Luxating Patella

[Poodle wrangler]

The limping was diagnosed today as Luxating Patella- left hind leg.

Charlie's a standard poodle (~25kg), only 9 months old.

He's having Xrays tomorrow under sedation. They'll also check the other hind leg as the vet couldn't dislocate this side, but wanted to check on XRay just in case. I've let his breeder know as I read there's a genetic component.

Seems likely he'll need surgery on at least the left hind leg .

Damn, I sold his crate!

Thanks to those who PM'ed and answered PMs.

[stormie]

PW - Did you vets tell you why they were x-raying, even though they've told you it was a luxating patella?

[blacklabrador]

I would seek out the advice of a good animal chiropractor before I considered surgery. My Vetchiro says he has about 50% success rate with chiropractic care and special exercises.

[Poodle wrangler]

They were going to look at the angles of the bones to assess for surgery. They said it gives more information as to exactly how they'll do the surgery. "Measure angles" was mentioned. Also to check the right side which seemed OK, but can't exclude a problem on examination only.

That's my understanding, anyway.

I've seen the vet a number of times b4 and have never felt as if they're after my $$. Opposite, in fact.

[poodlefan]

Sorry to hear about this PW.

Big Ted had a Grade 3 luxating patella and had the op done to correct it when he was about 8 months old. Frankly, I wish I'd waited until he built more muscle and then made the decision but he never showed any real signs of having an issue with it. He recovered fine.

Lily when I got her at 8 months had a mild luxation in one leg. Veterinary advice was to give her more time to build muscle (she didn't have much) and the patella firmed up. She has however, had an ongoing stifle issue which while not troubling her overly, receives regular chiropractic treatment.

I'd agree that seeing a good canine chiropractor would be worthwhile. Has the vet told you the Grade of the luxation... my guess would be 3 or 4.

[Lowenhart]

In a big growing dog, or in a dog that has just done a big "shoot up" in height, their knee caps are loose. I had a young vet try to tell me my 13 week old Afghan had a bone diease because her knees were loose and she cried when you touched any joint. She was just being an Afghan, and the knees? Par for the course on a big dog.

I would wait, honestly, until the dog has finished growing. Don't rush surgery, it's pretty tough on the dog and if it can be avoided - avoid it.

[Poodle wrangler]

I was wondering about ongoing success of the op, considering he's not yet finished growing .

How to balance that against the damage caused with each dislocation, leading to early arthritis?

He's 25kg and I've seen him dislocate ~3-4 times in about 2 weeks (now i know what holding that leg up means). He doesn't yelp- guess it shows how tolerant of pain dogs can be. I'd be yelping!!

Vet didn't give me a grade, yet, but suggested XRay. "Medial".

This is giving me a really bad feeling.... I even got all teary over it as he's such a good-natured, fun-loving dog.... My son was nearly in tears and already my daughter's asking "Where's Charlie?" . He's only having XRays!

There are some horror stories on DOL about further ops required/ unsuccessful ops . I work with human orthopaedic patients and have seen some nasty complications plus some poor results ;).

I pick him up this afternoon and speak with the vet after his XRays.

Vet isn't a specialist but does a lot of orthopaedic work with the local greyhounds and they've seen a few luxating patellas recently in the surgery.

Will add that to my list of questions, thanks!

Anyone know of a good dog chiro in Nowra (South Coast, NSW) area? I'll certainly look at that option if it's not too severe.

Edited September 11, 2007 by Poodle wrangler

[kishika]

I know how exactly how you feel now. Our puppy, Shika, had grade 2-3 LP when she was 9 months old. 2 vets told us only operation can fix the problem. It was a BIG operation and we didn’t want her to go through the pain Luckily our friend introduce natuaralvet (http://www.naturalvet.com.au/). Shika had 6 sessions of acupuncture and were back to grade 1 LP . She can run around with no trouble now. We were also given instruction how to strengthen her leg muscle and massage her body. Acupuncture is not a quick fix but it’s worth for to try. Plenty of love and care require too. Shika now go for acupuncture every 2 months. She is used to the needles now and quite relax (12 needles stay for 20 mins). Good luck .I was wondering about ongoing success of the op, considering he's not yet finished growing ;).

Edited September 12, 2007 by kishika

[Poodle wrangler]

Good news from vet. There are no obvious structural abnormalities on the XRays. The groove where the ligament sits look deep a=enough and no sign of bowing of the thigh bone. I ask what grade and he said 1, but only based on history, not what he sees on examination or XRAY. He suspects that the groove where the ligament normally sits is just a little shallow at the top, so the knee only pops out when the leg is quite straight. It doesn't pop in and out easily. This is the hardest part to see well on XRay. Left=Right side.

So, plan to observe, build muscle with some hill walking and see how he is at 12-14 months. More growth by then also.

Avoid racing around with sudden changes of direction and more on-leash walking. Poodle zoomies to be curtailed.

No need to rush in to surgery at all .

[coven_one]

You know you shouldn't have had to have an X-ray, totally unnecessary. Definately a money spinner there.

The vet should be able to feel how bad or good it is by manipulating the knees manually. He should have told you

the same information you got from the X-ray in your normal consult.

Most dogs with slipping patella's never need surgery as long as they aren't lame or in pain. If they are lame or are

in pain then yes, but don't rush in too soon with your dog. Also, it's far better to wait until they are around

2 years and have finished their growing before having this operation.

If the dog really only has a grade 1 slipping patella, the operation isn't needed.

4 weekly injections of cartrophen followed by one injection every 3 months will help immensely with mobility and comfort.

I've seen some dogs stiff and uncomfortable, then after the course of 4 injections they are running around like

puppies. There is the occasional dog that it doesn't work for but for most it is a godsend. Fish oil capsules should

help heaps too.

After reading about the ridiculous prices some people are paying for dental work on their dogs, please be careful

of what your vet suggests and good luck with your pooch.

Edited September 12, 2007 by coven_one