Petella Luxation

[PerfectPit]

So I took Beastley in for his "cold tail". Of course he acted healthy as if nothing was wrong. Did bloodwork and a physical. Doc provided tremodal in case it occurs again but said everything looked good now. My husband asked him about his (R) rear knee because every once in awhile he will raise it and not walk on it but when we tell him to sit he will then get up and walk normal. He did xrays on it and felt it and said he has petella luxation. He said he rarely sees it in large dogs, it mostly happens to smaller dogs. He said he would need surgery because his kneecap keeps popping out and it is causing him to raise it up until it moves back in place. He said if it isn't done it will wear down his knee and he will not be able to use it at all. He said I could get a second opinion by an orthopedic surgeon or he could do the surgery. He was offended when I asked him if there was a guarentee that the surgery would work, I actually meant what was the success rate of these kinds of surgery and healing time. He said we shouldn't wait a long time to decide because the longer it rubs the more worn out it will get and arthritis will set in. Has anyone had this issue before and what is the success rate and healing time?

[pblove]

I know many a small dog that has had the surgery and all were successful. Healing time was several months, but it really depends on a lot of factors.

[Misskiwi67]

Surgery has a high success rate - however, ONLY necessary if the patella is a source of pain. I know many many dogs with severe luxations who have no apparent pain. I also know dogs with mild luxations who screamed randomly until surgery fixed the popping kneecap.

[Murfins]

My chi had it done on her left knee and within the year had to have it redone because of complications with the wire adjusting and poking the skin but she's been great since and that was about three years ago. She was on rest for about 6-8 weeks I believe.

[Keira&Phoenix]

I would highly recommend you see a Chiropractic vet (as in a qualified vet who is also a qualifiedchiropractor, not just a vet and not just a chiro). And see if an exercise plan and hydrotherapy could work,for your dog.

My now 4yo dog (30kilo ridgie x) had luxatting patellas on both sides, she had surgery on the left at 10 months, this knee is now a source of pain and has really bad arthritis. Her right was left alone and because we did chiro and hydrotherapy for her other knee and her bad hips it built up muscle and resistancein her right knee and she no longer suffers from luxation in her right knee. So i would highly recommend you look at speaking to a good chiro vet to see if this is an option.

If that is not an option then go to the orthopedic surgeon, they will do a much better job and will lessen the chance of your dog ending up with arthritis, i do believe my dog ended up worse off because her regular vet at the time did the surgery instead of seeing a specialist.

[pblove]

I would highly recommend you see a Chiropractic vet (as in a qualified vet who is also a qualifiedchiropractor, not just a vet and not just a chiro). And see if an exercise plan and hydrotherapy could work,for your dog.

My now 4yo dog (30kilo ridgie x) had luxatting patellas on both sides, she had surgery on the left at 10 months, this knee is now a source of pain and has really bad arthritis. Her right was left alone and because we did chiro and hydrotherapy for her other knee and her bad hips it built up muscle and resistancein her right knee and she no longer suffers from luxation in her right knee. So i would highly recommend you look at speaking to a good chiro vet to see if this is an option.

If that is not an option then go to the orthopedic surgeon, they will do a much better job and will lessen the chance of your dog ending up with arthritis, i do believe my dog ended up worse off because her regular vet at the time did the surgery instead of seeing a specialist.

[FBODGRL]

What grade is it?

Personally I would get a 2nd opinion. My boy has a luxating Patella and the original vet who saw him recommended surgery. 2 specialists said he does not need surgery. He is on a joint supplement.

[jtalt7]

Kal has both knees that luxate. We have seen the specialist and she told me to leave them as she still is an insane crazy girl who can jump a 6ft fence in a single bound. Now, when and if she becomes painful enough to inhibit her........then we will talk surgery. For now, nothing keeps this girly down.

She has a grade 2 and 3.

[Sarah]

Yep, I'd get a 2nd opinion on that. Your dog might need surgery, or might not. If this is a "once in a while" thing, and the dog isn't acting painful, it's more likely that he doesn't need surgery. An orthopedic specialist could give you the best advice.

[buckaroo]

I have a Chihuahua mix with 2 luxating patellas and 2 vets have told me not to do surgery unless he has pain. He doesn't have any pain right now so we're leaving them for now.

[PerfectPit]

He is limping and raising his leg now on a regular basis, several times a day. I am having a hard time locating a specialist in my area. I heard hydrotherapy (which I also having a a hard time locating) may be an option along with suppliments. A friend who works with a rescue (not apbt) if going to ask the place where she rescues if they know of a specialist in the area where I can take him to get checked out. I have googled what I'm looking for but don't seem to find any in my area.

[FBODGRL]

If you tell us where you are someone may be able to recommend a place. Did you ask the vets office if they could recommend a orthopedic specialist?