My little Ranger has LP- heartbroken
 

I took Ranger in this afternoon for his rabies shot, and as an after-thought, had his knees checked. I have been noticing him packing a hind leg more and more frequently, and in my heart I knew the diagnosis. At first I thought he was just getting a stick or leaf stuck on his foot, as it was soooo infrequent. However, now every time he goes to play outside he packs it for a few steps at a time, although not the whole time he's playing, just a few times throughout the playtime.

He has grade three luxating patella in his left hind. He's going to need surgery and I am just sick about it. I am so upset.

I am so sorry to hear that. Thankfully you have caught it at an early enough stage so you can plan out the surgery, after care and giving him some supplements starting now.

Good luck.

I am so sorry Amanda. Tumi and Gracie both have grade 2 LP also. It seems to be so common with our little ones. :( I am hoping Tsubi won't have the problem.

Poor punkin....

I've read lately that not all grade threes need surgery. Was the vet certain? I'm so sorry to hear this; I know this is agonizing for you.

Sorry to hear about little Ranger's LP diagnosis. It definitely shows the good mommy you are & knowing the signs enough to question it and have it checked on. My thoughts are with you as you & Ranger push through this.

The scary thing is that he was fine just a few months ago, this has progressed quickly so he will need surgery within the next couple months. Yes, I am glad we caught it now and not later. I am starting him on a supplement as soon as I can get it in, and will be talking more about it with my vet and surgeon this week.

Thank you.

I didn't know Tumi and Gracie had it as well. They don't seem to be getting any worse then? <fingers crossed for Tsubi>


Thanks :(

Hey Nancy. I know that not all grade threes need surgery. However, what we are looking at is Ranger as an individual, and the active lifestyle he thrives on. It it were Ryder we would not be considering surgery at this point, as the only time he walks is to go potty on his pad, or the middle of the floor, whichever he decides :rolleyes:

The problem is that it has progressed very quickly and the more that it slips in and out, the more damage it's doing in there. If I leave it until it's really bad, his recovery may be impaired and he may not be able to resume the life he loves oh-so-much. I am so sad.

Thank you. I think us mommy's just *know* when something is wrong.

So far they haven't gotten worse. I am hoping it stays that way and they won't need to get a surgery. I don't know if I am strong enough to handle it. They have been on Cosequin for almost a year now. I am praying for Ranger. You are such a good mommy and i know he'll be well taken care of.

This was the same for Roxy too. She is active in her walking, racing, pacing and do anxiety laps. She isn't a jump (legs are too short) but she started to carry her leg and limp quite often, so that's when we knew it was time. She is a brand new girl with her new set of wheels though ;)

She gets Cosiquin every day now too :thumbup:

:hug:

He'll be started on a glucosamine/HA/MSM supplement asap.

Oh Nicole you just made my night! I was so upset at the vet's I didn't ask about recovery prognosis or even about the other leg. Did she have both done or just one? How was the recovery? How long until she was "normal"? Do you worry about the other leg?

Thanks girl, I really appreciate it. I can't stand the thought of Ranger not being Ranger.

I'm sorry about ranger. Lacy has grade 2 left and grade 3 right but luckily she's never had pain or limping from it. I won't consider surgery for her unless it causes her pain because sometimes after surgery they can still limp some and hAve arthritis. I hope his surgery goes well and his leg is all better. I need to get lacy a supplement soon too

She both legs done at the same time. An Ortho Specialist did the surgery. When she opened Roxy's legs she saw that her bone structure has a slight curvature and decided and thought she could fix Roxy's luxation by just deepening the grooves and tightening her ligaments and muscles. Also, Roxy right knee cap was facing the wrong way. The Dr. used this judgement based on her experience and Roxy's legs....well...at the 6 week check up, Roxy's left leg was luxating again. She had surgery again a few weeks later. This time the Dr. did the original plan - cut and pin :thumbup: All was good after that leg was repaired. By about 1 month later, the pin migrated and was causing a cyst to form that was the size of a hazelnut. So the pin had to be removed, no biggie, it happens...But then a month later, her right leg started to luxate again. But Roxy had developed a staph infection at the time so we put off repairing that leg. Then we spent the last year discovering Roxy's liver issues (MVD) so I haven't even thought about putting her back under for surgery. I think that leg may be Grade I or II ~ but she doesn't show ANY discomfort or pain, so I just give her the Cosiquin daily and pray....

Keep us posted :D

Recovery is rough with both legs, but I would do it over that way. Only going thru one recovery by having both legs done at the same time (if they need to be) is what I would recommend.

Also, I would make sure they are doing the cut and pin ~ just deepening the groove is not worth the $ or putting them under ;)

Thanks Michelle. Poor Lacy, she's really had her fair share of issues, hasn't she?

I hate the thought of him having problems post-op, but hate seeing him pack that leg. I am only assuming it will get worse and worse, considering he was fine in November when his knees were last checked. Do you have any input on recovery or the possibility of the other knee going bad as well? I have never taken the time to research LP and now that I need to, feel a lot overwhelmed. Thanks for your thoughts.