Luxating Patella My 11 month old puppie started limping about two months ago and I took him to his vet who referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. (I didn't take him to the vet right away because he wasn't crying and it was happening on and off, then he was limping everyday) There I was told that my dog needed surgery as he was at a stage 2/3 (luxating patella). At the present time, I cannot afford the surgery and my heart just hurts seeing him in his crate all day (the nurse at the pet hospital told me to keep him on Rymadil (sp) and doing as little activity as possible) I am trying to save up for this surgery but I just don't know how long I can keep him that way...Many have suggested that I give him up because it is in his best interest (thinking about doing that makes me cry :() I just don't know what to do...Can he live with a luxating patella if it's not hurting for a while??? :confused: |
I don't think LP is life threatening. If the dog is uncomfortable - then you really should think to have this done - you don't want him suffering. Stage 2 should not warrant surgery (IMO). You should avoid any jumping or stairs but other than that your dog can live a long happy healthy life without surgery - but again - you would know if he was in pain or not. |
Surgery for luxating patella My Tank just had surgery for this problem. At the examination by the surgeon he said that if left untreated it can cause arthritis. I feel your heartbreak over your baby's problem. When the surgeon quoted us $1600 for one knee I felt faint. Fortunately, I had purchased insurance when we first got Tank (he is 1 year old now) and I expect that will cover 2/3 of the total. Tank was at stage 4 and is bow-legged so both knees will have to be fixed. We are still healing from the first and I know how difficult it is to keep and Yorkie under restricted activity. Is it possible to do a payment plan with your surgeon. The place we took Tank to had something called "Care Plan" for that sort of thing. I will pray that you find a solution. My heart goes out to you. |
Sorry to hear about your baby. My Pixie needed the surgery last summer. I wouldn't have had the surgery done except she was having a hard time dealing with it. It wouldn't stay in the groove at all and she had trouble walking. My other yorkie Cali has grade 4 in both and adjusted to it just fine. We are taking a wait and see on her for any future surgery. Pixie's surgery was 2600.00 and I used the Care Credit card and it allows you to pay it off within a certain time period with no interest. I have a year to pay it off. I have VPI insurance on my 3 girls and they don't cover it. Good luck. |
As to whether or not he needs surgery, the only thing I can say is that if his growth plates are still open, yes he absolutely does need it or his bones will not grow properly. Not all pups with LP need surgery and sometimes Rimadyl and rest does help. I am curious as to who you saw in Houston. Was this a board certified surgeon? If not, I would suggest you take him to one. I strongly recommend Dr. Brian Beale and Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists if you have not been there. If that is who you saw and they told you the pup needs surgery, trust them, he does. Have you heard of Care Credit? You can apply for it online. Gulf Coast accepts it and usually the loan is interest free IF you pay it in the time frame specified. |
Care Credit is VERY easy to get. It's like a credit card for veterinary expenses. You can also use it at the vet's office if they accept them. I have one with a ZERO balance and save it for emergencies (hoping I have none of those). Toby was supposed to have LP surgery but I got his weight down and he's fine. But if he ever needs it, the cost is around $2,100 and I will use my Care Credit card. Just google it on-line and you will know within five minutes if you are approved. |
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