[khangha625]

Hi, I am brand new to the forums so I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section. This forum just seems like the right place to ask my question.

I have a 2 year old chihuahua named Pax who was just diagnosed with patellar luxation at grade 1. He never showed any signs of the problem until he jumped down from my arms and landed awkwardly on his leg, and I immediately noticed the problem. After taking him to the vet they said it's a very mild situation since it is only grade 1, but at some point I should consider surgery to prevent it from getting worse. In the meantime they did prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.

At this point Pax's injured leg is still very operable. He walks like normal and can still jump onto things. It's only when he begins to sprint that I notice him holding the leg up.

Most of what I read suggests that surgery isn't necessary for grade 1, but I feel so horrible when I think about him having this issue for the rest of his life because he loves to run and jump. Is there anything I can do to help him recover and reduce the frequency of the dislocation?

[cigwyllt]

We had a Jack Russell nearly 30 years ago who had the same problem. The vet we had then, a very traditional, old fashioned practioner even at that time, had the attitude that if it caused no pain and did not affect the dog's quality of life he would not interfere.

It certainly never affect Barney's quality of life and he lived a happy and active life for 16 years running on three legs with no problems at all.

You might want to do some research on the anti inflammatories you have - they can cause worse problems than the original issue.

[khangha625]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

We had a Jack Russell nearly 30 years ago who had the same problem. The vet we had then, a very traditional, old fashioned practioner even at that time, had the attitude that if it caused no pain and did not affect the dog's quality of life he would not interfere.

It certainly never affect Barney's quality of life and he lived a happy and active life for 16 years running on three legs with no problems at all.

You might want to do some research on the anti inflammatories you have - they can cause worse problems than the original issue.

Thanks for the response!

The anti-inflammatory we have is Rimadyl Chew (25mg ea.), but he is only taking a quarter-tablet daily.

Anyways, Pax has been a champ since the incident. He uses all four legs perfectly fine, walking normally and jumping with ease. It is only when he jumps repeatedly (excited for treats) and runs full speed while playing do I notice his leg beginning to stiffen. Your story really made me wonder if Pax could still live happily this way, and I think he could. It seems to only affect him when he puts intense stress on his leg during times of excitement. Occasionally the patella will pop out of place at which I can manually readjust it for him.

I'm just going to keep watching his progress. Hopefully he gets well and doesn't develop any more severe problems in the future.

[cigwyllt]

I do think that there can be an eagerness on the part of a vet to want to "fix" a problem "because they can". Scans and surgery have advanced so much since we had our old dog and now there are so many more surgical options but years ago dogs lived with the condition or it was managed. Surgery was reserved for life and death situations.

We all have to do what we believe to be the best for our own dogs but I would hold off on the surgery for any dog of mine unless I felt his quality of life was seriously compromised.

[Yogi]

With Grade 1, many dogs live their entire lives with this with no real issues. Surgery is usually recommended with grade 3. Being that many dogs never advance beyond grade 1, I see no reason why your vet is so quick to recommend surgery. As for the Rimadyl, recent issues including death has been attributed to this medication. You may want to look at joint care meds Glucosamine and Condrotin as something to use in place of the Rimadyl.

[Lunareclipse]

Serious health problems and even death have resulted from Rimadyl. Maybe you can ask your vet to prescribe something different?

[CorkyMax]

Here is a link to a thread in here on Rimadyl: Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL There are 5 posts to read in this thread and with a lot of links in them to check out.

[khangha625]

Wow thank you guys for pointing out the issues with Rimadyl...I'll definitely stop giving it to him and luckily it's still early so he hasn't taken much at all. Is Glucosamine and Condrotin something I can just talk to my vet about prescribing?

[Lunareclipse]

Yes it is. My vet prescribed it for my dog's arthritis and hip dysplasia rather than prescribing Rimadyl because I have a great vet.

[khangha625]

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

Yes it is. My vet prescribed it for my dog's arthritis and hip dysplasia rather than prescribing Rimadyl because I have a great vet.

Thanks! I'll talk to me vet very soon about getting these prescribed.

[Yogi]

It can be purchased over the counter, no need for a prescription.

[CorkyMax]

Was wondering if this thread/posts may be of some help to you---Give you things to maybe check out---This thread (from this forum) is over a year old but info is still good but hopefully all the links given in the posts will still 'come up.'--> Miracle Treatment For Dogs With Arthritis