Would you recommend knee surgery on a 12 year old Yorkie?

Question

I have a 12 year old Yorkie that seems in pretty good health other than he needs knee surgery. What would you do?

It will cost 500.00 to have the surgery

It's a cruciate ligament rupture. And I've decided to go ahead and do it. He's my baby and has been for 12 years.

Answer 1

It would be up to you but consider the following: Yorkie's can live to be 16-18 years old. So he still has several good years in him. BUT he is considered geriatric (old) so the anesthesia the vet may have to use may cause problems with his liver and kidney functions. Being that he is a little dog too, they can have problems handling the anesthesia. If you do decide to do the surgery I strongly recommend doing presurgical bloodwork. This is a test to show current liver and kidney values and see if the organs are healthy enough to handle the anesthesia. My husky was 8 when she had her knee surgery (she is a bigger dog) but still considered geriatric, and she did just fine.

Answer 2

Does he need a cruciate repair?

If so, what can happen with a cruciate repair.. once theyve had the surgery they use the other leg more to compensate the lameness in the fixed one and it can be likely he will injure the other leg.

Not to mention 12 years is old for a dog. I would not recommend the sx unless it is crucial for his health and well-being.

If you do decide to go ahead with the sx, be sure to have pre surgical blood done before hand. Just to be sure liver, kidneys, etc are ok to handle the anesthesia. Also, be prepared for the extra care he will need post-op.

Answer 3

What type of knee surgery? Patella Luxation or Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear/rupture? When considering surgery on a 12 year old pet, always do a comprehensive blood profile. You want to make sure all of their organs are functioning correctly, able to handle the anesthesia and kick it back out.

lydia

Answer 4

i realize thats your good friend and that you'd be willing to do anything. lets be logical. small dogs like that can live for quite a while however he's pretty old as it is. if you can afford the surgery i guess i'd do it. but he;s old enough that you should make sure if you do that that he'll make it through the procedure and live for a few more years, most likely. i personally think i'd have to have the dog put down unless i somehow came across the money for the surgery. sorry. but thats just coming from a fellow dog owner who has no money. if i could afford to do it and the dog is very healthy i would do it.

Answer 5

Well that is really up to you. But if you think the dog is going to be able to handle it go for it other wise I would leave it alone. Once you start surgery's then it seems like something is forever going wrong after that. I did surgery with a lab mix and she never made it 3 months after and before she went in she was fine. So if you think your dog can live with what is going on with his knee I would leave it alone.

Answer 6

If the pet is healthy and the pre-operative blood work shows no problems ,if this were my pet yes I would. Small breed dogs can live a quality life up to 17 years. So yes I would go ahead with the surgery and enjoy many more years with your pet.

Answer 7

possibly...it depends what kind of shape the yorkie's in. Surgery on an old dog is not such a good idea (the risks are greatly increased), but if you feel your dog can handle it, then it's really up to you.

Answer 8

no i would not do it and it has nothing to do with money but would you recommend knee surgery for your 84 year old relative. What is her quality of life - can she live the rest of her existence in fairly good health

Answer 9

Let your heart decide. How valuable is the Yorkie to you and your family?

Answer 10

Absolutely, especially if the dog's healthy. Small dogs can live WELL into their teens, so it's not as though you'd be throwing away your money.