my dog has a dislocated knee

evelyner · ‎03-09-2010

For one week now, she's on meds and the vet wants to wait another week before he sees her. She's 11, in good health. It's so sad to see her hop on 3 legs. Has anyone had a dog who had surgery, I would like to know their story. I don't think I can wait another week, I think she is a bit depressed.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I had a dog that had the surgery about 15 years ago. She was four years old at the time and did very well. She had to have crate rest after the surgery, and I remember carrying her outside to potty. She wasn't allowed to jump on anything. I don't remember a lot more, because it was so long ago. She went to a specialist to have this done, which I feel is very important.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Major Shopper · ‎06-21-2010

@evelyner Is there a reason the vet is delaying evaluating your doggie? Just curious?

pattypeep · ‎06-06-2011

@evelyner is it possible to just reset the knee without surgery? I know that they do that with people. Perhaps wear a brace afterwards? I would hesitate to have major surgery on an 11 year old. Our little terrier has a knee that pops in and out. The vet showed me when we took him in after rescusing him. Doesn't bother him after five years of good exercise in the yard, but when we first got him, he would seem to have issues occasionally.

Sunday

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea-Robert A. Heinlein

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

My 11 year poodle has the same problem, but I pick her up, rub the leg back in place and we continue walking.

seaBreeze · ‎02-04-2014

@evelyner

I am sorry to hear this news about your furbaby.

Last year, my 9 yr old cocker spaniel tore both ACL's in each knee from running. Total costs $9500 which did not include follow exams. I hope your dog is not suffering from this...as it is a 3-month process of rehabilitation, but we could not allow her to suffer any longer. (One leg tore in May, and the other in August from her putting so much pressure on the other leg).

evelyner · ‎03-09-2010

She's on meds. The vet feels that it will go back by itself, bc she's a small dog. He wants to give it time. She does not appear to be in pain, she is pretty smart and definitely is careful how she walks. She no longer jumps on the couch, so we carry her up. One more week of meds, and then we will see. The lady who takes care of her when we go on vacation, and knows a lot about dogs tells me that since she's 11, we should not consider surgery, and just let her be a couch potato. I don't know, I am not convinced yet.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

Guess I do not understand the delay in treatment. If it is a dislocation (Patellar Luxation) it is very common and a very easy fix. While it normally will go back into place, the vet could very easily put it back in a matter of moments. A lifetime of dealing with this issue (it can be degenerative) or a serious injury may require surgery to deepen the groove so it will stay in place in the future.

Torn ligaments is an entirely different condition.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

@seaBreeze wrote:
@evelyner

I am sorry to hear this news about your furbaby.

Last year, my 9 yr old cocker spaniel tore both ACL's in each knee from running. Total costs $9500 which did not include follow exams. I hope your dog is not suffering from this...as it is a 3-month process of rehabilitation, but we could not allow her to suffer any longer. (One leg tore in May, and the other in August from her putting so much pressure on the other leg).

It is very common for both to end up torn. I hope she's all better now and thanks for being such a good pet owner. It can get pricey but they are worth it.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

@evelyner wrote:
She's on meds. The vet feels that it will go back by itself, bc she's a small dog. He wants to give it time. She does not appear to be in pain, she is pretty smart and definitely is careful how she walks. She no longer jumps on the couch, so we carry her up. One more week of meds, and then we will see. The lady who takes care of her when we go on vacation, and knows a lot about dogs tells me that since she's 11, we should not consider surgery, and just let her be a couch potato. I don't know, I am not convinced yet.

I am sorry but if the dog is hopping and not using that leg, it is in pain. I just had a 10 1/2 year old have an amputation done due to a painful cancer tumor on his leg. There'd be no way I'd not do the surgery and try to manage on meds knowing surgery can help ease his suffering. I work with many, many older dogs that have these types of surgeries and do amazingly well afterwards and back to their old selves. As long as your dog is otherwise healthy, please consider the surgery and then be consistent with rehab. Many of our post surgery dogs do swimming as part of their rehab-helps strengthen and keep them healthy without any more stress on their joints. Being a couch potato isn't really fair to a dog, especially one that is normally active, plus it isn't healthy. How would you exercise your dog?