Early stages of Luxating Patellas do nothing?

[kelsie123186]

We noticed that Baileys back legs were making a popping noise and she was sitting a little different so we had our vet take a look. He said her knees are definitely all the way out. So we said What do we do now? He said absolutely nothing unless they are causing her pain. I thought there was stuff you could do if you caught it early to prevent it from progressing further but he tells us theres nothing that can be done. Is this correct?

[_Chrissy_]

I also have a thread about LP.
It will be interesting to see what you find out as well.
Max's back leg is not "popping".

[Ladymom]

Did your vet grade her knees? They are graded from 1-4 with 4 being the worst. Grades 3-4 should have surgery.

Luxating patellas themselves don't cause pain (unless they are popped out). It's the arthritic changes in the joints that cause the pain. They also put stress on other joints which can cause arthritis in those joints, too. Once arthritis has set in, it is not reversible.

Dogs with luxated patellas are prone to ACL tears, too. Often their front legs become bowed from compensating for the back legs.

I'd suggest you get a second opinion from an orthopedic vet.

[kelsie123186]

No, he did not grade them from 1-4 Thats what I was kinda confused about. We trust him and like him alot but we think that maybe he just dosnt know that much about lp. But he said they are diffenitly out and that his chihuahuas knees are all shot but they dont hurt him so theres no need for surgery.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

There really is no right answer. I would seek a 2nd opinion. You will need to keep an eye on your little one and get regular vet checks. I have heard that supplements may help; I know that glucosamine (sp?) helps me.