What would you do? Is this LP?

[BaxtersMommy]

Yesterday I took Bayleigh in for her check up. He told me that her front knees were bad, that they come out of socket. Is this LP? He told me that right now he wouldnt do anything but that some day she might need surgery. He said I should walk her a little more each day to strengthen her and we will watch her.

So, what does this mean? There was no mention of LP. But, it sounds like this is what it is. I called the office this morning to find out what has been noted in her notes. She has insurance through Embrace.

When do you decide its time for surgery? He said he could do it now, but its not at the point where I have to. At this point, I will be getting a second opinion.

She runs and plays and it doesnt seem to bother her. Should I restrict her from jumping and playing with her siblings. I really dont want to do that, I want her to enjoy playing with her brothers and sister.

[OwnedByJezebel]

I thought LP was a problem that occurs in the hind legs? Hopefully someone here can help.

[BamaFan121s]

Yes, it is LP. It can affect all 4 legs, not just the back ones.
Surgery would be something I would consider if and when it becomes apparent that the condition is having a negative impact on her day to day life.

[BaxtersMommy]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

Yes, it is LP. It can affect all 4 legs, not just the back ones.
Surgery would be something I would consider if and when it becomes apparent that the condition is having a negative impact on her day to day life.

OK. Thanks. I just looked through her entire file and everything was always marked normal. They just called me back and said there is no "diagnosis" in her file. I doubt my insurance would cover it as he would have to fill out their orthopedic waiver. Who knows. I am just going to watch her, right now, I see no signs.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Well, Hot Rod was clearly having issues with his hind leg when we decided on surgery for him. His little leg was so bowed out and he was picking it up and he was sitting down on our walks--he LOVES to walk.

That being said, Maggie was just diagnosed with a low grade 2 in her hind leg and the vet said that she doesn't not need surgery now. You cannot even tell she has any issues with her knees. She prances when we go for walk. she is constantly on her hinds and I swear she thinks that she is human cause she walks like that! She does this when she's trying to get a birds.

I would watch for signs of it bothering her and once she starts to exhibt them, then I would take a closer look at surgery--once it is apparent it is necessary. My thoughts are that the sooner, the better, you don't want them to suffer on for it to get worse. JMO. Best of luck. Did you and your vet talk about supplements? These are helping Hot Rod alot and I can only assume it is helping Maggie as well. Mine are on Dasuquin, it is like Cosequin plus.

[ArmaniMan]

I would get your pup on a supplement now and then keep on eye on the condition. Surgery should be saved until their quality of life is starting to be affected.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by BaxtersMommy

Yesterday I took Bayleigh in for her check up. He told me that her front knees were bad, that they come out of socket. Is this LP? He told me that right now he wouldnt do anything but that some day she might need surgery. He said I should walk her a little more each day to strengthen her and we will watch her.

So, what does this mean? There was no mention of LP. But, it sounds like this is what it is. I called the office this morning to find out what has been noted in her notes. She has insurance through Embrace.

When do you decide its time for surgery? He said he could do it now, but its not at the point where I have to. At this point, I will be getting a second opinion.

She runs and plays and it doesnt seem to bother her. Should I restrict her from jumping and playing with her siblings. I really dont want to do that, I want her to enjoy playing with her brothers and sister.

LP only is in the hind legs, but it can/will alter the stance of the front legs if the condition is severe enough. Most cases of LP (with high grades 3 or 4) left without surgery will cause the onset of arthritis which is painful, but not ALL cases need surgery. Uni does well on supplements (cosequin) but she was only diagnosed with grade 3 one year ago. Hopefully it will not worsen, and she will not need surgery. She has only lifted her leg one time. Did the vet say any grade? How old is Bayleigh now? Does she ever lift her back legs during walks?

It would be better if you could limit jumping, and get doggy stairs if you don't already have them. Maybe you can call your vet back and ask him to explain to you better, since you still seem to have questions. Or get a 2nd opinion.

[BaxtersMommy]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

LP only is in the hind legs, but it can/will alter the stance of the front legs if the condition is severe enough. Most cases of LP (with high grades 3 or 4) left without surgery will cause the onset of arthritis which is painful, but not ALL cases need surgery. Uni does well on supplements (cosequin) but she was only diagnosed with grade 3 one year ago. Hopefully it will not worsen, and she will not need surgery. She has only lifted her leg one time. Did the vet say any grade? How old is Bayleigh now? Does she ever lift her back legs during walks?

It would be better if you could limit jumping, and get doggy stairs if you don't already have them. Maybe you can call your vet back and ask him to explain to you better, since you still seem to have questions. Or get a 2nd opinion.

Bayleigh turned 1 this month. I have never noticed any signs. No popping or anything. Nothing slows her down. I have also bought stairs and NONE of the dogs use them. I am not sure how to restrict her from jumping, except in front of every couch we have a doggie couch that raising their jumping by 4 inches. Bayleigh is total tomboy! She has no fear and that has worried me since she was a puppy. He did mention the supplement, but I read this morning someone has a thread about how their dog has improved in the last year going to raw food. I am definitely researching and want to do everything I can on my end for her. I really do not want to put her through surgery until it is absolutely necessary.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by BaxtersMommy

Bayleigh turned 1 this month. I have never noticed any signs. No popping or anything. Nothing slows her down. I have also bought stairs and NONE of the dogs use them. I am not sure how to restrict her from jumping, except in front of every couch we have a doggie couch that raising their jumping by 4 inches. Bayleigh is total tomboy! She has no fear and that has worried me since she was a puppy. He did mention the supplement, but I read this morning someone has a thread about how their dog has improved in the last year going to raw food. I am definitely researching and want to do everything I can on my end for her. I really do not want to put her through surgery until it is absolutely necessary.

