Riley has got luxating patella need advice - YorkieTalk.com Forums

nancyf007 · 09-23-2011, 09:40 AM

Took Riley in for routine visit and his vet said he has LP. I could give him so tablets for his joints it may help. She even popped his knee back into place.
Riley is only 7 months old and seems a bit young for joint problems.
I wanted to have him looked at by an ortho specialist but when I google it just regular vets are coming up.
I live in Ft. Myers, Fl and if anyone could help me locate a specialist I would greatly appreciate it.

nancyf007 · 09-23-2011, 09:41 AM

I forgot to mention he has trouble getting onto the couch and just makes a half attempt to get up. That is what had vet check his legs to begin with.

LuvTaycieGirl · 09-23-2011, 10:16 AM

I am so sorry you are going through this. I have never dealt with LP personally but I know I would look into stairs or a ramp to help him get on the couch or your bed more comfortably.

Prayers for your sweet Riley. I know many on here will be able to point you in the right direction.

nancyf007 · 09-23-2011, 01:35 PM

Thanks for at least responding. I am concerned because he is so young. I would feel better having a specialist deal with this. He hopefully has a lot of years left and I don't want him to battle this his whole life.

Gennies · 09-24-2011, 06:20 AM

So sorry! Did you ask your vet to recommend a specialist in your area? It's very common in little dogs so that is probably why it's coming up like it does in your google searches. Sorry not much help, but I would think a vet would be able to lead you to a specialist. My Great Pyrenees has knee problems too and the orthopedic specialist here said it's because he is bow legged and the only true way to correct it for good would be to break and set his legs in braces.....please know Im only sharing this with you to tell you we chose not to do such drastic measures because the specialist told us he wouldn't recommend it....my GP was 2 at the time and he said it would take about two years worth of small surgeries. GP only live 8 to 10 years so I didn't think that was a great quality of life for him to keep going through. So he recommended we start my healing the ligaments that hold the knee cap in place so for two weeks he had very strict bed rest and started on glucosime and fish oil tablets. Now because he is the size of a human our vet said to give him the same stuff an adult human would take. It's been over two years now and he has done amazing. The key is that we don't let him get over weight and keep him in shape with daily walks. Hope that helps you some! Hugs to your baby boy!

BabyGirl Rosie · 09-24-2011, 06:30 AM

I am so sorry that Riley has LP. Mikki has it also. She is a grade 4 out of 5. However, she really doesn't show that it bothers her much. At this point, our vet said to limit her jumping so stairs are a great option. And if she is trying to jump up to me I pick her up instead of letting her jump. Every once in a while she will sit on her rear when she has been standing for a long time. That is the only time that we notice that she might be having issues with the LP. At this point, we were told to continue to watch her and see what happens. My vet says the surgery is very rough on them so recommends only as a final resort. He also mentioned issues with arthritis when she gets older.

As far as Riley being young for problems, my understanding is that LP is genetic. Mikki is only one years old and I thought the same thing. He explained to me that it was something that she would have obtained through genetics.

I wish I could help you in locating a specialist. Maybe someone that is close to your area can help you out.

I know when I was first told about Mikki's LP I was almost in shock. It was just hard to comprehend everything that was being told to me. I then turned to YT to help me understand. I am sure you will find so many with experience to help you understand any of the questions you might be having.

Hugs and prayers to Riley! Keep us posted!

nancyf007 · 09-24-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I am so sorry that Riley has LP. Mikki has it also. She is a grade 4 out of 5. However, she really doesn't show that it bothers her much. At this point, our vet said to limit her jumping so stairs are a great option. And if she is trying to jump up to me I pick her up instead of letting her jump. Every once in a while she will sit on her rear when she has been standing for a long time. That is the only time that we notice that she might be having issues with the LP. At this point, we were told to continue to watch her and see what happens. My vet says the surgery is very rough on them so recommends only as a final resort. He also mentioned issues with arthritis when she gets older.

As far as Riley being young for problems, my understanding is that LP is genetic. Mikki is only one years old and I thought the same thing. He explained to me that it was something that she would have obtained through genetics.

I wish I could help you in locating a specialist. Maybe someone that is close to your area can help you out.

I know when I was first told about Mikki's LP I was almost in shock. It was just hard to comprehend everything that was being told to me. I then turned to YT to help me understand. I am sure you will find so many with experience to help you understand any of the questions you might be having.

Hugs and prayers to Riley! Keep us posted!

It doesn't seem to give him pain but he is a jumper and I noticed he was hesitating on jumps that would be no issue for him. He is 7 lbs and fortunately I have a lot of stepping stone scattered around so that lil Abby can access more. But he was hesitating at the jumps for even them.
I guess I will give him those joint pills the vet recommended and see if anything changes either way.
It seems Mikki was young also and is dealing with it pain free. Maybe that will be the case for Riley.
Do you give her any joint medications?

