me if you have any question. Best of luck. :)

This is a really good explanation of luxating patellas:

Medial Luxating Patella