It's time to explore options...

[Parajaka]

My dog (Pomeranian) was diagnosed with Luxating Patellas in both rear legs at the age of 12 weeks.

Surgery was never done - he has never had any problems. He's now five years old and still an extremely playful/active pup.

I've heard too many things about the surgery and I had opted not to do it.

People had said the most common surgery (tightening of the ligaments) never works/lasts. The true, corrective surgery is supposedly twice as much.

I'm really just trying to explore options to protect him in his future. I don't know what it is that I need to do. Whether I need to look into surgery again (he shows no signs that he needs it), or simply look into a medication that will help prevent the oncoming of further deterioration & arthritis.


I want my pup to be around for a long time to come.

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

Is he on a good premium quality diet? I would maybe look into a good glucosamine and chronidin supplement for him, keep his/her weight down and excercise and keep him in nice shape but nothing to strenuous It's sounds like the poor baby is the product of a BYB A reputable breeder would have never of bred a bitch who had that problem. Did you ever consult the breeder when your pup was diagnosed? Good luck and would love to see picks of your baby

 

[carlar]

Not all dogs who develop Luxating Patellas come from BYB's but I feel like some vets are too quick to choose the surgery option. I have not heard of many surgeries that ended up successful for long term. It would have to be very bad before I would choose that option.

 

[Parajaka]

Good weight, active, great diet.

I have heard of glucosamine, not sure about the chronidin, though. Would I need to consult our vet before starting him on any type of supplement like that?

I feel like some vets are too quick to choose the surgery option. I have not heard of many surgeries that ended up successful for long term. It would have to be very bad before I would choose that option.

This is what I have heard as well. I've heard two different types of corrections that can be done. And the first one not being an accurate correction.

My main concern sticks with his future. I wasn't necessarily aware that surgery could be preformed after it worsens. I'm more aware of the possibility of further deterioration of the joint & the oncoming of arthritis (not now, of course. He's only five)

 

[bubbatd]

How about swimming ?

 

[Doberluv]

No amount of chondroiton or diet is going to change the anatomy of the socket. That's where the problem lies. It's not a matter of unhealthy joint material. The socket is simply too flat to hold the bone in place. My boy Chi had the surgery and it lasted for quite a while, but is not holding as well now. However, so far, he's not having too much of a problem. He may need it again sometime. It was a surgery where a notch was cut in the socket and some type of suture material was wrapped in an intricite or elaborate way around the part that goes into the notch. I can't explain or even remember exactly. I'm sure if the joint is constantly subjected to friction, that can indeed cause more problems down the road and the chondroiton and good diet can only help in that way, but it's not going to change the fact that there is constant and aggressive wear and tear on the ball and socket situation. I would recommend the surgery if the dog is having a lot of pain and trouble with the patella popping out of place.