Luxating Patella

[jude09]

Luxating Patella is a condition that affects your dog's knees and could cause lameness.

According to some sources this condition is commonly seen in dog breeds such as; Pomeranians, dachshunds, toy and miniature poodles, Yorkshire terriers and Boston bulldogs.

It is also seen occasionally in Boykin spaniels, cocker spaniels, , chow chows, Belington terriers, Australian terriers, Japanese chin, shar-pei, mi-ki, Lhasa Apsos, Tibetans spaniels, Tibetan terriers, and Labrador retrievers.

Has anybody experienced this problem? Any more information would greatly help dog owners who have dogs that are experiencing this condition.

[lovemychoc]

Dear jude09,

My 10 month old (got him at 7 mths) now has VERY bad knees and one hip. My Vet said he was born this way,which we didn't know about it when we bought him. This breeder also shows dogs, so we trusted her when she said he was Vet checked and given shots. She didn't take him to the Vet, and I found out afterwards that she gives her own shots!! My Vet just can't believe how bad he is, and that this is going to be a life long problem. It is $1500.00/knee to TRY and correct. We just can't afford that even though he is our BABY. My Vet has put him on Cosequin once a day. He only gets 1/2 of a pill because he is only 3 lbs. I have done some researth to try and find a lower cost place to provide me with this medication, because we need to save money because of this life long problem!!!! I'd love to hear of any other suggestions from anyone to this problem???!!

Smiles,

lovemychoc

[Sarah]

Hi LuAnn nice to meet you. If you can get your dog near some water just deep enough for him to swim, you will be doing him and you a great service. Swimming will help this 10 month old, to build muscle around the weakness to compensate, and he wont' be in so much pain. Ask your vet about giving your dog Calcium/Magnesium supplements, this too will help. For dogs they give it as in injection, but ask them about the pills.

This doesn't mean your dog will not need surgery, more than likely he will. However, I have a strange request for you, but it might work.
Contact "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" they are in Utah. Money is of no object for them, you may have to relinquish the dog to get him fixed, but then re adopt him after his surgeries. Call them, tell them your story and ask them if they can help you. I'm almost positive they will help..

I don't know where you live, but they might even come and get the dog from you. I don't know for sure. Just don't put him down. he's to young yet.

Here's the link to their website.. Best Friends Animal Society - Contact Us

Please let me know how it goes. But if you can get him to water, swim him..

[jude09]

Oh my! I'm very disheartened to hear that lovemychoc. It just pains me to hear these kinds to stories.

Yes, please do try what Sarah has suggested and let us know how it goes.

I will be praying for your little baby lovemychoc.

[Sarah]

Welcome Back Jude! Nice to see you!

[jude09]

Thanks Sarah!

I've been a bit busy with some other stuff. I really missed the forum.

Glad to see that things are still lively here.

[pug lover]

I have a 1 yr old Rotweiler that was just diagnosed this luxating patella in both knees. We also do not have the money to have the surgery. Right now we are treating her with meloxicam and gluecosimine/condroitin. Does any one have any other suggestions to help keep her comfortable?

[Lee at Delayre]

Check and see if your State or local government where the puppy was purchased has a puppy lemon law. In CA a breeder must pay up to 1.5 x the price of the dog in Vet bills for congenital or hereditary problems occuring for one year from purchase. If there is a Veterinary school in your State check it out. They may do it for little or no money if the students do it . Also there are grants
through rescue groups and Veterinarian assn. you could apply for. If he is overweight put him on a diet. If you are using a harness, over exercising him or having him jump these will all cause
or furthure damage the knees

[Sarah]

Brilliant Lee, thank you for that.. I never would have thought about Vet School. This was a couple of months ago, and I haven't seen lovemychoc, since then. I hope she comes in and sees this...

Anyone who has problems with paying for medical care for their pet should try the local Veterinary School, and grants if there are any.