Luxating Patella Would love some advice on my 5.14 oz yorkie Chloe. She has a 3 luxating patella and is not in any pain. She was limping last week but as of today she is OK. I took her to the vet, of course, and he said she had a No. 3 Luxating Patella. He mentioned taking her to an orthopedic surgeon for an opionion however, she is not limping now and from what I can see is in no pain. I really do not want to put her through surgery as I believe that is a last resort. Chloe is not a very active yorkie and from what I have read seems odd. She is content just lying around all day. She is too small to jump up or down from anything so I believe that is a plus for her. I am just concerned that down the road her knees will give her pain and don't know if it would be better to do the surgery now or wait. I just have a big problem with putting her through a surgery when she is not in any pain. She will be 4 years old in October. We also put her on a diet as she is overweight and I hoping that will help with the knee problem in taking some pressure off the joints, therefore sparing her the surgery. I'm so confused as to what is best for her. Any input on this problem would be very helpful. Very worried about her. Thank you, Linda C |
Gracie had bilateral LP surgery, grade 2 and grade 3. She was skipping on one leg. My GF is a vet. She said a dog experiences pain every time the patella luxates whether they show pain or not. In her opinion, she would fix a grade 2 or higher. I have known her since high school and would trust her with my life. The only way to be sure that you will prevent the pain and disability associated with arthritis of the knees later is to fix the LP now. Speak to your vet, your veterinary surgeon, and anyone else you trust so you can make the right decision for your baby. |
Lily had the same issues, one day she would limp one day she would be fine. In the end I chose to do the surgery one because she was young and would heal so much faster than if we waited. She was around 7or8 months old when she had surgery on both back legs. Also like another poster said all thought it may not cause pain it is uncomfortable and as they get older arthritis will build up from the rubbing of bones and then there is nothing you can do for the pain. |
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It might not seem she is in pain, but she probably is if she goes in/out of limping. A second opinion by a surgeon would be really helpful (some people even get 3rd opinions). The other thing to ask about (to the surgeon), depending on how they grade the knees - is whether they think a regimen of Cosequin for 6 mths-1 year could result in any sort of repair/prevention. But I think in terms of LP - Cosequin is really only a player in really mild forms of LP, like w/ my Wylie. Best of luck - I know this is a tough situation. |
My Zada had grade 3 in both knees and I didn't even know it till her check-up. She never did limp. She had both knees operated on at the same time. The worst thing for your dog is to be overweight and lay around. She needs to build up those leg muscles by getting regular walks outside or on the treadmill. I hope you make the right decision for her. |
A vet on another forum just posted this: Grade I: The kneecap can be moved out of place manually but will fall back into its natural position once the manipulator lets go. Grade 2: Same thing except that the kneecap does not move back to its normal position when the manipulator lets go. These dogs are likely to progress to arthritis development and should be considered for surgery to prevent conformational damage. There is some controversy over whether grade 2 dogs should have surgery. Grade 3: The patella is out of place all the time but can be manipulated back into its normal position manually (though it will not stay there). Grade 4: The patella is not only out of place all the time but cannot even be manipulated back into place by hand. Such a dog has extreme difficulty extending his knees and walks with his knees bent virtually all the time. It is not a good thing to have one's knee cap out of place; the entire weight-bearing stress of the rear leg is altered which, in time, leads to changes in the hips, long bones, and ultimately arthritis. How severe the changes are depends on how severe the luxation is (i.e., the grade as described above) and how long that degree of luxation has been going on. In time, the legs will actually turn inward, making the dog "knock-kneed." The luxation is not considered a painful condition but after enough time and conformational change, arthritis sets in, which is indeed painful. Dogs with Grade I luxations do not require surgical repair. Grade 2 dogs may benefit from surgery and most often the owner is called upon to judge how big a problem the lameness is. Dogs with Grade 3 or 4 disease definitely should have surgery. |
Luxating Patella Thank you all so much for your input. You all really helped me make a decision. I certainly do not want my Chloe to have pain later on that can not be relieved because I was afraid for her to have the surgery that could prevent this. She is back to limping this morning so I am going to make an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon ASAP. Thank you all again. LindaC |
knees Latte has been licking her legs around the knee for the last two days. She does not limp, but this doesn't seem like the allergy licking she usually does. She seems to have very loose patellas, but no vet has ever told me that she has luxating patella. I cannot imagine what surgery would cost, and we don't have a vet that I feel very confident about for it anyway. |
Max has never limped, but since some of you have said that not always they show pain, and not necessarily they will limp, is LP something that the vet can check for, even without the symptoms? It seems to be something common on this breed. |
We have been through the surgery once before on our Abby's R back leg. The other day she yelped while running through the house and then spent the rest of the day in her bed. (Very unlike her, always right with us) Took her to the vet and got the news we needed to have the surgery again!! I have researched physical therapy for dogs and stifle braces. My vet now has a physical therapist on staff and I am considering therapy following surgery. Has anyone had any experiences with therapy following patella surgery? |
Bobby has grade 1. I didnt know anything about it until we went to a new vet and he said that his little knee moves out of place. In both legs. He said to watch any signs of limping. Poor babies! I feel so bad for them when they are injured..:( |
How early do you see signs of LP? Do they usually show signs right away as puppies if they are prone to it happening? I am just wondering if I should look for signs on my 4 month old baby, now I am worried :( |
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Luxating patellas can also be caused later on by jumping on and off furniture. |
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