Luxating Pattellar

[ladyjane]

Uhh....I see people making comments on this forum all of the time that I view as grossly incorrect but unless there is real harm being done, I simply voice my opinion and move on. I don't see the problem with suggesting that a dog not have surgery on LP if the knee is not bothering them. That is what I do...and it is supported by the board certified orthopedic surgeon that I use. Now, if it is a puppy or a pup under 2, then many times it is important to repair it.

People who come here or to any online forum seeking advice on veterinary conditions should be cognizant of the fact that they are seeking the opinions of lay people. They should take what they need, leave the rest behind...and then seek the advice of a professional.

As for the comments on Cosequin. The specialist told me that any evidence that it works is anecdotal and he is not convinced that it does. He said it cannot hurt and that some people swear by it but that there is not enough real research proving that it does. I know that when I took Glucosamine and Chondroiton for my knees it did virtually nothing to help me....so I don't bother giving it to my pups.

[LanaHamilton]

I thank you all for your concerns and opinions. We only have two vets in town. And like I said the specialist is over 4 hours away. Freddie was a year old Nov. 13th. So he is young and a jumper!!! I don't know how much I trust this one vet...as she just said he had bad knees, one is worse than the other and told me where the surgeon is. I need to go on his website to check him out. I believe I will try the other vet in town to get his opinion. Never hurts to get a second one. I know that Freddie is not in any pain, and I'm so thankful for that. I will keep you all informed and will definately be back with questions! Thanks everyone!

[ladyjane]

A second opinion is always good. Not all pups need surgery for LP....the one thing that you need to be aware of is that with LP they are at an increased risk of tearing the cruciate ligament.

Here are a couple of articles that may be helpful:

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear Info

[LanaHamilton]

LadyJane, thank you for the links!

[Amazing Yorkies]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Uhh....I see people making comments on this forum all of the time that I view as grossly incorrect but unless there is real harm being done, I simply voice my opinion and move on. I don't see the problem with suggesting that a dog not have surgery on LP if the knee is not bothering them. That is what I do...and it is supported by the board certified orthopedic surgeon that I use. Now, if it is a puppy or a pup under 2, then many times it is important to repair it.

People who come here or to any online forum seeking advice on veterinary conditions should be cognizant of the fact that they are seeking the opinions of lay people. They should take what they need, leave the rest behind...and then seek the advice of a professional.

As for the comments on Cosequin. The specialist told me that any evidence that it works is anecdotal and he is not convinced that it does. He said it cannot hurt and that some people swear by it but that there is not enough real research proving that it does. I know that when I took Glucosamine and Chondroiton for my knees it did virtually nothing to help me....so I don't bother giving it to my pups.

Very well said! I totally agree!

[Buster Brown]

I agree with consulting with an Orthopedic surgeon to determine wether surgery is necessary. Just be aware when the leg locks out of position or they are hopping there is pain that's why they are not bearing any weight on it. I have had my knees pop out too it hurts. So you are weighing intermittent pain and discomfort with the possibility of arthritis in later years against surgical repair to fix the condition which still may reoccur and you still run the risk of possible arthritis. Buster has grade 3/4 in his back knees we only had the one that was bothering him done and will do the other when he starts favoring it. LoveToDream88's Callie also tore her ACL in addition to having LP which is one of the reasons she had to have the pin I believe. Sometimes when the knee slips out it slips too far and it can cause the ACL to tear. They then have to deepen the groove and pin the ligament to keep things in the correct position. Jumping up causes wear and tear on the knees and also when playing on wood floors skidding around corners causes problems according to my Surgeon. Best wishes.

[bobohyde]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

A second opinion is always good. Not all pups need surgery for LP....the one thing that you need to be aware of is that with LP they are at an increased risk of tearing the cruciate ligament.

This is true. Columbo had no issues until the LP caused him to tear his ACL at age 9. We didn't even know he had LP until then. He tore the ACL in the other leg 4 mos. after the first. His surgery was around $2700-3000 per leg. That was with a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the repair of both ACL & LP. He said it would have been a bit less if it was just the ACL. I think the cost depends on the area you live. I would plan a trip to visit an orthopedic surgeon for a consult and get their opinion and a cost estimate. If it's 4 hrs away, then maybe you can make it a trip (maybe overnight) for yourself and fit the consult in while you're there. It is definitely worth it. My vet said he had done thousands of these surgeries as opposed to maybe 15 my regular vet had done. Columbo made a full recovery and has full use of his legs back and I attribute that to a great surgeon. The surgeon may also tell you he doesn't even recommend the surgery at this time (or at all). If so, then I would start a savings account (just in in case LOL) in case his condition worsens someday or for other medical expenses someday, and if he never needs it, then its yours to spend some day!

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

I agree with consulting with an Orthopedic surgeon to determine wether surgery is necessary. Just be aware when the leg locks out of position or they are hopping there is pain that's why they are not bearing any weight on it. I have had my knees pop out too it hurts. So you are weighing intermittent pain and discomfort with the possibility of arthritis in later years against surgical repair to fix the condition which still may reoccur and you still run the risk of possible arthritis. Buster has grade 3/4 in his back knees we only had the one that was bothering him done and will do the other when he starts favoring it. LoveToDream88's Callie also tore her ACL in addition to having LP which is one of the reasons she had to have the pin I believe. Sometimes when the knee slips out it slips too far and it can cause the ACL to tear. They then have to deepen the groove and pin the ligament to keep things in the correct position. Jumping up causes wear and tear on the knees and also when playing on wood floors skidding around corners causes problems according to my Surgeon. Best wishes.

Good post!

My 2 cents, get as many opinions as you need to feel comfortable about your decision. Kaji has grade 3/4 LP in both rear knees. I got so many opinions, and read and talked to so many people who had the surgery, weighed in the fact that LP can reoccur even after surgery, thought about kaji's favorite activities etc and decided surgery is not for us at this moment. I did change a lot of things around, like getting a new bed that's pretty much on the ground for kaji's ease of access, Kaji now has his meals measured to keep his weight down, I have told everyone to refrain from having Kaji jump (but Kaji himself ignored that Memo. ) and limit our runs to infrequent jogs. (More like a medium trot for him) so far, Kaji has not favored any of his legs, at least not that I can remember. I know for a fact, if I never let him run and fetch ever again, he'd be the world's saddest dog. I want him to be happy and healthy. I do however reserve the right to change my mind about surgery. I just feel as though its not necessary right now.