Luxating Patella?

[Jennifer and Simon]

Hello! Last weekend we brought our new miniature poodle home from the breeder. He is 8 weeks old, and comes from a very experienced toy and mini breeder. We took him to his first vet appointment today and the vet diagnosed him with grade 2 luxating patella in both knees. I was shocked since he comes from a breeder with 10 generations of experience and a health guarantee, but I was also concerned that the vet decided to diagnose our puppy with this congenital condition at such a young age. I've asked around and consulted with the breeder, and they all say you can't accurately diagnose until 12 months, but I'm still concerned and going to get a second opinion.

Has anyone had experience with luxating patella or diagnosis at such a young age? I hate to even think about returning the puppy to the breeder if a second vet confirms it, but I worry about the surgery, pain and suffering we will all have to go through! Please help!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I have not heard of it in one so young, but I do think it is worth obtaining a second opinion. I'm sure you paid a great deal of money for your darling puppy, and if you can find out now if this pup has a debilitating condition, it would be in everyone's best interest.

I have a Cavalier who was diagnosed with Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation at age 4. I've spent thousands of dollars on his medical care, with terrific results. I understand though that you are between a rock and a hard place, because even if your puppy has this condition, I'm sure the pup is already a part of your family and owns your heart.

If you obtain a second opinion, and it is different from the one you've already received, perhaps you can work out something with the Breeder that is not just fair financially, but emotionally as well. A good Breeder wants to only breed good quality pups, and they want those pups in loving homes.

How familiar are you with your Vet? Have you used this person for a long time?

I truly wish you the best of luck. I do know about Luxating Patellas and you have some difficult decisions ahead of you. The best possible outcome is that your original Vet is wrong, and you find a new Vet.

Keep us posted.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi!

My almost 4 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was diagnosed with luxating patellas around 9 months although the vet did mention something earlier during one of her first appointments and monitored it (a groomer mentioned it, too). One leg is worse than the other. Georgia also has a serious neurological disorder and I am in debt from that (not the patellas) I have the patellas checked regularly over the years. I'm told that she does "probably" have some pain at times but since she's always had this it seems normal to her and it doesn't hold her back b/c it is mild. Georgia gets acupuncture and laser therapy for her other medical conditions. She is clumsy but I don't know if that is from her patellas, her neurological disease or her hip dysplasia. She is a medical mystery. I would do the surgery if it was deemed necessary but none of the three veterinarians she sees have indicated it is necessary yet (it's been almost 4 years). Just keep the dog's weight down to prevent extra pressure and stress. I also limit her walks to avoid over exertion. Also, I've been told that glucosamine chondroitin can also help but make sure to ask your vet first. I would definitely get a 2nd opinion.

[virgilsmama]

My first dog,a mini Poodle, Miss Yoko Koko, had a luxating patella, one leg. We noticed it early on as she "skipped" around on three legs every now and then. The vet diagnosed her in her first year, not sure but under 6 mos.. She never required surgery, pain was never obvious. She rode horses, herded sheep, raced with Old English Mastiffs around the farm pond, swam in that pond, in the pool and then in the ocean. She did have one litter of four and one was diagnosed early on and did have surgery. That puppy was fine afterward. My advice is don't panic, it is probably too early and your puppy could be fine with the condition. Monitor the situation, our vet at the time was quite experienced so I trusted him completely. Very important! Good luck and a second opinion is wise. We wish you and your puppy the best.

PS also learned a lot about x-rays and health checks before breeding...never did that again! Now since we have rescued so many (four) and have had pure bred pups, some with congenital conditions, despite health checks....Rescue is the way to go for us! But now that I think about it we have spent two fortunes on our most recent adoption and on our 1st rescue who passed last year from lymphoma. I guess you cannot really ever know how things will work out with the health of our beloved pets....we just do the very best that we can.