Knee issue

[Merlin3092]

Hi all

My little dog suddenly turn sharp on Monday after coming in from worked and yelped in pain lifting his rear leg up. This was the first time this has happened and never had any issue since we got him. It happened twice since and having started to worry I called the vets and booked him in. Having been looked at I have been advised that surgery will help correct his knee as one groove isn't deep enough to hold the cap in place correctly.

I was wondering if anybody has encountered this and did ther dog make a full recovery as my little dog is only 10 months trianing going and loves nothing more than been out in the field

[Sgurr]

A friend of mine had a similar situation and yes the dog made a full recovery - but it was an awful scenario. I won't do blow by blow but it took four operations, two of which failed while the dog was in the vet's care and was allowed to over exercise, but each op was fully charged for. So if you go down that route, research the surgeon your vet suggests as you need a specialist. Best of luck with your lad, hope everything goes well.

[Stacia]

I used to be a vet nurse and have seen this op done several times, as far as I remember, all were successful.

[Merlin3092]

Thanks guys makes me feel abit better about it all. Just came out of the blue and sensed something wasn't right although I don't think he does at times running as. Jumping around the house

[Rookie]

Seen a few, but most notable is a 5yr old cocker who had the op maybe 3 yrs ago and has worked like a trojan ever since doing up to 5 or occasionally 6 days per week during the grouse season.

I own his father, now 8. After finding out about the young dog I checked his father the next time he was sedated and sure enough he has the same fault but to a lesser degree. It's never required surgery and it causes the dog no problem. I can think of one occasion where it might have popped out of place and that was under exceptional circumstances that could have injured any other dog. The cry from the dog was bad enough that I thought he had fractured something.

Unfortunately, I also have a springer who has a slight issue. Again, not requiring surgery but itdid bother her now and then. She could be seen carrying her leg for a few steps occasionaly. Sedated and x-rayed to confirm. I keep her on a joint supplement and as long as she's on that she seldom, if ever, carries her leg. She's my main dog now and works pretty darned hard when she's out.

[Hepe]

The way they check for patella luxation (if that is what you talk about?) here in Sweden doesn't require sedation, the contrary. One reason for me not having pups from Scylla is that she's diagnosed with this 'grade 1' which is a very mild form on one of her back legs. You had to press quite a bit for it to slip wrongly but even i managed after some instructions from this very experienced vet. I was advised to make sure that she got balanced training, strengthening the ligaments, muscles etc in various ways. That way he said, it might stabilize the knee and never cause her any problems, Aside the hunting etc i did choose then to go swim with her indoors that fall and winter, we went to swim once a week. Scylla loved it (i did not) and i have no idea if the swimming helped or not but she never showed any signs of having problems.

[Merlin3092]

I think that was what the vet called it and yeah hepe he wasn't sedated when the vet felt his knee for the first time and moved his patella around. Strangely enough I spoke to the vet today who has referred my little pup to a specialist to get a second opinion and X-rays to see full extent to see if he requires surgery or as you say whether balanced exercise and supplements will help him but heard surgery would be good option with recovery time been quick as he is only 10 month