*UPDATE*
George has had his surgery and is in the process of healing in his foster home.
George had his vet visit and we were told he has 2 grade 4 Luxating Patellas. This can be very painful to walk and he is bow-legged from changing the way he walks on it. We want to help George out and we need your help as this is a costly operation. We have been quoted $1,900.00 for surgery to get both done. George has never walked normally and we can fix this for him. We are including some info on what luxating patellas are, the grade, and how it is fixed at his level. We know we have a great following and are hoping to give George many great years with some help from you. Please consider donating to help with his medical fees. It means the world to us and George. Thank you!
Grade 4
These are pets whose kneecaps will not stay in their grooves even for short periods. These dogs have a hard time walking. Dogs that have suffered this degree of joint damage for more than a year or two usually have pain, and have developed arthritis and degenerative joint disease. They usually walk with crouching stances and stand knock-kneed with their toes turned inward. In the more severe levels, grades 3 and 4, a dog most likely developed the condition earlier in life but never saw a doctor until it was middle-aged. Most of the animals seen by veterinarians for this condition are over six months old, but severe defects can be pronounced as soon as eight to ten weeks of age.
“In severe or advanced patellar luxation, changes are occurring that you cannot see, The slick, bony surfaces of the patella and trochlear groove become inflamed in a process called chondromalacia. As time passes, this inflammation becomes more generalized to involve most of the supportive cartilage and fibrous tissues of the knee.”
Do All Dogs With This Problem Need Surgery ?
I do not believe that pets that limp only occasionally (grade 1) need surgery. Grade 2 pets are a harder decision. They probably do not need surgery either. Just feed them a balanced diet, keep them lean, keep their toenails trimmed short. Give them a chondrotin/glucosamine supplements if you wish. If you do elect surgery for these pets, there are minimally invasive arthroscopic
Dogs carry the majority of their weight on their front legs and seem not to be inconvenienced even when running on three legs. However, patellar problems do not go away on their own - so you will have to judge how much of an inconvenience grade 2 problems are to your pet.
Dogs showing pain, dogs showing the beginning changes of knee arthritis and those that fall in categories 3 and 4 do need surgery.
Post-operative Care
If imbrication was the only procedure, expect 3 to 4 weeks of confinement. If any of the other procedures above were utilized, expect more like 6 to 8 weeks of confinement depending on the surgeon’s preference. During this time easy walking (no running or jumping) is helpful. The dog should be using the leg by two weeks post-operatively though some dogs must be retrained to use the leg after surgery. Physical therapy is in order if the dog is not using the leg after one month.
George is a petit little guy that came to us because he wasn't a fan of the new baby. He came to us with just about everything other than the kitchen sink. They loved him very much but had to let him go. I let them know we will find George a great home. George does fine with kids that are calm so homes with young children will not be considered. He gets very nervous with a lot of activity from them. George is a huge cuddler. He loves to be touching you while sleeping. He also loves to play fetch with his ball. He does just fine with cats and can peacefully coexist with a dog that leaves him alone. George has not been in a crate, but has not had an accident nor been destructive when left alone. If you'd like more info on George please submit your application.