Luxating Patella Questions

[Kirby]

Oops...I posted under my mom's Log In. Sorry, Mom.

Originally Posted by MissGinger

Sydney goes in tomorrow morning for surgery on both back knees (Grades 3 and 4). I had gotten a second and even third opinion. Both knees are bad. The third opinion said that I could wait until she was in pain, but the first two said since she's 9-months, it would be better to do them now. She has limped a few times. I have her on K-9 Glucosamine. Please pray for her. I am sorry for hijacking this thread. Didn't mean to, but I am very nervous.

[capt_noonie]

Hope everything comes out well. Sending well wishes to you and your baby!

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by MissGinger

Sydney goes in tomorrow morning for surgery on both back knees (Grades 3 and 4). I had gotten a second and even third opinion. Both knees are bad. The third opinion said that I could wait until she was in pain, but the first two said since she's 9-months, it would be better to do them now. She has limped a few times. I have her on K-9 Glucosamine. Please pray for her. I am sorry for hijacking this thread. Didn't mean to, but I am very nervous.

we got the same advice for a toy poodle, she only needed one knee done but she was just under a year and the vet said it was best to get it done then because she would recover easier.

Let me tell you, she is almost 5 now and walks, runs and jumps perfectly and she healed up extremely quickly!

The only advice I would give you is to get your pup on a joint supplement as soon as the surgery is over because they can still have an issue with arthritis in the "fixed" knee.

Good Luck! I know how nerve- wracking it is

[PeanutsMom48]

we had VPI pet insurance too and they dont cover any expenses relating to luxating patellas since it is very common...they would even cover the vet appointment that diagnosed it...

we ended up cancelling our policies since we were paying more to the then they covered...

i wish they had since our Piper had her surgey on both knees thrusday and it cost us just under $4000

[Roxiesmama]

Unfortunately, Roxie has been showing signs of a problem the past few days. She has missed the couch and the stairs a few times while trying to jump up. She doesn't greet us with her usual "dance" on her hind legs when we get up or come home. She has been laying on her side more than in the usual dog position of legs folded underneath her. She's not running after her toys, and going for walks has become difficult.

This is all very sudden. Could it be the weather (high heat and humidity) is affecting her knees? I am getting very worried now.

[Ringo1]

I would probably get her in to be seen. Lucy just got a diagnosis of LP too - from an ER vet so I am anxious to see what her regular vet has to say.

Her back legs would actually give out and she would lay down and not be able to get up . . .so I'm worried too.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by Roxiesmama

Unfortunately, Roxie has been showing signs of a problem the past few days. She has missed the couch and the stairs a few times while trying to jump up. She doesn't greet us with her usual "dance" on her hind legs when we get up or come home. She has been laying on her side more than in the usual dog position of legs folded underneath her. She's not running after her toys, and going for walks has become difficult.

This is all very sudden. Could it be the weather (high heat and humidity) is affecting her knees? I am getting very worried now.

I would certainly get her re- examined because the LP could have gotten worse, or she could have done more damage to the leg. CCL tears and ruptures are more common for example, in dogs with LP.

Did you ever get her on a supplement?

[Roxiesmama]

Took Roxie to the vet today. They did some blood work just to make sure it wasn't something like Lyme Disease causing her issues. Blood work came back clear, but the doctor did a double take when he weighed her. She has gone from 6.75 pounds in March, to 7.7 pounds! He said it is most likely a result of her spaying, but that it could certainly be wreaking havoc on her bad knees. He suggested she not overexert herself for the time being, and that we get Dasuquin supplements. If she doesn't show signs of improvement, he said we may be looking at surgery down the road, which of course has me freaking out.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by Roxiesmama

Took Roxie to the vet today. They did some blood work just to make sure it wasn't something like Lyme Disease causing her issues. Blood work came back clear, but the doctor did a double take when he weighed her. She has gone from 6.75 pounds in March, to 7.7 pounds! He said it is most likely a result of her spaying, but that it could certainly be wreaking havoc on her bad knees. He suggested she not overexert herself for the time being, and that we get Dasuquin supplements. If she doesn't show signs of improvement, he said we may be looking at surgery down the road, which of course has me freaking out.

Sorry to hear that Roxie seems to have advanced with her knee issues. Weight can certainly be part of the problem. If 7.7 is on the heavy side, then it will cause some issues. With what you've posted I think I might take Roxie and have her evaluated by a board certified ortho surgeon who is well versed in small dogs. I suggest this because if Roxie is having issues with missing when she is jumping and climbing, it might cause more problems. While dasuquin is a good supplement, it seems that she might be at a point it might not be all that she needs. It can't hurt to get another opinion. If Roxie seems to be in any discomfort, it could also be advantageous to go with the surgery sooner, especially if she is a probaby candiate for it later on. Just my thoughts.

Hot Rod had lp surgery on one knee, he would skip and hop with his leg up and then he didn't want to walk. He would sit down and that was very unusal for him as he loves to go for walks. In our case, his ligament was off to the side and his leg was bowing out. Feel free to pm if you have any questions. Best of luck to you.

[nadinesky]

Off to the vet tonight for Schmoo...all of a sudden she was favoring one back leg...couldn't jump as high and hopping about on 3 legs...then she seems fine, then she is on 3 again.
The vet did mention the loose knees when she was young but no mention of it since, she just turned 3!
So we will see what the vet says, my breeder says do NOT do the surgery use the other things mentioned on here, supplements and glucousamine etc.
Anyone had any luck with any of those supplements?
Any recommendations here?
thanks

[viviansnickers]

I HIGHLY recommend this...Flexicose. Liquid Glucosamine Arthritis, Liquid Glucosamine Arthritis Stiff Joints - Flexicose Liquid Glucosamine Safe Arthritis Pain Relief For People Pets Dogs Cats
Its a glucosamine supplement and has worked wonders for Snickers. Snick has LP grade 3 surgery last Nov and is doing great. He still would hike his LP leg up every now and then but since he has been on Flexicose, he hops around like a puppy again, it's amazing!!!

I wish I would have tried it before we decided surgery as the Dasuquin he was on didn't do much for him.

Well wishes to you-
Snick & Viv