Luxating Patella

[Ralphy]

I just came from the vet this morning and she said that my 10 week old puppy has mild Luxating Patella in her right leg and moderate in her left knee. I feel terrible about it . She's only 10 WEEKS old!!! I've read some other posts and did some research and it sounds like the only thing to do is surgery, which is extremely expensive. The vet said not to panic too much, she would do a thourough exam over her next few appointments and see what's happening (could this get better with age ), but I may have to go to a specialist to have them take a look.
I haven't noticed anything wrong with her legs yet, but I don't feel too confident hearing this when she is so young.

[Dax]

I'm pretty sure that Rip's Girl also has a dog with this. She can fill you in on what she has had to do.

[ESlover]

I have only ever heard of surgery. My friend has had a pug that had that and they did surgery. That was found when he was a pup. he is about a year and a half old and he is doing great! sorry to hear that about your puppy though. good luck.

[weezyNollie]

I know in horses it's not a huge deal, they don't perform surgery. And it could get better as she ages. It's up to you whether or not to perform surgery. My best advice would be to wait and see if it bothers her, then try some NSAID's (or pain meds), and then check with the vet about how its progressing, and then do surgery. Also check in to whether the surgery is more complicated or less complicated as the disorder progresses. The signs will be similiar to arthritis, problems sitting, lying down, running, jumping up on furniture, etc. If you do elect surgery.. you might only need to do one stifle. Both Mild and Moderate are subjective terms, and to you may seem really horrible.. and to the vet, not a problem at all! In fact, the vet is just trying to let you know! Hope it all works out.

[Ralphy]

The vet and my husband both said to wait until she is spayed and see how it is progressing. It's just sad to think she *might* have all these problems and she is just a baby. I'm trying to not work myself into a big panic before any issues arise, but I was just so surprised to hear such a problem when it was supposed to be a *harmless* check up and some shots. Now I find myself worrying about her walking and running......
........must........stay..........calm

[KellyJean]

Well, I think that you should calm down and think of it this way...

You're right, it was supposed to be a harmless visit, but, your vet cares enough about your pet to discover and let you know about this uh, "defect" in your dog. You can't do anything to mitigate the condition without knowing about it, and now that you know about it... you can keep and eye on it and be aware of it.

Kelly

[Ralphy]

I will keep an eye on it, maybe get a second opinion to make sure that the vet isn't like the dentist (make money money money)
Hopefully she doesn't encounter problems for awhile.

[chichimom]

my dog penny has Luxating Patella really bad in both legs,we coulnd affored both legs at once so we did her right first her worse one..she is better however she is on pain meds till we can do the left one..which my ex boyfriend is paying for we own her together so i thought we should pay for it together..anywho eventually she will need the surgery... i know i went through it

[Ralphy]

How old is your dog? That really sucks, I'm sorry to hear it - it's nice that you are fixing her up though. It IS alot of $.

[chichimom]

she is 3 going on 4..yes it is alot of money her right leg cost about $1,300 and herleft should cost alittle less its not as bad and she wont have to stay under as long