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Daisy also has always done fine after being confined. We are VERY strict. I think this is key. Also keeping the dog at an ideal weight is very important. |
Well one thing I noticed is that you are in TN so I would HIGHLY recommend going to the University of Tenn Vet hospital and having them check your pup out. When I was there (that is where my Teddi had her Liver Shunt surgery) they told me that most little dogs have it becaus their knee joint is so small it's not big enough to hold it in but that unless they have trouble walking or are limping or seem in pain that surgery is not necessary. |
Smokey goes in for another opinion tomorrow. I will let you know what he says. |
You are doing the right thing by getting other opinions. Definitely talk with a board certified surgeon who is familiar with little dogs. My Hot Rod went thru it and he's pretty much all better from it. He still does pick his little leg up from time to time. All 3 vets have said that it is probably phantom pain since they all are in agreement that his knee feels good and is as tight as can be. I have to say that his personality did change a little bit as he was on strick no-acitvity for 6 weeks. I could see him getting quieter and quieter. I felt really bad for him. I pretty much held him for the 6 weeks and both he and I got so used to it that now is pretty much my lap and arm baby. They are just so easy to spoil. Best of luck with your second opinion and your decision. I am glad that we did it as our surgeon said that arthritis is probably not going to be an issue for Hot Rod. It was a long road but now that it is behind us, I am glad we did it. :) |
The one thing I always suggest to people faced with the decision to operate or not on LP is to have the opinion of a board certified orthopedic surgeon. You can find one at: American College of Veterinary Surgeons As for crate rest, someone said something about 3 months...I have never heard of that length of time for recovery! Also, the comment about only 48% being successful?? I really don't believe that is accurate. It is my understanding that once repaired the knee is very stable! Now, IF they tear the cruciate ligament, surgery is a must to avoid arthritis. It not repaired the arthritis develops quickly and is painful. Puppies, if their growth plates are still open, always need surgery to correct LP if they have it! Adult pups are different. Most surgeons say that if it is not causing issues, then surgery is not needed. Key in helping to avoid problems is keeping the pup at his ideal body weight. Also, it is best to try to train them not to jump on and off of furniture. Steps and/or ramps are helpful if your pup is getting on furniture. |
I took Smokey to get another opinion today. This vet said that if it was his dog, he would not do the surgery because he runs and plays without limping or yelping. He gave him glusosamine/msm chews (which he will not eat) and a fish oil that you spray on his food (now he doesn't want to eat the food). The vet said that out of 20 small dogs he sees a day, that 15 out of the 20 would have luxating patellas. The board certified orthopedic surgeon said if he didn't get it, he would probably have arthritis in it around 6 or 7 years old. He is the one that said it would take 3 months of confinement (it sounds so long and I'm sure it would have to change his personality a little bit and Hot Rod's Mom said). I only want to make the best decision for my little man. Thanks everyone for listening and for your responses. It's very much appreciated! |
I am honestly quite surprised to hear that a board certified surgeon would suggest operating on LP if it was not causing any issues. Good luck! I am glad all is well. |
patella so i checked with a vet here in los angeles who is a boARD CERTIFIED SURGEON WHO DOES THIS SURGERY...3300-3700 for one knee! seriously???? they said my yorkie has a grade 2 but i believe worse since they have seen her i feel bad as she is getting the idea she cant jump as she did and seems kinda sad? over this...she turns to me to pick her up and put her on the couch.. For those of you who have this problem how much exercise do you let your dogs have? do you go on walks? I will let you know what other quotes I get from vets....hopefully better! thanks karen |
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There are vets who do it for less, but I have seen the results of some that were not so great. Perhaps some get lucky. I seek out the best no matter the cost. But..that's just me. I learned some time ago when a vet almost killed one of my fosters that price should never be the determining factor in choosing vet care. She had offered very reduced care to rescue...it was also substandard care. :( As for exercise, I let my pups exercise...a few of them have LP. I do try to keep their weight down...and definitely try to keep them from jumping up and off of furniture. |
luxating patella Thank you...and i agree about the price..my kiddo is worth it....it was a stage 2 but now she keeps it up most of the time in a tucked up position...i am just exploring so when she needs it done i will be informed. i just want to make sure i dont walk her too much...she was a jumper and fast as anything but that is changing..i also dont want to hurt her good leg so she wont be able to walk... any suggestions are welcome. thanks |
I am surprised that she is not using it if it is a stage 2. I would definitely want them to repair that. That is the rule of thumb that the orthopedic surgeon I use tells me to use: contact them if there is a problem with ambulation. To my knowledge, walking them is fine. It is the running and jumping that is a concern. Do you have stairs and/or ramps to your furniture? A friend of mine has this ramp that she swears by....I am planning on buying one: http://www.pawsteps.com/ |
So sorry about your baby................second opinions are best...........I learned alot about this breed the past 25 years.........i dont let my boop jump off anything.......i have stairs for the couch bed etc.......thats just what i do...........he also get glucosomine in his food........but i have to say he is nine now and i dont have any lp problems as of yet...knock on wood..............good luck..............boops and rudy''s mommy:) |
The vet told me yesterday that Smokey is a grade 4, but I am puzzled. He runs and plays fine, but the vets all say that his kneecap is completely out. You wouldn't think anything is wrong with him. He doesn't limp, he doesn't hold his leg up, he is very active. Also, if I do get the surgery, it would only be with a board certified surgeon. I wouldn't let the vet do it, but my vet even told me to get the board certified surgeon......I think I will get some steps and/or ramps. Ladyjane, that is a good idea! Both of my babies have good weight on them. It could be because they are such finicky eaters! The best of luck to everyone who is having this problem! |
patella I do have stairs and of course she runs up them...she loves to jump which is frustrating...she is learning i will pick her up when she wants on the couch....i think she is just questioning why she cant do all the activities she did...and why she cant play with her mom and brother anymore...i am taking her in for a second opinion...maybe some xrays as a reference for any changes. she is a stage 2 but your dog seems much better than mine and yours is a stage 4...mines leg is tucked up about 90% of the time now. and a ramp or stairs are going to be in our future....and she is only 9 months old! |
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My Daisy who has a grade 4 also runs and jumps and is very active. She has not had surgery on this one leg, yet her kneecap is completely out and you can see it on her xray. They have not done surgery on this other leg and won't until she goes completely lame which hasn't happened in her almost 11 years. She's a bull though! LOL |
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