"Very Loose" Knee Caps?
 

I just got back from the vet with Bella who will be 1 in February and the doctor said she had "very loose knee caps". I asked him what this means but he just gave me a general answer (they were swamped and he fit me in at the last minute) saying she might need surgery in a couple of years. When I asked him if I should keep her from jumping off the couch he said no.

What exactly does this mean? Is there anything I can do to help prevent it? How bad is the surgery and how much money is it?

This is heartbreaking.

Any advise or info would be greatly appreciated.

Not allowing her to jump may slow the process down. LP is graded from 1 to 4. Initially the knee pops back into place.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Patellar Luxation

If it makes you feel any better, I have a few with "loose knees" in my home and have had many others! Your vet is talking about luxating patella and it is very common in yorkies, many of which never do need surgery.

Not one of my pups has ever been referred by my vet to a specialist for their knees. Matter of fact, I have spoken with a board certified surgeon about them and he has said unless there is a real problem with them walking, there is no need to rush into surgery. I recently spoke with him and he said that they do repair these knees in puppies where the growth plates are not yet closed. My guess is that Bella's are, but you might want to be sure. The surgeon I use is excellent, and you could go to him for an opinion if it might make you feel better. His name is Dr. Brian Beale and he is at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists at Post Oak and the Loop. Home He is not surgery happy and would only suggest surgery if absolutely necessary. He is excellent about education....an appointment with him is amazing and well worth the time and money!

I would advise you to keep Bella's weight within normal limits as excess weight is hard on them and definitely try to keep her from jumping on and off furniture. I have steps to my bed. Some people use ramps.

Unfortunately, this seems to be a common problem among yorkies. Like already stated, LP is measured in grades from lowest (1) to highset (4). Yes, surgery is very expensive. My boy has grade 3/4 in both knees. I took him to 3 different vets. Two suggested I rush into surgery. One in my opinion gave me sound advice. He said that if I wanted to go the surgery route, to seek out an orthopedic surgeon. He also said that even with surgery, if Kaji has an accident, his knees can pop again.

That's when I started to read all the threads on YT regarding LP. Many have pups with a lower grade LP and it causes their babies so much discomfort. Kaji on the other hand has no discomfort. As long as his weight is under control, and he takes glucosamine supplements, you'd never know there is anything wrong with him. BUT, if he ever needs it, I will have the procedure done. I'll just look for a specialist.