Yesterday my boyfriend took my dog to the vet and she recommeded that my dog either A) be put on medication to stall the onset of Arthritis or B) Have surgery for luxating Patella (at $1500 per knee)
Here's the catch: My dog is very active, happy, and healthy. I have never noticed any symptoms of luxating patella at all!! I'm suspicious that the vet is trying to make a sale.
Has anyone else experienced this type of situation?
I'm definitely going to get a second opinion, and if they disagree I'm switching vets.
2006-11-10 07:56:28 · 5 answers · asked by tashatactics 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your dog might not be showing signs now, but believe me, he will. It's best to take care of the problem now. It will only get worse. I highly doubt your vet is snowing you. Get the second opinion though, because I don't know your vet. He may very well be a con artist. Probably not, but do what you feel is best. You know your pet better than anyone. Good luck!
2006-11-10 08:02:12 · answer #1 · answered by blondeqtpie13 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Luxating patella is a big deal for a dog--where did you get him? You should let his breeder know asap of the problem, as it is genetic.
Get a second opinion from another vet just to be sure, and to shop the rates for the surgery. Learn all you can about the condition so you can decide what to do. I do not know if earlier treatment is related to a better outcome, but I do know that once symptoms become present, you will be unable to ignore the condition.
2006-11-10 08:06:29 · answer #2 · answered by angiesmom32 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My little chi has luxating patellas....both knees. She is scheduled to have the first one fixed Wed. She is two and has had this problem for about a year. As it gets colder I can tell it bothers her a bit more. She doesn't act like she is in pain because the kneecap stays out more than in. It will only hurt when the knee cap sildes across the bone and pops out/in. Once it is out/in, it doesn't hurt. Move her leg up and down and you should be able to feel the knee cap pop. Good Luck!
2006-11-10 08:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely get a second opinion. I know that in my area, there are orthopedic vet specialist. There are probably some by you to. Talk to them before deciding on surgery. If you thought you needed knee surgery, would you just listen to your primary care MD or speak with an Orthopedic MD too?
2006-11-10 08:06:40 · answer #4 · answered by henry9tx8 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this can be VERY painful. did you get a explanation of what is going on????? the knee does not have a groove big enough in it to hold the knee cap and it slips out.....doesn't that sound painful??????????????????????????????? If you would like to try the meds I think that is something to start with but, in the near future you may have to have the surgery done before MORE pain occurs.
2006-11-10 09:33:53 · answer #5 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