Chloe has Luxating Patella :( I took Chloe to the vets today for her annual checkup this morning. I told the vet that I had noticed a clunking in her leg and after the exam she told me that she has Luxating Patella. Chloe is two and although she has been to the vet a number of times it was never noticed before. The vet told me that if I hadn't noticed she wouldn't have found it. As the day has gone by I of course have been worrying more and more about this. My DD is pretty upset too as she was so careful to select a good breeder. Is this a genetic disorder? Chloe has never had any injuries. Also she has never favored her leg or shown any signs of discomfort. I am switching her to hills j/d on the vets advice as well. Does anyone else have a little one with this disorder and if so any suggestions on how I can ensure that Chloe stays healthy? I was told that surgery could be needed down the road but only if it becomes a problem so of course if I want to do what I can to prevent it. Thanks :) :animal36 |
Very common in small breeds. Keep her lean and restrict jumping. Invest in some doggie stairs to get up on furniture and insist that she use them for the least stress on her knees. Some vets recommend a glucosamine supplement and others don't. I like Cosequin. Surgery may be required, but there is a good chance it won't be. If she isn't limping/carrying her leg or showing signs of pain, that is all good. If it does get to the point where she is affected by it in daily life, then surgery would be considered. Different orthopedic surgeons have different opinions about when it is needed (if surgery is needed at all). Small dogs have shallow groves in their knees, so the patella slips. There can also be some other things that go on with it. Not a huge deal. My girl has it, but no symptoms, so no surgery. |
Sophie had surgery in May for her luxating patella. She was only 7 months when she had the surgery, but she was lame on her right hind leg so we had to do it or risk permanent damage. She had a grade 3/4. She also had a grade 1/2 on her left knee, but since she is not showing any clinical symptoms we're not doing surgery. Our vet said it's genetic and there is nothing we could have done to prevent it. After surgery she's been fine, aside from an allergic reaction to her stitches, but her knee is good-to-go and the surgery wasn't that bad (aside from the cost!) but she was up and running again in no time. If it's not bothering your pup I wouldn't worry about it. They'll let you know if and when it becomes painful. Good luck!! |
Toby has LP in both his rear legs, Grade 3-4 in one and Grade 1-2 in the other. We were told surgery might be needed in the future but thank goodness it hasn't been so far and that was over a year ago. I keep his weight down, give him Cosequin every day and he uses doggy stairs (see the link in my signature). A few YT members have purchased doggy stairs from our website and say their dogs love them. The doggy stairs have been a life saver. He runs and plays like any other dog. The price of the doggy stairs are definitely worth the money saved on surgery (approximately $1,900.) |
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