Any Thoughts on Annie - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Midfielder · 11-20-2009, 03:31 PM

Annie has been getting a "gimp" like Walter Brennan in the "Real Mccoys" Years ago. When she is in our laps or "scrunched" down beside us in our chairs. When she gets back on the floor she has a hitch in her left rear leg, it doesn't seem to have any pain with it, but sometimes she has to sit down and let it go away so she can walk. The vet said it's Luxating Patella, but I'm not so sure. I'll do anything to make her well, but I don't want her cut on if it's not necessary . Any Ideas?

luvfla · 11-20-2009, 03:40 PM

How old is Annie?

Midfielder · 11-20-2009, 09:41 PM

Annie will be two years old on 11/28

Lovetodream88 · 11-20-2009, 09:47 PM

I'm sorry I'm not help here as Callie has LP too its just not to bad although some times I here them popping but I wanted to just let you know I'm thinking of you and Annie and hope someone can help. The vet did give Callie a vitamin did your vet give you a vitamin or something like a vatamin.

EllaJade · 11-20-2009, 10:46 PM

Hi, I'm sorry your dog is dealing with this.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?

Mom to Hot Rod · 11-21-2009, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midfielder

Annie has been getting a "gimp" like Walter Brennan in the "Real Mccoys" Years ago. When she is in our laps or "scrunched" down beside us in our chairs. When she gets back on the floor she has a hitch in her left rear leg, it doesn't seem to have any pain with it, but sometimes she has to sit down and let it go away so she can walk. The vet said it's Luxating Patella, but I'm not so sure. I'll do anything to make her well, but I don't want her cut on if it's not necessary . Any Ideas?

There are many treatments for lp. Did your vet recommend any type of vitamins/supplements? What grade did he say it was? If the lp is not causing her any pain, you may be able to try some glucosamine (sp?)/chondrotin type of supplements. There are also different types of therapies that might help. Does your vet have good knowledge of small breeds and their health matters? If not, I would seek a second opinion or a vet is well versed with smaller breeds. I agree, if you do not need surgery, then you shouldn't go thru with it. I have read on here, many yorkies with lp that have not had surgeries as the dog was not in pain.

Good luck and keep us updated on her prognosis.

Hot Rod had a grade 3 in his knee and we had him operated on earlier this year. He is still recovering from surgery as he still hobbles and hops. The vet said that it could sometimes take up to a year to get back to normal.

vwill · 11-21-2009, 06:23 AM

The glucosamine is very good advice if the LP is very mild. My Charlie has a very mild LP also (the vet said not even a grade 1). He was getting that same "hitch" in his knee with no pain. We started him on glucosamine about 6 to 8 months ago and haven't seen it since. I'm sure it didn't cure the LP, but it might strengthen the join or area around the joint to keep his knee in place.

Midfielder · 11-22-2009, 09:30 AM

Our vet is pretty good, but all he has said was surgery and he hasn't mentioned any type of grading. As I said, if surgery is what it takes OK, but if there's another way, I want to try it. Are these glucosamine treatments for pets or are you using the human stuff like I see on TV?

ladyjane · 11-22-2009, 09:36 AM

This article explains the grading:

OFA: Patellar Luxation Grades

Mardelin · 11-22-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midfielder

Our vet is pretty good, but all he has said was surgery and he hasn't mentioned any type of grading. As I said, if surgery is what it takes OK, but if there's another way, I want to try it. Are these glucosamine treatments for pets or are you using the human stuff like I see on TV?

Glucosamine for pets does work wonders.

If your pet has been diagnosed with LP your vet should have graded it; a 1 or 2 rating being the lowest grade, does not require surgery and can be controlled. X-rays should be done on your pup..........your next step is to seek a 2nd opinion. LP surgery is the surgery of the day. It appears vets are really pushing this.......However, if he's a good vet, he'd refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Abby08 · 11-22-2009, 09:56 AM

A Ramp, might be helpful while your deciding whether the dog needs surgery or not.

Jumping off any furniture or even our laps is not good for their little knees or backs whether they have luxating patellas or not.

Of course teaching them to use it is another matter in itself!

gemy · 11-22-2009, 02:10 PM

Your vet should share with you what his assessment of the grade of the LP is. If he doesn't then definitely get a second opinion. Are you close to any vet schools or teaching hospitals? Xrays at a minimum should be done. Please try not to allow your Yorkie to jump from couch to floor - bed to floor etc. I know how difficult this is. You can start her on the supplement glucosamine/chondrotin now. Can be purchased in most pet stores. Read dosage instructions carefully.

11-20-2009, 03:31 PM	#1
Midfielder Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 36	Any Thoughts on Annie Annie has been getting a "gimp" like Walter Brennan in the "Real Mccoys" Years ago. When she is in our laps or "scrunched" down beside us in our chairs. When she gets back on the floor she has a hitch in her left rear leg, it doesn't seem to have any pain with it, but sometimes she has to sit down and let it go away so she can walk. The vet said it's Luxating Patella, but I'm not so sure. I'll do anything to make her well, but I don't want her cut on if it's not necessary . Any Ideas?

11-20-2009, 09:47 PM	#4
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,248	I'm sorry I'm not help here as Callie has LP too its just not to bad although some times I here them popping but I wanted to just let you know I'm thinking of you and Annie and hope someone can help. The vet did give Callie a vitamin did your vet give you a vitamin or something like a vatamin. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

11-20-2009, 10:46 PM	#5
EllaJade Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ/NYC Posts: 38	Hi, I'm sorry your dog is dealing with this. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this? __________________ Ella Jade b. 07.14.09

11-22-2009, 09:36 AM	#9
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,471	This article explains the grading: OFA: Patellar Luxation Grades __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-22-2009, 02:10 PM	#12
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,340 Blog Entries: 2	Your vet should share with you what his assessment of the grade of the LP is. If he doesn't then definitely get a second opinion. Are you close to any vet schools or teaching hospitals? Xrays at a minimum should be done. Please try not to allow your Yorkie to jump from couch to floor - bed to floor etc. I know how difficult this is. You can start her on the supplement glucosamine/chondrotin now. Can be purchased in most pet stores. Read dosage instructions carefully. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

11-20-2009, 03:40 PM	#2
luvfla YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Satellite Beach, FL Posts: 3,691	How old is Annie?

11-20-2009, 09:41 PM	#3
Midfielder Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 36	Annie will be two years old on 11/28

11-21-2009, 06:23 AM	#7
vwill No Longer a Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California Posts: 421	The glucosamine is very good advice if the LP is very mild. My Charlie has a very mild LP also (the vet said not even a grade 1). He was getting that same "hitch" in his knee with no pain. We started him on glucosamine about 6 to 8 months ago and haven't seen it since. I'm sure it didn't cure the LP, but it might strengthen the join or area around the joint to keep his knee in place.

11-22-2009, 09:30 AM	#8
Midfielder Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 36	Our vet is pretty good, but all he has said was surgery and he hasn't mentioned any type of grading. As I said, if surgery is what it takes OK, but if there's another way, I want to try it. Are these glucosamine treatments for pets or are you using the human stuff like I see on TV?

11-22-2009, 09:56 AM	#11
Abby08 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ,nc,usa Posts: 193	A Ramp, might be helpful while your deciding whether the dog needs surgery or not. Jumping off any furniture or even our laps is not good for their little knees or backs whether they have luxating patellas or not. Of course teaching them to use it is another matter in itself!