BabyGirl Rosie · 09-24-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nancyf007

It doesn't seem to give him pain but he is a jumper and I noticed he was hesitating on jumps that would be no issue for him. He is 7 lbs and fortunately I have a lot of stepping stone scattered around so that lil Abby can access more. But he was hesitating at the jumps for even them.
I guess I will give him those joint pills the vet recommended and see if anything changes either way.
It seems Mikki was young also and is dealing with it pain free. Maybe that will be the case for Riley.
Do you give her any joint medications?

I do not give her any yet. But I will be keeping a close eye on her. If I feel she is in pain a lot of the time then yes I will give her what ever it takes. As of right now, the vet just recommended keeping an eye on her and see what happens. Hopefully it will be the same for Riley. I don't know what we will have to do in the future. But I do think lots of these pups have LP and are able to live happy normal lives!

gidget529 · 09-24-2011, 04:43 PM

My Cricket had LP. In a lot of them it is considered congenital. She had it all of her life. Dr. told me to watch her weight and keep her at a healthy weight (not to get too heavy), avoid jumping, get stairs or ramps for her to get on and off of furniture or lift her on and off. She never required surgery. The vet did put her on Glucosamine Chrondroitin, but I think it is debatable whether it helps. I thought it did for her. She did well w it. She did develop arthritis as an elderly dog, which is common in dogs w LP.

diannenet · 09-24-2011, 05:55 PM

Toby has LP. He is on glucosamine and I have to keep his weight down. He runs and jumps but we do have doggie stairs that he uses to get off and on the bed. My husband makes dog steps which you can see in my signature. A few YTer's have purchased them from us. They will definitely last a lifetime and will save me thousands on surgery hopefully. I took Toby to an ORTHO and it will cost at least $2,000 if he ever needs surgery so a small amount for steps is well worth it if it keeps him from jumping off high places because he fears no evil!!! Toby was on rimadyl for a while. The glucosamine for his joints seems to help. Best of luck and definitely have him looked at by a certified ORTHO

nancyf007 · 09-25-2011, 04:22 AM

I guess I will just watch him for a while and talk to the vet again.
I get so freaked out I can't remember what I am told. I will have to
see how he is rated. If he gave me a number I don't remember what
it was. As long as he is not in pain is the main thing but if it can be
fixed then I may consider it as well. I will keep you posted.

RileyDC · 09-25-2011, 04:32 AM

Yeah.... I would just keep an eye on him.... especially if he is already hesitant to do some things....and then talk to the vet if it seems to start getting any worse.

My Riley went for his first annual exam a few weeks ago and the vet asked if he did any limping or anything and said he has Slight LP in both back legs..... He said it is fairly common in small breeds and most live with it without ever showing any real signs. I do have steps for him and am going to watch his weight.

shodanusmc · 09-25-2011, 05:17 AM

Veterinary Services | Coral Veterinary Clinic | Fort Myers & Sanibel Island Florida

ladyjane · 09-25-2011, 04:53 PM

Here is a link to find board certified surgeons....which is what you want for LP...one that specializes in Orthopedics.

American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Puppies with LP should always be evaluated by a specialist. Sometimes LP can cause their bones to grow incorrectly. I learned that from the specialist I use.

09-23-2011, 09:40 AM	#1
nancyf007 YT Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Myers Posts: 339 Blog Entries: 8	Riley has got luxating patella need advice Took Riley in for routine visit and his vet said he has LP. I could give him so tablets for his joints it may help. She even popped his knee back into place. Riley is only 7 months old and seems a bit young for joint problems. I wanted to have him looked at by an ortho specialist but when I google it just regular vets are coming up. I live in Ft. Myers, Fl and if anyone could help me locate a specialist I would greatly appreciate it.

09-23-2011, 10:16 AM	#3
LuvTaycieGirl Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Salt Lake City UT,USA Posts: 2,726 Blog Entries: 1	I am so sorry you are going through this. I have never dealt with LP personally but I know I would look into stairs or a ramp to help him get on the couch or your bed more comfortably. Prayers for your sweet Riley. I know many on here will be able to point you in the right direction. __________________ Emily and Taycie Love you little girl

09-24-2011, 06:20 AM	#5
Gennies Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,865	So sorry! Did you ask your vet to recommend a specialist in your area? It's very common in little dogs so that is probably why it's coming up like it does in your google searches. Sorry not much help, but I would think a vet would be able to lead you to a specialist. My Great Pyrenees has knee problems too and the orthopedic specialist here said it's because he is bow legged and the only true way to correct it for good would be to break and set his legs in braces.....please know Im only sharing this with you to tell you we chose not to do such drastic measures because the specialist told us he wouldn't recommend it....my GP was 2 at the time and he said it would take about two years worth of small surgeries. GP only live 8 to 10 years so I didn't think that was a great quality of life for him to keep going through. So he recommended we start my healing the ligaments that hold the knee cap in place so for two weeks he had very strict bed rest and started on glucosime and fish oil tablets. Now because he is the size of a human our vet said to give him the same stuff an adult human would take. It's been over two years now and he has done amazing. The key is that we don't let him get over weight and keep him in shape with daily walks. Hope that helps you some! Hugs to your baby boy! __________________ Gennie, mommy to my two loves: Bambi & Bijou

