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Post by rosiesmum on Aug 17, 2011 7:56:33 GMT
I don't think any dog should have to live with a grade 4 PL or live it's life out hopping around on three legs when surgery could correct it Jago is 9 now and an active happy little guy, loves his walks and playing ... it would break my heart to see him hopping around as he was in the days before surgery ... only about 3 days and that was enough poor little lad.
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Post by Kristi on Aug 18, 2011 4:10:07 GMT
I think it is an owner's individual decision what they will do. Some people never have it corrected and the dogs do okay even at 13 or 14 years old. Surgery is way over done. I would NEVER do surgery on a grade 1/2, it just depends on the dog though.
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Post by Sarah on Aug 18, 2011 6:36:37 GMT
No I agree Kristi it is the owners decision and a 1/2 I totally agree with you but a 4 takes the biscuit!!!! The poor dogs end up totally lame and in pain riddled with arthritis and arthritis is painful enough itself!!!
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Post by lisajazz on Aug 18, 2011 7:02:48 GMT
Pixel was 3 or 4, her leg was never in and she hopped along on 3 legs with the one of them twisted under her. My mum gave me a hard time for putting her through the surgery saying she was fine on 3 legs but my thinking was what if her other leg goes? My vet said having it that bad at her age - despite getting it through an injury - meant she had 'weak knees' and if she was going about on get good back leg all the time doesn't it make it more likely to go faster? So if she ended up having 2 legs she can't use at once how awful would that be? It's quite remarkable to see her using that leg again. If I let her she'd be business as usual and would have been from the end of the first week. So the rehab time where we build up the muscles and the recovery time in the scheme of the rest of her life is nothing - Pixel is not even 1 (birthday 30th Aug) That said I am trying to stop her other knee happen with salmon oil, glucosamine and so forth - fingers crossed.
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Post by lisajazz on Aug 18, 2011 7:08:52 GMT
Oh and I meant to add that her grooves weren't deepened as that wouldn't have worked apparently - she has pins and other stuff going on. He also said Chi's dont always have strong bones, sometimes they are soft but that hers were lovely and strong.
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Post by rosiesmum on Aug 18, 2011 12:55:44 GMT
Oh and I meant to add that her grooves weren't deepened as that wouldn't have worked apparently - she has pins and other stuff going on. He also said Chi's dont always have strong bones, sometimes they are soft but that hers were lovely and strong. Good to hear you have a vet that knows what they are doing with patella surgery Pleased she has done well, all dogs deserve to be able to run and walk on four strong legs! I hate it when I see poor dogs hopping and skipping along on three Personally I'd repair any patella luxation that was causing a dog to have an abnormal gait or that was likely to progress, so anything over 2 should be corrected promptly in my mind. Such an expensive operation, insurance rally is a MUST for any Chihuahua owner these days ... in my opinion
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Post by lisajazz on Aug 18, 2011 13:48:48 GMT
I wouls have been devastated to be caught without insurance, her cheque arrived yesterday so we can pay back the costs for the op.
I hope my vet knows what he's doing - we'll see I guess but right now she uses her leg and wasn't at all beforehand.
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Post by Paula on Aug 18, 2011 14:13:11 GMT
I think it is an owner's individual decision what they will do. Some people never have it corrected and the dogs do okay even at 13 or 14 years old. Surgery is way over done. I would NEVER do surgery on a grade 1/2, it just depends on the dog though. After dealing with LP for awhile now and learning more about it then I wish I ever had to, this is my feeling as well. I had a well respected orthopedic surgeon tell me it's an overdone surgery and I do think he is correct. I really don't think LP = surgery. It really solely depends on the dog and how they use the leg. Some dogs with a grade 2 will do worse and not use the leg, and then you'll have dogs with a grade 3 and they'll use the leg fine. Sounds strange, but according to the ortho I spoke with, it's often the case. I personally believe it really needs to be treated as a case by case situation. Sometimes LP can be handled fine using supplements and exercising and strengthening the leg muscles.
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