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06-12-2010, 02:17 PM | #1 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | I am looking for guidance regarding LP My Pixie has been diagnosed with bad LP. Her vet feels surgery is necessary. I have an appointment Wednesday with a board certified surgeon who specializes in Othropedics, neurology and something else. For anyone who has gone through this I was wondering if you could answer some questions. How did you know that surgery was the only option, Did you do both legs at once? If so, How long before they can walk? How do they go potty? Do they have to stay over night at the hospital? Are they in a cast/bandage? If so for how long? WHen can they start using the leg? Do you have to do physical therapy on them? Is it hard to do? Are you satisfied with the surgery? Thanks so much. I know I will have more questions and appreciate any feedback. I am just so scared for my Pixie.
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
Welcome Guest! | |
06-12-2010, 04:48 PM | #2 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| I'm sorry to hear about Pixie. I have no answers for you but wanted to wish you luck. I know a few have gone thru LP surgery, including Bo (Mom to Hot Rod) so you may wanna send her a PM. Good luck.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier |
06-12-2010, 05:14 PM | #3 |
Jada + Bogie = ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mayberry AKA smalltown usa
Posts: 24,078
| I don't have answers either, but I am so sorry about Pixie and the scare you had the other night. Jada has grade 3 LP and for now surgery is not necessary. My vet did say she may need surgery in the future. I dread that day and I know you are so worried. I will pray for Pixie that what ever needs to be done she will get better soon.
__________________ Michelle, Jada and Bogie |
06-12-2010, 06:01 PM | #4 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL
Posts: 7,984
| I'm so sorry Patti. And while I also can't offer much advice, I did just come across this recent thread regarding LP http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-patellla.html Maybe you can PM one of the folks who have experience.
__________________ I'm Karen - Devoted Mama to the Drama Boyz - Cooper & Max www.alldogboots.com |
06-12-2010, 06:28 PM | #5 | |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 3,468
| Quote:
Chan had his legs done seperately. If given the option to have done both at once I surely would have chosen it. The surgeon's office had them up and walking the following morning after the surgeon. No bandage on either Phoebi nor Chan. The knee has to be able to move to heal. They both stayed overnight and it was very hard but the best thing for them. Both came home with a morphine patch to help control the pain. I found using a scarf was very helpful in supporting their back legs. The sling carrier they had given me was simply too large for both of them. I used a nice soft crocheted scarf and it worked perfectly. Physical therapy began immediately at home. We were given detailed instructions on how to ice and move the knee to help promote healing. First day we began with a combined total of 5 minutes of assisted walking. Over the course of the next 2 months it increased daily and by that time we were up to one hour a day (total) of walking. We used an ex-pen for both of their recoveries. The only time we had them out was when it was time for walking or some physical therapy. I was too afraid they'd try and run or jump and re-injure themselves. For 2 months they stayed in there. Then the 3rd month was transition month. After they got their final check up with the ortho they were allowed limited activity for the following month. So we started by gating off the kitchen, then added the dining room and so on. The stairs were the last thing we allowed. I wish the best for you and Pixie. It all seems so daunting, the surgery and the long recovery but it is all worth it. You would never know anything was ever wrong with either of mine. They run and play like nothing ever happened.
__________________ KimPhoebiChandler | |
06-12-2010, 06:57 PM | #6 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Denham Springs. LA
Posts: 21
| My little girl (KT) had surgery on both of her back legs last September. The surgeon said that it was easier on her to do both at the same time. He also said that recovery would be quicker. She had to stay two nights... when we picked her up, she walked to greet me. She was allowed to walk all she wanted, but he wanted to limit running and jumping. At the end of a month, she was running and jumping normally. It was amazing.... She's great now; the only sign of surgery is the shorter hair on her back legs (and it is slowly growing back to normal.) |
06-12-2010, 07:18 PM | #7 | |
Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member | Quote:
oh good, you posted everything for me. LOL Patti, Kim had Phoebi and Chan's surgery done by the surgeon I used to work for so what she wrote was what i was gonna say. Surgery is only done if the dog is in pain or the LP is effecting the ability to get around. Morgan has grade 3/4 in both back legs but shows no signs other than a mechanical gait which only the trained eye can notice. She doesn't limp or skip a beat, or hold up a limb. I talked to the surgeon about doing surgery on both her legs and we decided it just wouldn't benefit her enough to risk putting her under. so she gets joint supplements and i make sure she stays skinny so her joints aren't carrying excess weight. If surgery is done, its best to leave them over night if they have 24 hour care. At my place, the dogs were left on an IV pain drip until 2 am then switched to regular fluids so that they can be comfortable and get some sleep. A pressure bandage is applied right after surgery to reduce swelling and then its taken off the next morning (some vets leave bandages on for 2 weeks but this is the older method and is not recommended anymore). In the morning they are taken for their first potty walk. a sling or a scarf is needed to support them while walking. As far as pottying goes, well, they kinda figure it out on their own. they'll have to work out how to position themselves so they can go without hurting themselves. physical therapy consists of walking and range of motion exercises. they should be going on 3 walks a day, starting out just going to potty and then working up to 10 minutes each time over the next two weeks. then over the next 6 weeks the 10 minute walks are gradually transitioned into unlimited walks by adding on a few minutes every couple days to build up tolerance and muscle mass again. Range of motion exercises involve flexing and extending all the joints in the surgical limb (hock, knee, & hip). the vet should show you how to do this and it should be done 3-4 times a day with 10 reps each leg. this is the basic idea of what my surgeons recommend. Pixie's surgeon may have different ways of doing things so its best to make sure he explains everything and you are comfortable with him doing the surgery. Make a list of questions and bring them with you so you can ask him everything. take notes of your own, even if they give you written instructions. patti if you have any more questions please feel free to PM me.
