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Post by michele5611 on May 5, 2009 18:21:48 GMT -5
Has anyone ever had a dog with a luxating patella? My dog has a mid grade 2. She is on the cusp of surgery but have heard of mixed outcomes. She is between 8 and 9 years old so not sure if I want to put her through such major surgery. It seems to only bother her when she runs and then she sort of skips and does not put the back leg down. I have tried to limit her zoomies but that can be quite hard! Not sure how quickly it will progress to the next grade. She has been on glucosamine supplements for years and the vet gave me rimadyl to help with any discomfort. I only give her the rimadyl if it seems to really be bothering her. Thanks!
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Post by erpitrescue on May 7, 2009 16:02:12 GMT -5
There are several different surgical options for luxating patellas. If you have discussed it only with your regular vet and are seriously considering surgery, I'd find out if there is a surgical/orthopedic vet close to you for a second opinion. Not all general care doctors are up to date on these procedures. Long term issues with not having intervention done are arthritis (but this will also occur post operatively), and chronic pain/inflammation due to the kneecap slipping in and out. If you tell me what you're surgical concerns are, I can try to help out.
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Post by michele5611 on May 8, 2009 14:36:44 GMT -5
Thanks Garland! I def need to go to a surgical/orthopedic doctor. My vet said he would refer me to one in the area. I guess I will have a better idea when I see a specialist. Do you have any idea how long the recovery period typically is?
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Post by erpitrescue on May 8, 2009 15:01:35 GMT -5
Depending on the procedure, it's two weeks STRICT confinement. Then four weeks of "cage rest" ( a little less strict), and 6 more weeks of "taking it easy". No running, fetching, jumping.
Of course, bullies are ready and rearing to go by week two, most of the time, so the rest of the ten weeks is spent trying to convince your dog they just had surgery.
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