luxating ... um... kneecap - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kendal · 10-23-2006, 05:21 PM

I can't remember the term now!

Anyway, my little one year old pup has it, and she skips when she walks... I was just wondering something. Are there any little exercises that could be done with her little hind legs to strengthen the muscles? It just seems there should be something like that to help it. Humans have physical therapy for knee problems - why not dogs?

If anyone has any advice.... other than no jumping. That's pretty impossible. I try to dive and catch her, but it's a full time job. She has a kitty friend and they are all over the place. I try pillows on the floor, but she jumps over them. I tried an apple crate next to my bed - she totally ignores it. So... exercises?

thanks!

Bruce's_Mom · 10-23-2006, 07:09 PM

Strengthening the muscles will do absolutly nothing to stop the luxation. In fact as in some cases it is the tibular muscle causing the luxation it may worsen it. The only remedy for this is for you to see your vet and ask for a refferal to an orthopedic surgeon, who can advise you if it is bad enough to require surgery.

Bruce is just healing from his LP surgery and is better than ever! I can say this after 2 consutlations it was determined Bruce would prematurely develop crippling arthritis without the surgery, and his was not even so bad to cause extremely visible "skipping".

I do not mean to sound harsh or what not I just know what a problem this can be for many of these little guys.

kendal · 10-23-2006, 08:13 PM

OK. I did takew her to the vet about it (and some diarreah), and all she said was that her kneecap was moving around. nothing more.

kendal · 10-23-2006, 08:23 PM

This 'edit post' thing is annoying me. lol

I'm concerned about being able to afford surgery. I live in LA with a very unpredictable job and I'm barely getting by at the moment. It's down to skipping meals to save money. I haven't seen a doctor myself in ages (no health insurance) but my dog definitely gets cared for better than I do. I just have no idea how I'd afford surgery if she needed it.... jeez, she's only a year old. Why does this happen?! And what on earth am I going to do....??

Bruce's_Mom · 10-23-2006, 08:45 PM

I know it is hard. Bruce has had 5 surgeries now, all of which I have had to finance while I was in law school, and now the bills are plagueing me. The only think I can tell you is LP is not something that has any remedy other than surgery...I would also be skeptical of any vet that does not tell you the exact condition and just says the "knee is moving around" I again reccomend trying to visit an orthopedic surgeon. Usually consultations are not too expensive and if it is something that requires surgery, then discuss payment options.

I do not mean to sound like I am lecturing because believe me I am not, I know how hard it is to deal with things like this...I would suggest that you try to not let her be overly active if it really seems that bad and you cannot go to a vet, because one of the main problems is with use arthritis sets in, and then complete lameness.

txshopper73 · 10-24-2006, 04:48 AM

I agree with Bruce's mom. If your vet does not specialize in these or feel comfortable enough to do surgery, then you should take him for a second opinion where they have seen this and know how to deal with it. Best of luck.

yorkiemalt · 10-24-2006, 04:57 AM

Do some searching here on YT.....there are plenty of threads about luxating patellas. You can also do some reading online and get yourself acquainted with the condition. This will help you ask the appropriate questions for either your Vet or the Orthopaedic Surgeon.

In the meantime, I would call back your Vet and see what "grade" he gave your dog. You'll quickly learn alot and be able to make an informed decision.

You also might want to look into adding a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement to help with the discomfort. I use Cosequin and can find it relatively inexpensive online.

My maltese just had both his knees fixed....one in April and the other in June. He is doing wonderful.....

yorkiecrazy · 10-24-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce's_Mom

I know it is hard. Bruce has had 5 surgeries now, all of which I have had to finance while I was in law school, and now the bills are plagueing me. The only think I can tell you is LP is not something that has any remedy other than surgery...I would also be skeptical of any vet that does not tell you the exact condition and just says the "knee is moving around" I again reccomend trying to visit an orthopedic surgeon. Usually consultations are not too expensive and if it is something that requires surgery, then discuss payment options.

