Does your Yorkie do this or might Gracie have a problem?

[Gracie2006]

For the last few weeks, I have noticed that Gracie goes down stairs on all legs except the right rear. She uses all four at all other times, running, walking, going up stairs. She goes up on her hind legs without apparent problems. She does not appear to be in pain. Do you think this is a behavioral issue or a quirk, or might she have something wrong with her leg? I'm thinking of taking her to the vet just to be sure. I think we have until August 13 or so with free vet checks on her puppy plan. What do you think? Has your Yorkie ever done this and if so, what was the cause?

[Erin]

Mine sometimes avoid using their "bad" leg on the stairs. They both have mild luxating patellas. I would have them check that at her visit.

[RLC12345678]

My parents' yorkie "skips" on her leg that has a luxating patella. If you have free vet checks, I would just take her in if I were you. I mean, what do you have to lose?

[Gracie2006]

Thanks. Two posts both LP's, I am worried. Gracie has a vet appointment Saturday morning. I will post the results. Thanks much!

[nvnvgirl]

I'll be interested in the results. We don't have any stairs, and Max never seems as if his right rear leg bothers him at all, but I notice when he runs a lot of the time, he kind of "skips" with that leg, so maybe it's the same thing. Does it require surgery, or is there some sort of treatment for it?

[CO_yorkie_momma]

No I wouldnt worry about that unless there are other signs of having it also. Mine all go flying down the stairs and dont use all of their legs to do it. That is just the way they always have done it.

[Gracie2006]

Gracie always used to go down stairs on all fours, now it is only on 3. That is why I am worried. Also, it does not matter if she is just going down 3 doggy steps or a whole flight of stairs, the right rear leg is up. Also, I was manipulating her patella and it popped a couple of times. I was being very gentle. It did not seem to hurt her. I will feel better after the vet checks her that is for sure.

[Tinkerbelle1]

I would definitely get her checked by the Vet. My little one had LP in both her legs, left one being the worse. She did not start showing signs of it till she was over a year old.



j

[Gracie2006]

Gracie does have luxating patellas, both rear legs. Here is the scoop:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88650

[ladybugg74]

Hallee started limping last Sunday and we too her to our vet and diagnosed with LP. She sees specialist tomorrow.