I took my dog to the vet today to get his rabies shot. I haven't had any problems with his knees or legs. The veterinarian examined his legs that says that he needs surgery. If that's the case, how is it that he can run the speed of lightning?
2007-02-03 09:01:00 · 3 answers · asked by hved 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
That is one good question. Get second opinion.
2007-02-03 09:08:23 · answer #1 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing the vet probably said it was a luxating patella? If so, this is relatively common. Your dog can run perfectly because this doesn't always cause a problem, especially if your dog is young and not over weight. What happens with a luxating patella is that the knee cap will occasionally slip out of place. When this happens it is uncomfortable for the dog and like the other person said, can pose a problem in the future with arthritis. Surgery is an option but it really depends on the lifestyle of your dog (how active), and if the knee is frequently causing discomfort. I've known plenty of dogs (and cats) with luxating patellas that did fine without surgery. But please don't let me dissuade you if that's what you were considering.
Just another point...I couldn't say if some animals may develop a luxating patella with age, but all the ones I know of were born with them.
2007-02-03 09:20:31 · answer #2 · answered by KD 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As your dog ages, the padding behind the knee cap will wear off due to the bad knee cap. You need to fix it now so your dog will not be in pain later. You will save your dog a bad case of arthritis by fixing it now. Do it, your dog deserves good care.
2007-02-03 09:07:31 · answer #3 · answered by Trollkepr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