I do not mean to sound like I am lecturing because believe me I am not, I know how hard it is to deal with things like this...I would suggest that you try to not let her be overly active if it really seems that bad and you cannot go to a vet, because one of the main problems is with use arthritis sets in, and then complete lameness.

I absolutely agree with this. My yorkie had both her knees done at the age of one year.
She is now almost seven years old is doing wonderful. We too had money
problems, but everything worked out okay. Best wishes to you and your little
one.

10-23-2006, 05:21 PM	#1
kendal Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 57	luxating ... um... kneecap I can't remember the term now! Anyway, my little one year old pup has it, and she skips when she walks... I was just wondering something. Are there any little exercises that could be done with her little hind legs to strengthen the muscles? It just seems there should be something like that to help it. Humans have physical therapy for knee problems - why not dogs? If anyone has any advice.... other than no jumping. That's pretty impossible. I try to dive and catch her, but it's a full time job. She has a kitty friend and they are all over the place. I try pillows on the floor, but she jumps over them. I tried an apple crate next to my bed - she totally ignores it. So... exercises? thanks!

10-23-2006, 07:09 PM	#2
Bruce's_Mom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 779	Strengthening the muscles will do absolutly nothing to stop the luxation. In fact as in some cases it is the tibular muscle causing the luxation it may worsen it. The only remedy for this is for you to see your vet and ask for a refferal to an orthopedic surgeon, who can advise you if it is bad enough to require surgery. Bruce is just healing from his LP surgery and is better than ever! I can say this after 2 consutlations it was determined Bruce would prematurely develop crippling arthritis without the surgery, and his was not even so bad to cause extremely visible "skipping". I do not mean to sound harsh or what not I just know what a problem this can be for many of these little guys. __________________ Bruce's Dogster Page http://www.dogster.com/?177273

10-23-2006, 08:45 PM	#5
Bruce's_Mom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 779	I know it is hard. Bruce has had 5 surgeries now, all of which I have had to finance while I was in law school, and now the bills are plagueing me. The only think I can tell you is LP is not something that has any remedy other than surgery...I would also be skeptical of any vet that does not tell you the exact condition and just says the "knee is moving around" I again reccomend trying to visit an orthopedic surgeon. Usually consultations are not too expensive and if it is something that requires surgery, then discuss payment options. I do not mean to sound like I am lecturing because believe me I am not, I know how hard it is to deal with things like this...I would suggest that you try to not let her be overly active if it really seems that bad and you cannot go to a vet, because one of the main problems is with use arthritis sets in, and then complete lameness. __________________ Bruce's Dogster Page http://www.dogster.com/?177273

10-24-2006, 04:48 AM	#6
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	I agree with Bruce's mom. If your vet does not specialize in these or feel comfortable enough to do surgery, then you should take him for a second opinion where they have seen this and know how to deal with it. Best of luck. __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

10-23-2006, 08:13 PM	#3
kendal Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 57	OK. I did takew her to the vet about it (and some diarreah), and all she said was that her kneecap was moving around. nothing more.

10-23-2006, 08:23 PM	#4
kendal Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 57	This 'edit post' thing is annoying me. lol I'm concerned about being able to afford surgery. I live in LA with a very unpredictable job and I'm barely getting by at the moment. It's down to skipping meals to save money. I haven't seen a doctor myself in ages (no health insurance) but my dog definitely gets cared for better than I do. I just have no idea how I'd afford surgery if she needed it.... jeez, she's only a year old. Why does this happen?! And what on earth am I going to do....??

10-24-2006, 04:57 AM	#7
yorkiemalt Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 3,468	Do some searching here on YT.....there are plenty of threads about luxating patellas. You can also do some reading online and get yourself acquainted with the condition. This will help you ask the appropriate questions for either your Vet or the Orthopaedic Surgeon. In the meantime, I would call back your Vet and see what "grade" he gave your dog. You'll quickly learn alot and be able to make an informed decision. You also might want to look into adding a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement to help with the discomfort. I use Cosequin and can find it relatively inexpensive online. My maltese just had both his knees fixed....one in April and the other in June. He is doing wonderful.....