__________________ Kellie and Morgan | |
06-12-2010, 10:34 PM | #8 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | Thanks so much. I am praying the surgeon will advise against surgery but preparing for the worst. Pixie is getting around better each day. Pixie is my real skittish one and I just can't imagine her being away from home overnight. The other problem is she will not walk on a leash. She just lays down and won't walk. Only if I let go of the leash will she walk behind us. How do you keep them quiet with 3 other dogs in the house? I know I will have a lot of questions. Thanks Kellie I know I will be taking you up on that offer.
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
06-13-2010, 03:05 AM | #9 |
"& Seeger, too" Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 5,169
| Patti, Sorry to hear of Pixie's misfortune. Shelby has had the LP surgery on both back knees same time. Our orthopedic vet was wonderful and is highly recommended. He is in Cincinnati, Ohio. I took a little time off from work, and Shelby was babied a LOT by me, but she did well and was able to get around within a few days in her casts. Squatting to pee was a little tough, but she managed. I think it was a good decision on our part to have her go thru the surgery. Her knees are doing well, and we have had no problems so far. Shelby did go to physical therapy at a wonderful place and did lots of exercises and underwater treading.... we did this for about 6 months. During her healing, to keep her quiet, we crated her. She understood exactly why we were doing it.... and even after she didn't need to be crated, she would go in it just to rest instead of using her bed..... I think that she liked all the extra attention! If you want to PM me, I would be glad to answer any questions that you have!
__________________ Happy Fall Y'all! 🎃 Last edited by Shelby&Seymour; 06-13-2010 at 03:09 AM. |
06-13-2010, 03:38 AM | #10 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas
Posts: 7,982
| Patti, I am so sorry to hear about Pixie. I know nothing about LP but am here for moral support. Ladyjane has hellped lots of dogs with LP and may provide you with better information. |
06-13-2010, 04:29 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas
Posts: 4,280
| What grade of LP? Is she holding up her leg at all times? Is she overweight? Is she in pain all the time? If she has a grade 3 and overweight, get the weight off and you'll see improvement as that has been my experience. I have 3 yorkies with a Grade 3 LP and surgery for me is NOT an option as I've controlled it with weight control and have not had any problems in 3 years since getting the weight under control. One of my yorkies is almost a Grade 4 with still no signs of pain or limping and getting around great as long as her weight is under control. Some vets will always insist on surgery with a Grade 3 LP but it can be managed with supplements and weight control and live a happy normal life without surgery. I hope this helps in some way. Donna |
06-13-2010, 05:51 AM | #12 | |
Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member | Quote:
i agree, some cases can be managed without surgery. Keeping them trim, even on the skinny side, is best. If there is no other serious orthopedic problem with the legs (stress fractures, cruciate tears, chipped bones, etc) then wait and see can be applied. its a case by case decision.
__________________ Kellie and Morgan | |
06-13-2010, 07:14 AM | #13 | |
BANNED! Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA
Posts: 11,073
| Quote:
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06-13-2010, 07:26 AM | #14 | |
Yorkie Lover Donating Member | Quote:
What we have found is if they are not feeling well and are separated/kenneled, they are fine. What has worked best for us is to use a kennel for rest time and to have that kennel where we are.....even if that requires moving it at times. Magic is not one to stay in a kennel......but she willingly stayed in the kennel which she was recovering....maybe it is a sense of security that no one can get to them....not sure...but it has worked for us. Good luck at the doctor.....we have you in our thoughts/prayers and are hoping for a non surgical outcome for you. Magic and Sailor both struggle with LP in both back knees. Sailor's knee pops completely out once or twice a day....and she immediately sits. While we have been able to help hers some with weight control.....she will not walk on a leash, so she is hard to exercise as suggested (walking up hills to help build muscle). Magic shows her signs differently......more stiffness to compensate, but when hers flares up we usually have to request meds to control. Magic is alot harder to control the weight on, but does love walks, so exercise works better for hers. At one point Magic was scheduled for surgery as her meds were not giving her enough relief.....so the surgery was scheduled for the next month and she continued meds.....and thank goodness that extra med time worked and we were able to cancel the surgery.....and that was over 2 years ago now.
__________________ Kristin, Mom to: Lil Mis Magic, Sailor and Captain | |
06-13-2010, 07:36 AM | #15 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | Thanks everyone. Pixie is overweight and most recently gained it. I am working on getting her weight off. Hopefully with that and supplements we can avoid surgery. She is getting around a little better. I really want to be able to take a wait and see approach. I will keep you posted. Thanks to all of you for your insight, and to those who have pm'd and talked to me on the phone. You have really given me a lot of great information and I am feeling more hopeful. Even if she needs the surgery, we will get through it with all your prayers and support. Thanks y
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
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