Need to learn about Medial Luxating Patellla
 

Okay so this little guy (Max) apparently has this. I guess my vet will have to explain it to me. I see an occasional hitch in his gait, and he does lay down like an old men. What do I need to know...and how can I make it easier for him. I am getting a ramp to get on the couch because If I don't he tries to jump. It is a little high so I will take that away as a problem. I guess too there are different levels. Thats all I know so far.

Yes, there are different grades. Grade one is the least extreme and grade 4 is the worst. By no means is LP the worst thing that can happen to a dog, but you must pay attention to his needs. I've read a lot of different first hand experiences with pups with LP. Some pups have a hard time with a grade 1 LP and they will even refuse to walk. I was so scared by those testimonials. Then I found out Kaji has LP. I didn't understand, he was fine. He ran, he jumped, he danced, not once have I ever seen him favor a leg and he's never refused to walk, and he has a grade 3/4 in both knees. For a grade 3/4 my reg vet recommended surgery immediately. I spoke to two other vets who discussed the pros and cons of surgery with me in detail instead of rushing me to surgery. Both said that one of the cons is a the dog getting LP again from a jump or normal doggy activity. After speaking to various vets and other dog owners who's babies have LP, I've decided against surgery. At least for now. :)

Instead, Kaji is on glucosamine supplements. Cosequin Regular Strength (90 capsules)
It seems as though nothing bothered him in the first place, so why try to fix something that didn't currently bother him. I do watch his weight very carefully, because that affects the strain that is put on his knees. I even measure his food now so I know he's not overeating.

My advice to you is talk to your vet, and maybe a few more and decide for yourself what's the best route to take for your little one. Good luck!

Jada has grade 3 Luxating patella. Right now she doesn't need surgury. I just started her on Dasuquin which is a joint supplement. There is so much info on here if you searh luxating patella. Good luck

Thanks guys. Helps alot. I will keep researching, but your first hand experience helps a bunch too. He will be seeing the vet two weeks from now.

here is some info

Medial Patella Luxation in Dogs

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/medi...g_patella.html

if otherwise healthy i would get him on cosequin asap

Cosequin Regular Strength (90 capsules)

Luxating Patellas

Patellas can be diagnosed at a very young age, toy breeds are at high incidence of LP. some LP can be made from a trauma and won't be present at the initial exam.

Medial patellar luxations are graded to assess severity.

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.

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.


my dee dee is grade 4 and does fine

you have to be careful though as acl tears or ruptures can happen with dogs with LP - it happened to dee dee. No twisting and turning etc.

You can build up the knee by walking your dog up inclines or stairs as it helps to strengthen the muscles to help stabilize the knee

Thanks DWERTEN is the cosoquin something you can get over the counter? Just wondered. He seems to do fine as well. I have been reading through the paperwork from the rescue and the previous vet visit in Wisconson. Seems he is in very good health. This is something I can certainly help with. I will feel more informed now when I visit with my vet on his first visit. I will keep my eye on him. The paperwork did not have a grade. So I don't know...called that vet in Wisconson and probably won't hear from him til Monady. The more info I can get the better.

I believe you can just buy it on entirelypets.com but i would consult with the vet and get his take on it after reviewing his health record. Just take the info and print out cosequin info. Many LP dogs on here are doing well on it. I do not use it only bc dd has so many allergy issues and that is the worst of her issues so i cannot make that worse as it is already bad or i would be giving her this supplement as I have read so many great things on this.

Thanks....will do...I printed all the stuff for my Hubby as well.