Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our Border Terrier Lilly is about 3 months post amputation of her front right leg and she is doing great, runs around like just before her RTA, however we have found out today that she has Luxating Patella (Level 1) and am worrided about the future as we cant see how she can have surgery on her back limb as she only has one front leg ? I have read up on Luxating Patella and know that it doesnt always get worse and progress to a higher level and lead to athritus but as it seems to have been caused by the blunt force trauma of the RTA i can only think that it will get worse with time 🙁
If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions please reply
Thanks.
Luxating patella is very common in small breeds, and Grade 1 implies minimal involvment. Most small dogs with this condition do not need surgery, unless they have Grade 3 or 4 disease. With Grade 1 or 2 the kneecap will slip out of place at times. She may hop for a few steps until the knee locks back into place but the knee itself is not painful.
Even if she does need surgery the recovery process for a small dog is short. Our 65 # dog Kona had both of her knees re-grooved for this condition when she was younger and she was trying to play the same day. Your challenge is to keep them quiet for 2 weeks until healing has progressed.
The best prevention is to keep her thin, as overweight dogs have more stress on the knees.
Pam
Hi,
My poodle had level 2/3 lux. patella. She couldn't play or even go on a normal walk b/c we were always stopping to carry her. We were considering surgery when our vet started her on Dasuquin, a joint supplement. Within 2 weeks her 'hitching' had stopped COMPLETELY. She has now been on it for over a year without a problem. Actually next week her bad leg is being amputated b/c she got hit by a car. I'll put more on that later. Hope this helps.
Hi jk,
Welcome to Tripawds! Tazziedog is the best, she was right on the money with Chuy when she answered my question here.
Don't worry if Lilly needs surgery on her back leg. Our dog Chuy is missing his left frt. and just had FHO surgery on his left rear. We have to help him with a belly sling for the first few days, but other than that, he's doing great. Dogs are very resilient. Try alternatives first, but if it comes to surgery, she'll be fine.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
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