Luxating patella Has anyone experienced luxating patella with their yorkie? We found out when he was about 7 months old that he had it in his left knee. We took him to 2 orthopedic specialists and they both said it would be best to correct it while he was young. He was limping but the breeder said she didn't think he was in pain since he runs around but he kept "hitching" up that leg when he ran. She offered to take him back and give us another one but how could I part with my precious guy after I'd had him for 3 months. She is a very reputable breeder and she said none of her dogs had this and he was checked before I got him. We were/are very careful not to let him jump down from furniture because we know how fragile their legs are. The surgeon said it could have been genetic way back somewhere in his family tree. He still hitches that leg up when he runs but the xrays show that the patella is back in place and perfect. Now his regular vet tells me the knee on right leg is luxating but he hasn't been limping on that one. Any one with experiences? Thanks |
Both of my dogs have luxating patellas. It is very common in small breeds. I've taken my oldest dog to the vet and he says to not get surgery yet until she is in pain. Both of my Yorkies are jumpers and there really isn't a way for me to stop both of them from jumping. When I pick my dogs up, I can actually feel their patella's pop in and out of place. I have gone to several vets and the one I have been going to is the one I really trust. He says over time, luxating patella's can cause arthritis, and once it sets in, that's the time to get surgery. If your dog is not in pain, why do surgery just yet? |
Luxating patellas can be genetic or from traumatic injury from jumping on and off furniture, etc. The general cut off is one year. Since your Yorkie was diagnosed at seven months, most likely it is genetic. Listen the the orthopedic vets and get the surgery done sooner rather than later. Dogs with LP's have to compensate for them in their gait which put stress on other joints and leads to debilitating arthritic changes. LP's usually aren't painful unless they are out of place. It's the arthritis that causes the pain and if you wait for that, surgery may not be as successful or even possible at that point. We have a member on another forum with a five year old Maltese who has extremely bowed front legs from undiagnosed LP's. She has been told it is too late for surgery and this young dog must live with crippling arthritic pain for the rest of his life. :( |
Uni was recently diagnosed with grade 3. After some reading and research I think it is grade 2. Either way, I have started her on Cosequin (glucosamine) supplements. Here are some threads that may help you out, so you don't have to search like crazy for some info: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...p-surgery.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...stage-3-a.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-cosequin.html |
we went thru lp surgery in recent months. I can say that I am glad we did it. We didn't have much time to think about it as within a weeks time he'd been operated on! I would say if the ortho surgeon (qualified) says he feels surgery would be the route and that he would all the better down the road, I would take a serious look at it. Arthritis is something that can be harsh and if it can be prevented, then it something to take into consideration. It was a shock to find out and go thru the surgery and the recovery period was very difficult, as you feel so bad for your baby having to be quiet for 6 weeks but the final goal is what matters. Hot Rod is doing well and I am glad we did it but it was a very long 6 weeks. Good luck with your decision. feel free to pm with questions. Hugs to you andyour baby. |
Toby was diagnosed with grade 2. However, I think it is only grade 1. He has only had an episode about 3 or 4 times and he is a little over 1 1/2. It lasts for a couple of minutes and then he is back to his rambunctious self. Our vet recommended Glucosamine too. I should have asked more questions, but I am now wondering how much do you give them and is there a particular brand that is best? They said that you can get it at a pet store or simply give them a pet dosage of what a human would take. Does this sound right? :confused: |
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I get it at Entirely Pets: Cosequin Regular Strength (90 capsules) |
Ahhh...I am so sorry.... Roxy was dx at 9 months too - both legs :( Her breeder said the same thing "none of hers every had it" - meanwhile, I have come across 4 more pups from her that do :mad: Anyway, when Roxy started to carry her leg and limp we knew it was time for surgery. She had both legs done at the same time. Well worth it :thumbup: I wouldn't return him though, LP is not a death sentence. Roxy also gets Cosiquin every day ;) What is your health guarantee from the breeder? Will she refund you his cost to put towards his surgery fee :confused: |
:thumbs upThank you so much for your help! |
LP treatments My 1 year old boy, Bently has LP. Vet said stage 2, no surgery necessary until stage 4 or 5. I started walking him more and gave him Zukes Hip Action ® Dog Treats with Glucosamine & Chondroitin Each dog treat contains 300 mg glucosamine and 50 mg chondroitin Easy to feed your dog – no messy pills or powders Contains essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption Made in the USA Wheat, corn and soy free Got it at a pet store and within a week his LP seemed to go away. I haven't seen his knee lock up one time since I started giving him this. But listen to your vet as each case is different. Good luck. |
i only recommend surgery when they hold the leg up as that is a sign of pain so if holding leg up all the time i would do the surgery with an orthopedic surgeon that is board certified as all surgeons are not board certified. It is a tough surgery but many do well afterwards. If the dog was not holding leg up i do not recommend surgery as many toy breeds do fine with LP |
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Marcel was just recently Dx w/ Grade 1 in his R knee - so now he gets Cosequin too. My house is a Pharmacy, at present. :rolleyes: |
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The vets all told me he must be in pain because he limps (hitches up the leg) but he runs all over and I wouldn't think he is in pain. The ortho. vet charged $2,000. and the breeder paid $1,200. and we paid the rest. I was thankful she helped and that made me know she is reputable. |
another note - - the breeder said to: not let anyone pop the patella in and out manually. |
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