Need advice from you guys who have experienced this.

[pippersmom]

I've noticed lately when I wipe off Pippers back feet after being outside that his legs crack and I just knew this probably wasn't good. When I had him for his yearly checkup at the vet this morning, she checked the legs for me and confirmed my suspicions....luxating patella in both legs. She said that the groove where the patella sits (hope I'm saying this right) isn't a groove at all, its completely flat. She said this may never cause a problem or he could get arthritis or worse..... surgery eventually. So far (knock on wood) he has never showed an indication of anything being wrong. Can you guys who have experience with this please tell me what to expect. I'm really upset over this right now. The thoughts of him having problems someday just about kills me.

[maltese manica]

I personally dont have any experiance with this, but know that my friend has a 2 pound chiuhuia and she has the same problem. Our vet told her to take Sasha's blend which helps with her legs.................. Did you speak to the vet about supplements or alternatives???? I am soo sorry Hugs to you and Pipper!!!!

[pippersmom]

Originally Posted by maltese manica

I personally dont have any experiance with this, but know that my friend has a 2 pound chiuhuia and she has the same problem. Our vet told her to take Sasha's blend which helps with her legs.................. Did you speak to the vet about supplements or alternatives???? I am soo sorry Hugs to you and Pipper!!!!

The vet talked about using supplements IF he started showing any symptoms of pain or stiffness.

[Yogi's Mom]

Iam So Sorry for Piper-I Hope It Says The Same And Nevers Gets Worse.
I Thought it was just me-Yogi is 10mo--i hear that cracking also. Gee One more thing to worry about. Well i just added that to the vets list for today.
I Just Cannot take all the medical stuff-I had no Idea!!!
I Love My Little Boy So Much. Nickee&Yogi in Pa*

[maltese manica]

I wonder why he wont give him the supplements now????? Just to let you know we are having a all about pet show at the international center I belive in March.......... they will have diffrent breeders there showing and as well diffrent vendors........you should go and ask them questions to see what they would recommend................

[Kathleen]

Poor Pipper. I am glad that it sounds like he isn't having any pain. You must be so worried. I am just going through this with my Max too. He was diagnosed a couple of months ago with it in both knees. The vet said he is too young to even consider surgery, and she recommended some supplements.
He was holding one leg up when he runs, so she said that it probably hurts him. She recommended a supplement for the pain (a combination of herbs that reduces inflammation), and also that we start him on a glucosamine supplement right away. He has been taking Dasuquin with MSM. There has been a huge improvement since he started taking the supplements, so I am hoping we can manage it and avoid surgery. He doesn't hold his leg up any more. You might want to ask your vet if any of the supplements can help prevent inflammation and pain.
I know how you feel. It is very upsetting to think of them having any pain, and the possibility of surgery is just awful. I am trying to do whatever I can to avoid that!
My very first Maltese, Molly, had luxating patellas too, and it never became a problem for her. She did develop some arthritis when she was 15, but up to that point they never seemed to bother her. So it is definitely possible that it will never be a serious problem. I hope that is the case for Pipper.

[pippersmom]

Originally Posted by Kathleen

Poor Pipper. I am glad that it sounds like he isn't having any pain. You must be so worried. I am just going through this with my Max too. He was diagnosed a couple of months ago with it in both knees. The vet said he is too young to even consider surgery, and she recommended some supplements.
He was holding one leg up when he runs, so she said that it probably hurts him. She recommended a supplement for the pain (a combination of herbs that reduces inflammation), and also that we start him on a glucosamine supplement right away. He has been taking Dasuquin with MSM. There has been a huge improvement since he started taking the supplements, so I am hoping we can manage it and avoid surgery. He doesn't hold his leg up any more. You might want to ask your vet if any of the supplements can help prevent inflammation and pain.
I know how you feel. It is very upsetting to think of them having any pain, and the possibility of surgery is just awful. I am trying to do whatever I can to avoid that!
My very first Maltese, Molly, had luxating patellas too, and it never became a problem for her. She did develop some arthritis when she was 15, but up to that point they never seemed to bother her. So it is definitely possible that it will never be a serious problem. I hope that is the case for Pipper.

We go back in 2 weeks for more shots (we don't get all the shots at once) so I will ask more about supplements then. She didn't seem to think he needed anything right now but of coarse, I'm going to do nothing but worry. It helps to know that your Molly never had any problems.

[edelweiss]

It might be a good idea to hit the search button & read about this important issue. Some of us could write a book on this topic! I hope your baby's problem never develops into anything more serious. It is common to the breed, but Kitzel is my only one that ever had any issues w/LP.

[Kathleen]

Here is a good article by Dr. Karen Becker.
Floating Kneecaps or Luxating Patella in Dogs
She recommends giving supplements right away even for minor cases, in hopes of preventing future surgery.
She also recommends exercises. Our vet did give me a couple of exercises for Max to do. It helps to build up the muscle around the knees to keep the kneecap in place. He climbs hills, and I also have him stand and I lift up his "good" back leg and make him put his weight on his "bad" leg to build the muscle around the knee.
Our vet is a holistic vet who believes strongly in nutrition and supplements. I know not all vets are the same way and sometimes you have to push themm in that direction if you think it is best. I would think supplements definitley can't hurt as long as the vet says okay.

[Sylie]

Other people with more experience can tell you what to do or look for. I can just tell you that one of my bichon's had a loose patella. Sometimes, he would skip when we were walking. I could also hear a sound when I moved his leg. Rather than getting worse over time, it seemed to be less noticeable as he got older. He never developed arthritis.

There are measurable degrees, I'm just here to offer hope that it may never become a major problem.

Sandi, has a different story. If she hasn't already posted, I'm sure she will.