My little baby has LP...what to do?

[SamanthaKim]

After the visit to the vet we found out that Biggie has LP. The vet didn't specify what grade (I had no idea that it even came in grades, so I didn't ask..boo!), but he said it was nothing to worry about because he doesn't limp or hop, unless he's springing forward to grab his toy! So I'm guessing it's grade I.

My question is --

What should I do right now to keep his knee healthy and to keep it from progressing into something more serious? Are there any meds, etc. that I can give?

Sorry if this question has been asked already!

Thanks!

[dwerten]

being a puppy you need to check with vet but many use cosequin as a supplement for LP. Alot of yorkies have this and unless your dog is in pain and lifting leg all the time i would not stress too much about it. It is pretty common.

here is the link for cosequin and you can ask your vet about it

Cosequin Regular Strength (90 capsules)

[livingdustmops]

I would call the vets office back and see what was written on his chart...I am sure the vet wrote something down...actually it could very easy be a 2 ...these little ones learn to mask their pain but it will help you know if you will need to set aside $$ for down the road surgery.

I would make sure you have steps up to everything and do not let him jump from anything..and I agree with the cosequin.

I don't know how old your pup is but was there any reference in your sales contract with your breeder regarding LP?

[SamanthaKim]

He's only 3 months old-- born with it says the doc. I got him from a good friend who just had a litter and he was free..so nope no contract..but I have no problem paying for whatever I have to for my little one ((:

The vet just did a physical exam and told me that he thinks he has LP. Is this how they usually diagnose this condition or is it usually done by x-rays or something?

Thanks for all the help!

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by SamanthaKim

He's only 3 months old-- born with it says the doc. I got him from a good friend who just had a litter and he was free..so nope no contract..but I have no problem paying for whatever I have to for my little one ((:

The vet just did a physical exam and told me that he thinks he has LP. Is this how they usually diagnose this condition or is it usually done by x-rays or something?

Thanks for all the help!

it can be done by manipulation or xray. They usually check for it in the yorkie breed.

here is some info on it

Article Search Results - PetPlace.com


Grade I: The kneecap can be moved out of place manually but will fall back into its natural position once the manipulator lets go.

Grade 2: Same thing except that the kneecap does not move back to its normal position when the manipulator lets go.

Grade 3: The patella is out of place all the time but can be manipulated back into its normal position manually (though it will not stay there).

Grade 4: The patella is not only out of place all the time but cannot even be manipulated back into place by hand. Such a dog has extreme difficulty extending his knees and walks with his knees bent virtually all the time.

[SamanthaKim]

Thanks dwerten! The vet said something along the lines of what you posted for grade I. I will call back tomorrow to check and ask about the medicine that you guys suggested.

Thanks everyone

[capt_noonie]

My Uni was diagnosed with grade 3 yet she only hiked her leg one time in her whole life. she is now 3 1/2 yrs old. I give her Cosequin also. When she is in the car walking across my lap I can feel her kneecaps popping, but she has not lifted since that one day. If your pup is showing symptoms this young, it could go away, or it could get worse. Make sure you keep checking with your vet every 6mons or so. If he does need surgery in the future, make sure you go to an board cert. ortho specialist. Unfortunately, people breeding willy nilly or even by accident can result in pups with genetic disorders. My Uni is a perfect example of that.

[jazzybee445]

Originally Posted by SamanthaKim

After the visit to the vet we found out that Biggie has LP. The vet didn't specify what grade (I had no idea that it even came in grades, so I didn't ask..boo!), but he said it was nothing to worry about because he doesn't limp or hop, unless he's springing forward to grab his toy! So I'm guessing it's grade I.

My question is --

What should I do right now to keep his knee healthy and to keep it from progressing into something more serious? Are there any meds, etc. that I can give?

Sorry if this question has been asked already!

Thanks!

Im not sure if anyone has said it yet but glucosamine is really good for joint and bone health and i would recommend that you try that! I thought that my dog was going to have LP ( thank God he doesnt) but because of that i did alot of research on it and ended up deciding to try a glucosamine treat (since he loooooooves treats! LOL) to help with his overall bone health and to prevent any problems from occuring down the line. anyways i got mine from Petco its called hip action by Zukes.. but there are other brands! if you get the Zukes kind, i cut it into fours because i read that you are supposed to give 20mgs of glucsamine per pound of body weight, and i dont want to give him too much... its a vitamin and humans use it for bone issues also!

[SamanthaKim]

Oooo I just saw that there today!! I'll stop by tomorrow and get it! Thanks!!

[jazzybee445]

Your welcome! The reasson i decided to get it was cause of the reviews, it seemed to work mircales for other peoples dogs! lol if you can find some reviews for it you should read them!

[Chertl1]

Samanthakim, your question was exactly the one I had. I'm thankful for you asking and the others for posting responses. It helped me a lot. My yorkie, Kaylee was diagnosed with the same thing and I really it is really hard to see her having to limp because of her knee cap coming out of place every now and again. I just want to do something to help her and possibly prevent it from getting worse. I will ask the vet tomorrow about the cosequin and the glucosamine to see if he recommends either and how much.