Luxating Patella Problem

[Jakethepake]

We rescued a cross breed Jack Russell which has been diagnosed with stage 1 luxating patella in both rear legs. As pensioners we are short of funds and need some idea of the likely cost of surgery so that we can make a plan to save before it reaches stage two. We have made enquiries but get fobbed off with generalisations. We would greatly appreciate any feedback with actual cost of the operation.

[ness]

I paid ~$2500 for an MPL surgery on my young BC. By stage 1 are the grade 1 MPLs?? My girl has bilateral grade 2 MPLs and we are not going ahead with surgery on the second leg and she isn't to bothered by it. Dogs can live quite comfortably with low grade MPL issues and not require surgery.

I would ask the vet clinic where you might look at getting the surgery done for a price estimate. I know when my old girl needed cruciate surgery I did a ring around of the vet clinics to find out the price range for the procedure. MPL surgeries would have a fairly standard estimate range depending on what they need to do but enough to give you a ball park figure.

Edited December 28, 2014 by ness

[Daisys Mum]

I paid $2800 on my young CKCS and hers was a grade 4 so the pricing can vary .... She needs her other leg done as its a grade 3 , it's causing her back problems atm so it needs to be done .

A lot of Specialists won't operate on a grade 1 ... But there are preventatives you can do to slow down the severity , like no jumping up onto furniture, small walks , maybe even see a animal Physio.

[ness]

I was actually quoted $2400-$2600 for the repair and $2600 was if they needed to cut bone. The specialist who did my girls repair actually moved to WA and not sure he might still be working at the Perth Veterinary Specialist.

[Salukifan]

We rescued a cross breed Jack Russell which has been diagnosed with stage 1 luxating patella in both rear legs. As pensioners we are short of funds and need some idea of the likely cost of surgery so that we can make a plan to save before it reaches stage two. We have made enquiries but get fobbed off with generalisations. We would greatly appreciate any feedback with actual cost of the operation.

How old is the dog?

[sandgrubber]

If I remember correctly, stage one generally doesn't require treatment and many dogs don't progress. Not saying it isn't realistic to save. See video

Edited December 28, 2014 by sandgrubber

[Jakethepake]

We rescued a cross breed Jack Russell which has been diagnosed with stage 1 luxating patella in both rear legs. As pensioners we are short of funds and need some idea of the likely cost of surgery so that we can make a plan to save before it reaches stage two. We have made enquiries but get fobbed off with generalisations. We would greatly appreciate any feedback with actual cost of the operation.

How old is the dog?

Thank you for your interest. We think Mitzy is 4years approx.

[Jakethepake]

I paid ~$2500 for an MPL surgery on my young BC. By stage 1 are the grade 1 MPLs?? My girl has bilateral grade 2 MPLs and we are not going ahead with surgery on the second leg and she isn't to bothered by it. Dogs can live quite comfortably with low grade MPL issues and not require surgery.

I would ask the vet clinic where you might look at getting the surgery done for a price estimate. I know when my old girl needed cruciate surgery I did a ring around of the vet clinics to find out the price range for the procedure. MPL surgeries would have a fairly standard estimate range depending on what they need to do but enough to give you a ball park figure.

Ouch! Thank you for sharing.

[Jakethepake]

I paid $2800 on my young CKCS and hers was a grade 4 so the pricing can vary .... She needs her other leg done as its a grade 3 , it's causing her back problems atm so it needs to be done .

A lot of Specialists won't operate on a grade 1 ... But there are preventatives you can do to slow down the severity , like no jumping up onto furniture, small walks , maybe even see a animal Physio.

Thank you for the feedback which is very useful

[VizslaMomma]

to date have you seen your local Vet or a specialist?

Here's an older thread on the topic.

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/138045-luxating-patella/

The last post in the thread is by a Specialist.

Note he recommends The Perth Vet School.

Unless your local Vet knows someone there too, maybe consider a consulation with a specialist.

You may get a better idea of what lies ahead.

Edited December 29, 2014 by VizslaMomma

[Jakethepake]

If I remember correctly, stage one generally doesn't require treatment and many dogs don't progress. Not saying it isn't realistic to save. See video

Thank you for posting the video. We now have a broad understanding of the problem, the solutions and the cost. Very helpful of you all and greatly appreciated.

[Jed]

Those fees seem a bit excessive.

What symptoms does the dog have?

And I to would recommend Perth Vet School at Murdoch

Good luck