Well with the stairs, it's easy to get them to use them. For example, if they are on the couch, and the doorbell rings, and they jump off, put them back up on the couch and make them follow your hand (maybe with a treat) and have them go down the steps. they will learn really quick that if they don't use the stairs, it will just take them longer to get to the door. As far as going up them, have them follow your hand up with a treat, and once they get up them, treat. They learn really quick. Uni is a tomboy too, but we got her to use the steps very quickly.

I also read the thread about feeding raw and the knees getting better. I would go for that also if you are ok with feeding raw. I just gave Uni some Stella & chewy's, and as she LOVED it and inhaled it, it still kinda grossed me out feeding it to her. BUT I would recommend doing everything before you do surgery. Uni is grade 3 and she doesn't need surgery as of now. I believe raw has glucosamine in it too, so it's the same as giving cosequin. How much in there, though, I don't know.

[jessbialos]

He hasn't been officially diagnosed but the vet had told me that he had popping knees and started him on PhyCox. However, Charlie would not take it, so last week they gave me Dasuquin to try. Same thing, he refuses to eat them. He is now 9months old and too smart. Even if a coat the pills with cream cheese, which he loves, he will lick of the cheese and spit out the pill. I have resorted to pulverizing the pills and mixing it into the food. I'm taking him to a new vet on Wednesday to be checked out again. I'm afraid his condition is worsening. This past week, his right knee has been popping out almost daily. He bends it for a few seconds and then he is back to normal. I've learned that if I pull his thigh up a little it helps the knee pop back in. He never seems to be in pain. He never squeaks or cries, but I am really concerned. I don't have insurance and I pay everything out of pocket. I've considered getting insurance but I think they probably wont cover it now. Does anyone know about how much I should expect to pay if the vet determines he needs surgery?

Thank you,

Jessica

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by BaxtersMommy

Bayleigh turned 1 this month. I have never noticed any signs. No popping or anything. Nothing slows her down. I have also bought stairs and NONE of the dogs use them. I am not sure how to restrict her from jumping, except in front of every couch we have a doggie couch that raising their jumping by 4 inches. Bayleigh is total tomboy! She has no fear and that has worried me since she was a puppy. He did mention the supplement, but I read this morning someone has a thread about how their dog has improved in the last year going to raw food. I am definitely researching and want to do everything I can on my end for her. I really do not want to put her through surgery until it is absolutely necessary.

Mine prefer to jump instead of using the stairs too.
I saw this on It's Me Or The Dog: To stop them from jumping (from couch to floor) hit the couch, then the floor while saying 'no jumping' firmly.
I then redirect their attention to the stairs (can be done w/treats also) & say w/an excited happy voice, 'stairs, stairs'. It worked for us w/out treats, they're very sensitive to my tone of voice. I also put them in front of the stairs, blocking the side of the couch, so the only way down would be the stairs. Told them, 'down' & when they did, I praised them.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by jessbialos

He hasn't been officially diagnosed but the vet had told me that he had popping knees and started him on PhyCox. However, Charlie would not take it, so last week they gave me Dasuquin to try. Same thing, he refuses to eat them. He is now 9months old and too smart. Even if a coat the pills with cream cheese, which he loves, he will lick of the cheese and spit out the pill. I have resorted to pulverizing the pills and mixing it into the food. I'm taking him to a new vet on Wednesday to be checked out again. I'm afraid his condition is worsening. This past week, his right knee has been popping out almost daily. He bends it for a few seconds and then he is back to normal. I've learned that if I pull his thigh up a little it helps the knee pop back in. He never seems to be in pain. He never squeaks or cries, but I am really concerned. I don't have insurance and I pay everything out of pocket. I've considered getting insurance but I think they probably wont cover it now. Does anyone know about how much I should expect to pay if the vet determines he needs surgery?

Thank you,

Jessica

It really depends on the vet/specialist & the severity of the LP. The surgery can range from $2,800+. Have you tried wrapping the Dasuquin w/cheese? Something that covers the smell better maybe?

[jessbialos]

Thank you. I have tried covering it with cheese but he licks it off and then spits out the pill. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow. Will see what she has to say. I really hope he doesn't need surgery.

[viviansnickers]

Hey girl...so sorry to hear about Bayleigh! Snick had surgery last Nov and it's been nothing but great for him. We ONLY decided to go through with surgery when we saw that Snickers was running on 3 legs, lifting his leg constantly, and showing obvious pain by shaking. It was breaking my heart to see him so sad. I agree to get some glucosamine supplements pronto and see what happens. I'm also surprised it's in the front legs, but it is possible. Also, ramps are much better than stairs for LP doggies. With ramps, there is no exertion from the legs to get up.

Hugs-
Snick & Viv

[BaxtersMommy]

Originally Posted by viviansnickers

Hey girl...so sorry to hear about Bayleigh! Snick had surgery last Nov and it's been nothing but great for him. We ONLY decided to go through with surgery when we saw that Snickers was running on 3 legs, lifting his leg constantly, and showing obvious pain by shaking. It was breaking my heart to see him so sad. I agree to get some glucosamine supplements pronto and see what happens. I'm also surprised it's in the front legs, but it is possible. Also, ramps are much better than stairs for LP doggies. With ramps, there is no exertion from the legs to get up.

Hugs-
Snick & Viv

Thank you. I haven't seen any abnormal signs. I am always watching her. When/if the day comes that she needs the surgery, I will do it right away. She is such a tomboy, she won't use ramps or stairs. I just try to keep her from jumping the best I can.