09-24-2011, 06:30 AM	#6
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	I am so sorry that Riley has LP. Mikki has it also. She is a grade 4 out of 5. However, she really doesn't show that it bothers her much. At this point, our vet said to limit her jumping so stairs are a great option. And if she is trying to jump up to me I pick her up instead of letting her jump. Every once in a while she will sit on her rear when she has been standing for a long time. That is the only time that we notice that she might be having issues with the LP. At this point, we were told to continue to watch her and see what happens. My vet says the surgery is very rough on them so recommends only as a final resort. He also mentioned issues with arthritis when she gets older. As far as Riley being young for problems, my understanding is that LP is genetic. Mikki is only one years old and I thought the same thing. He explained to me that it was something that she would have obtained through genetics. I wish I could help you in locating a specialist. Maybe someone that is close to your area can help you out. I know when I was first told about Mikki's LP I was almost in shock. It was just hard to comprehend everything that was being told to me. I then turned to YT to help me understand. I am sure you will find so many with experience to help you understand any of the questions you might be having. Hugs and prayers to Riley! Keep us posted! __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

09-24-2011, 04:43 PM	#9
gidget529 Gidget & Sidney's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA Posts: 3,462	My Cricket had LP. In a lot of them it is considered congenital. She had it all of her life. Dr. told me to watch her weight and keep her at a healthy weight (not to get too heavy), avoid jumping, get stairs or ramps for her to get on and off of furniture or lift her on and off. She never required surgery. The vet did put her on Glucosamine Chrondroitin, but I think it is debatable whether it helps. I thought it did for her. She did well w it. She did develop arthritis as an elderly dog, which is common in dogs w LP. __________________ Mommy to Gidget, Sidney & Cricket(RIP)

09-23-2011, 09:41 AM	#2
nancyf007 YT Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Myers Posts: 339 Blog Entries: 8	I forgot to mention he has trouble getting onto the couch and just makes a half attempt to get up. That is what had vet check his legs to begin with.

09-23-2011, 01:35 PM	#4
nancyf007 YT Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Myers Posts: 339 Blog Entries: 8	Thanks for at least responding. I am concerned because he is so young. I would feel better having a specialist deal with this. He hopefully has a lot of years left and I don't want him to battle this his whole life.

09-24-2011, 05:55 PM	#10
diannenet Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,363	Toby has LP. He is on glucosamine and I have to keep his weight down. He runs and jumps but we do have doggie stairs that he uses to get off and on the bed. My husband makes dog steps which you can see in my signature. A few YTer's have purchased them from us. They will definitely last a lifetime and will save me thousands on surgery hopefully. I took Toby to an ORTHO and it will cost at least $2,000 if he ever needs surgery so a small amount for steps is well worth it if it keeps him from jumping off high places because he fears no evil!!! Toby was on rimadyl for a while. The glucosamine for his joints seems to help. Best of luck and definitely have him looked at by a certified ORTHO __________________ *Dianne Toby Speedy*

09-25-2011, 04:22 AM	#11
nancyf007 YT Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Myers Posts: 339 Blog Entries: 8	I guess I will just watch him for a while and talk to the vet again. I get so freaked out I can't remember what I am told. I will have to see how he is rated. If he gave me a number I don't remember what it was. As long as he is not in pain is the main thing but if it can be fixed then I may consider it as well. I will keep you posted.

09-25-2011, 04:32 AM	#12
RileyDC BANNED! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Washington DC Posts: 4,183	Yeah.... I would just keep an eye on him.... especially if he is already hesitant to do some things....and then talk to the vet if it seems to start getting any worse. My Riley went for his first annual exam a few weeks ago and the vet asked if he did any limping or anything and said he has Slight LP in both back legs..... He said it is fairly common in small breeds and most live with it without ever showing any real signs. I do have steps for him and am going to watch his weight.

09-25-2011, 05:17 AM	#13
shodanusmc BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,603	Veterinary Services \| Coral Veterinary Clinic \| Fort Myers & Sanibel Island Florida

09-25-2011, 04:53 PM	#14
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,471	Here is a link to find board certified surgeons....which is what you want for LP...one that specializes in Orthopedics. American College of Veterinary Surgeons Puppies with LP should always be evaluated by a specialist. Sometimes LP can cause their bones to grow incorrectly. I learned that from the specialist I use. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP