I got a phone call from the surgeon at about 12:40pm telling me that Chili was waking up. She said the surgery went very well and his post-operative radiographs looked great. I'll be able to talk to her more tomorrow when I pick him up. We'll be given all his therapy exercises and medication when he's discharged (oh yeah, and I think they'll want our money, too!) I'm very relieved everything went well.
I called back the clinic and spoke to a vet tech- she said Chili was still groggy and had his IV in. He was propped up on some heated blankets for comfort. Once he's fully awake, the IV will come out and they'll try and get him to eat some solid food. She told me to call in the morning and check on him. It will be a very strange and quiet house tonight without the little guy. I think Bridgett will initially be happy to get some peace and quiet, but I know she misses him when he's not there.
I may post tomorrow morning once I talk to the staff at the clinic with an update on Chili (if there is anything worth reporting). Expect a detailed update tomorrow night, along with some pictures. Thanks again for all the positive thoughts!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Surgery Day- The Operation!
I dropped Chili off at the clinic at 7:30 this morning. I took 2 bags of food for him, labeled "am" and "pm" (for tonight and tomorrow morning). I also took his blanket and 2 of his favorite toys. They usually give his harness back to me and use their leash to take him potty, but he wasn't used to just a collar and leash, so they readily agreed to use the harness to take him out. I think the look on my face said it all: I walked in and they greeted me and said "Its Chili's big day, how are YOU doing?" I asked a couple questions, how long it would take, etc, and got ready to go. The technician got Chili and took him to the crates in the back room. I could hear him barking when I left, it nearly broke my heart to pieces!
I got a call at 11am from Chili's regular vet. She wanted to let me know Chili was anesthetized and surgery had just started. Everything is smooth so far, and they would call me after he wakes up. I don't know when that will be. They have to do post-operative radiographs before he wakes up, so he'll be under a little bit longer. I'm so anxious- I want my baby to be ok!
I'll be sure to update as soon as I hear back from the vet- thank you for all of the well wishes and prayers!
I got a call at 11am from Chili's regular vet. She wanted to let me know Chili was anesthetized and surgery had just started. Everything is smooth so far, and they would call me after he wakes up. I don't know when that will be. They have to do post-operative radiographs before he wakes up, so he'll be under a little bit longer. I'm so anxious- I want my baby to be ok!
I'll be sure to update as soon as I hear back from the vet- thank you for all of the well wishes and prayers!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Eve of Surgery
So, here we are- the eve of Chili's 'big day.' I have to say he's somewhat clueless, but he'll know something is up tomorrow morning when he doesn't get his breakfast! He has to fast after 8pm, so he got his normal dinner at 6:30, and now only gets water until after surgery tomorrow.
The vet called this afternoon to let me know that Chili should be checked in by 7:30 am, he's the first on the surgery schedule! I'm glad, that we he doesn't have to wait in the cage- he can just have surgery and then be sedated on meds. It also means they have longer to look after him. I'll make an appointment tomorrow for Friday afternoon to pick him up and meet with the surgeon. We'll be going over all the post-op care.
I knew I wouldn't be able to bathe Chili for a few weeks after the incision heals, so I called the vet to be sure that it was ok if I gave him his monthly flea bath tonight, and they ok'd it. Here are some pictures of (a not-so-thrilled) wet and sudsy Chili!
He is now clean and smells like baby powder! Aww!
I have to admit, I'm really nervous for tomorrow. I'm so scared something could go wrong during surgery and he'll never come home. It's a horrible thought, but one I can't quite shake. All I can do is trust the very competent staff at the clinic and our very talented surgeon. And pray. Everyone please keep your thoughts with little Chili throughout tomorrow's surgery and his recovery! Thank you for your support!
The vet called this afternoon to let me know that Chili should be checked in by 7:30 am, he's the first on the surgery schedule! I'm glad, that we he doesn't have to wait in the cage- he can just have surgery and then be sedated on meds. It also means they have longer to look after him. I'll make an appointment tomorrow for Friday afternoon to pick him up and meet with the surgeon. We'll be going over all the post-op care.
I knew I wouldn't be able to bathe Chili for a few weeks after the incision heals, so I called the vet to be sure that it was ok if I gave him his monthly flea bath tonight, and they ok'd it. Here are some pictures of (a not-so-thrilled) wet and sudsy Chili!
He is now clean and smells like baby powder! Aww!
I have to admit, I'm really nervous for tomorrow. I'm so scared something could go wrong during surgery and he'll never come home. It's a horrible thought, but one I can't quite shake. All I can do is trust the very competent staff at the clinic and our very talented surgeon. And pray. Everyone please keep your thoughts with little Chili throughout tomorrow's surgery and his recovery! Thank you for your support!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Chili's "vacation"!
Ian and I went to NYC for about 5 days, so Chili and Bridgett got to spend some time at my in-laws' house, and play with their 2 Boston Terriers! Both dogs behaved well, to our relief!
Chili didn't get to go on the normal walks my in-laws usually take him on (vet's orders). Poor little guy did get to spend some quality time outside in the yard though, which I think he enjoyed. Overall, I think both pups had a ton of fun and got totally spoiled, but like us, enjoyed coming home, too!
Being away from Chili for almost a week, I got to have a fresh look at how he's acting with his leg. Sadly, there was no incredible miracle, and he still has the luxating patellas (hey- I can hope, right?) He wasn't wimpering at all while we were gone, so he didn't need any pain pills, which is a good thing. He's still a little tender around the leg, though. He did whine a little when I touched it, and he frequently looks back at it and licks it. We have 8 more days until his surgery. He's sleeping well in a crate at night now (in preparation) and we cut down on his food, since he isn't getting any exercise, and I don't want him overweight before or after the surgery (I still worry about anesthesia complications, and I also don't want any extra weight on his joints that he doesn't need). He is, of course, completely clueless about what is going on, and is probably wondering why mommy and daddy yell at him whenever he tries to jump or climb stairs.
I'll post another update in about a week, just before the surgery. I'm also making an online gallery, so we have some pre and post surgery pictures available.
Chili didn't get to go on the normal walks my in-laws usually take him on (vet's orders). Poor little guy did get to spend some quality time outside in the yard though, which I think he enjoyed. Overall, I think both pups had a ton of fun and got totally spoiled, but like us, enjoyed coming home, too!
Being away from Chili for almost a week, I got to have a fresh look at how he's acting with his leg. Sadly, there was no incredible miracle, and he still has the luxating patellas (hey- I can hope, right?) He wasn't wimpering at all while we were gone, so he didn't need any pain pills, which is a good thing. He's still a little tender around the leg, though. He did whine a little when I touched it, and he frequently looks back at it and licks it. We have 8 more days until his surgery. He's sleeping well in a crate at night now (in preparation) and we cut down on his food, since he isn't getting any exercise, and I don't want him overweight before or after the surgery (I still worry about anesthesia complications, and I also don't want any extra weight on his joints that he doesn't need). He is, of course, completely clueless about what is going on, and is probably wondering why mommy and daddy yell at him whenever he tries to jump or climb stairs.
I'll post another update in about a week, just before the surgery. I'm also making an online gallery, so we have some pre and post surgery pictures available.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Update
There hasn't been much of a change regarding Chili's rear right leg. He seems to do ok with it, but there are times when he is in pain. This past weekend, he started whimpering and hopping on it again, so I gave him a little Rimadyl in some peanut butter, and he was feeling fine about 20 minutes later (was it the pill or the peanut butter?)
I think Chili's sister, Bridgett, is glad for the break. He plays with her a little less, and she doesn't seem to mind. We're headed up to their "grandparents" (my in-laws) tonight and dropping them off there for our trip to NYC. Chili isn't allowed to have any walks, and I know he'll miss going with my in-laws and their 2 adorable Boston Terriers. It should be a fun vacation for both Chili and Bridgett though.
After we get back from NYC, there will only be about 1 week to prepare for the surgery. I'm still so nervous about it and hope nothing goes wrong! (of course Chili is totally clueless!) We're re-training him to sleep in his crate in preparation for the surgery, and it seems to be going well, he hasn't woken us up yet!
On another note- we'll be dogsitting our friends chihuahua, Desiree Sky, for a little over a week in early May, which is so exciting! Chili adores her, and she's such an easy keeper. I'm hoping he won't want to play with her too much, but that she'll be a good distraction for him after surgery!
I'll post another update in about a week, although I don't expect any change on how he's doing. I'm hoping that in 6 months, he'll have had both legs done and will be a happy, pain-free chihuahua!
I think Chili's sister, Bridgett, is glad for the break. He plays with her a little less, and she doesn't seem to mind. We're headed up to their "grandparents" (my in-laws) tonight and dropping them off there for our trip to NYC. Chili isn't allowed to have any walks, and I know he'll miss going with my in-laws and their 2 adorable Boston Terriers. It should be a fun vacation for both Chili and Bridgett though.
After we get back from NYC, there will only be about 1 week to prepare for the surgery. I'm still so nervous about it and hope nothing goes wrong! (of course Chili is totally clueless!) We're re-training him to sleep in his crate in preparation for the surgery, and it seems to be going well, he hasn't woken us up yet!
On another note- we'll be dogsitting our friends chihuahua, Desiree Sky, for a little over a week in early May, which is so exciting! Chili adores her, and she's such an easy keeper. I'm hoping he won't want to play with her too much, but that she'll be a good distraction for him after surgery!
I'll post another update in about a week, although I don't expect any change on how he's doing. I'm hoping that in 6 months, he'll have had both legs done and will be a happy, pain-free chihuahua!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Date Change
Chili's surgery has officially been scheduled! He will be having his operation on Thursday, April 30, 2009. I'm dropping him off at the vet early in the morning (about 7:30). He cannot have eaten any later than 8pm the night before, and is only supposed to have limited water intake after that. I'm bringing a towel from home for him, hopefully it will be a small comfort. He'll be staying at the hospital overnight, and I go to pick him up in the afternoon of May 1st. They also told me I could bring him some food from home, but they also have medicated food he can eat so it doesn't mess with his stomach. Not sure which is best for him. We'll be spending the next few weeks mentally preparing (although Chili is absolutely clueless!) At least he'll have a nice break at my in-laws next week while we're on vacation in New York. Perhaps we'll get a little stroller for him, since he won't be able to go on walks for most of the summer!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Estimate
Here is a quick post regarding Chili and the estimate we received from the vet clinic.
Chili is no longer taking his prescribed steroids or his painkiller (Rimadyl). He couldn't keep either one down, so we decided it was pointless to try and keep giving them to him. (Although he misses the peanut butter!).
He is limping and holding up his hind right leg more frequently now. My in-laws came down and brought their Boston Terriers, so he had some low-key indoor playing, which may have aggravated things. Its beautiful weather here, and we're sad we can't take poor Chili for evening walks. I think we may buy a little wagon and strap him to it, so at least he can come on walks with Bridgett.
As some of you may know, Chili was featured on a website (that his mommy loves) called famous chihuahua (on Nov. 18th 2008). (www.famouschihuahua.com) Famous chihuahua has recently posted an article about the Luxating Patella, featuring Teaka the Famous Chihuahua. The article is located here: http://www.famouschihuahua.com/chihuahua-health-concerns/patellar-luxation-a-knee-problem-in-chihuahuas/
I was going to try and post photographs of his xrays. However, it costs $25 per xray scan, and at this time I just can't see justifying the cost. We did get the final estimate from the vet for his surgery. Here is what the estimate entails (this is the estimate from our vet clinic and the surgeon. Each clinic in different areas will have varying fees and items. I'm not posting this as a comparison of cost to any other facilities, I just want people to know where the money goes in a surgery. If you think this is complex, you should see one for a person!):
Charges Estimation
Biohazard Disposal Fee $3.25
Fluid Therapy (IV) $72.oo
Catheterization-Intravenous $39.00
Pre Op Blood Panel $52.25
Anesthesia- Induction $16.25
Isoflurance Anesthesia $87.50
Analgesia (Pain Medication) $25.00 - $48.75
Ortho- Patella Lux Repair $1050.00
Surgical Monitoring $15.50
Injection- Single $18.00 - $36.00
Surgery Room Fee $68.00
Bandaging- Routine $18.00
Radiology- Additional View $51.75
Radiology Interpretation $30.50
Cephalexin 250mg Capsules $9.10
E-Collar Tie On $13.00
TOTAL COST: $1569.10 - $1610.85
Is it worth it? I think so. I love the people at our vet clinic and have complete trust in them. Little Chili is totally worth it. They did mention some things may not be needed, such as the E-collar, and we may need more of some things, such as the pain meds. Luckily, we are able to save up for it. We also know enough that we need to save for his other leg in a few months. Some people may not understand spending so much on a dog, but he is our family! It may cost thousands to get him feeling good- but having a happy healthy dog will be priceless!
**NOTE: The estimate posted is put up as an example and to further education only. Constructive questions will be entertained, but any comments judging the estimate will be abruptly deleted. I did not post the estimate to enduce criticism to our vet clinic or surgeon. Every facility has different charges, and after doing my research, I feel the charges in our estimate are justified. I encourage people who get estimates from their vet clinics to ask questions if they do not understand the need for a certain charge.
Chili is no longer taking his prescribed steroids or his painkiller (Rimadyl). He couldn't keep either one down, so we decided it was pointless to try and keep giving them to him. (Although he misses the peanut butter!).
He is limping and holding up his hind right leg more frequently now. My in-laws came down and brought their Boston Terriers, so he had some low-key indoor playing, which may have aggravated things. Its beautiful weather here, and we're sad we can't take poor Chili for evening walks. I think we may buy a little wagon and strap him to it, so at least he can come on walks with Bridgett.
As some of you may know, Chili was featured on a website (that his mommy loves) called famous chihuahua (on Nov. 18th 2008). (www.famouschihuahua.com) Famous chihuahua has recently posted an article about the Luxating Patella, featuring Teaka the Famous Chihuahua. The article is located here: http://www.famouschihuahua.com/chihuahua-health-concerns/patellar-luxation-a-knee-problem-in-chihuahuas/
I was going to try and post photographs of his xrays. However, it costs $25 per xray scan, and at this time I just can't see justifying the cost. We did get the final estimate from the vet for his surgery. Here is what the estimate entails (this is the estimate from our vet clinic and the surgeon. Each clinic in different areas will have varying fees and items. I'm not posting this as a comparison of cost to any other facilities, I just want people to know where the money goes in a surgery. If you think this is complex, you should see one for a person!):
Charges Estimation
Biohazard Disposal Fee $3.25
Fluid Therapy (IV) $72.oo
Catheterization-Intravenous $39.00
Pre Op Blood Panel $52.25
Anesthesia- Induction $16.25
Isoflurance Anesthesia $87.50
Analgesia (Pain Medication) $25.00 - $48.75
Ortho- Patella Lux Repair $1050.00
Surgical Monitoring $15.50
Injection- Single $18.00 - $36.00
Surgery Room Fee $68.00
Bandaging- Routine $18.00
Radiology- Additional View $51.75
Radiology Interpretation $30.50
Cephalexin 250mg Capsules $9.10
E-Collar Tie On $13.00
TOTAL COST: $1569.10 - $1610.85
Is it worth it? I think so. I love the people at our vet clinic and have complete trust in them. Little Chili is totally worth it. They did mention some things may not be needed, such as the E-collar, and we may need more of some things, such as the pain meds. Luckily, we are able to save up for it. We also know enough that we need to save for his other leg in a few months. Some people may not understand spending so much on a dog, but he is our family! It may cost thousands to get him feeling good- but having a happy healthy dog will be priceless!
**NOTE: The estimate posted is put up as an example and to further education only. Constructive questions will be entertained, but any comments judging the estimate will be abruptly deleted. I did not post the estimate to enduce criticism to our vet clinic or surgeon. Every facility has different charges, and after doing my research, I feel the charges in our estimate are justified. I encourage people who get estimates from their vet clinics to ask questions if they do not understand the need for a certain charge.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Moral Decision
In the last few days (even in the last few years) we had to debate whether or not we should have the operation for Chili. How can you decide? I wish I could ask him if he wanted it, and he could tell me a simple yes or no!
We have been told by numerous doctors that arthritis would set in if he didn't have surgery, but the surgery wasn't a sure-fire way to prevent it either. The success rate of the operation is very high, but nothing is 100% or guaranteed. What about the risks of anesthesia or infection? Is it worth it? How can we tell Chili and make him understand that the terrible pain he's about to endure will help him in the end?
We came to our decision. We wouldn't operate if Chili had no pain, and his leg was nothing more than a nuisence. The past week of wimpering and limping convinced us he's in discomfort and some pain, and the vet agreed. We adopted Chili with the intent of giving him a long, happy, pain-free life. We're going to live up to our promise to him. Hopefully, he'll be a happy dog after surgery, too!
The X Rays
I waited over the weekend, and saw no improvement in my little Chili. Even with the medicine, he limped and didn't want to put weight on his leg. I called the vet back, and we made an appointment for xrays on the following Monday, March 30, 2009.
I brought Chili in to the vet at 7:30 in the morning so they could keep him for the day while I was at work. They needed to sedate him (through an IV, not general anesthesia) to take the xrays and make sure they came out clean. I got a call just before noon from Dr. Rodriguez letting me know that Chili was waking up and doing fine.
I went into the clinic at 4:30 to pick up Chili and speak to Dr. Rodriguez. She was very patient with me, and thoroughly walked me through the 3 xrays they took of Chili (I had no clue that dogs had a penal bone, for example). They took 2 xrays of Chili on his side, and 1 of him on his back. It was then that I realized the extent of the problem.
Chili's kneecaps were nowhere near where they should have been. Both were severly pulled to the inside of the leg, the right a little more than the left. Dr. Rodriguez diagnosed him with grade 4 in the right leg, and grade 3 in the left. The answer? I knew it had been coming, but was hoping we could hold off for another year or two. Surgery. Both legs.
The clinic uses a specific surgeon that was very experienced in the surgery. We made an appointment for a consult.
Cost for the day: $264
Total so far: $332
I brought Chili in to the vet at 7:30 in the morning so they could keep him for the day while I was at work. They needed to sedate him (through an IV, not general anesthesia) to take the xrays and make sure they came out clean. I got a call just before noon from Dr. Rodriguez letting me know that Chili was waking up and doing fine.
I went into the clinic at 4:30 to pick up Chili and speak to Dr. Rodriguez. She was very patient with me, and thoroughly walked me through the 3 xrays they took of Chili (I had no clue that dogs had a penal bone, for example). They took 2 xrays of Chili on his side, and 1 of him on his back. It was then that I realized the extent of the problem.
Chili's kneecaps were nowhere near where they should have been. Both were severly pulled to the inside of the leg, the right a little more than the left. Dr. Rodriguez diagnosed him with grade 4 in the right leg, and grade 3 in the left. The answer? I knew it had been coming, but was hoping we could hold off for another year or two. Surgery. Both legs.
The clinic uses a specific surgeon that was very experienced in the surgery. We made an appointment for a consult.
Cost for the day: $264
Total so far: $332
A Turn of Events
We've lived with Chili's knee condition for a few years, he's now 3 1/2. We haven't really noticed any changes in his movement, but he usually keeps the left leg up, like normal.
On Tuesday morning, March 24th 2009, Chili did (what I like to call) a "flying superman leap" off of our bed. All I saw was flying white fur, followed by a *thump* and lots of wimpering. I initally thought he might have just strained his knee, so I left him in his crate (per usual) and left for work. I called the vet and asked for some recommendations. They said if there was no improvement in a day or so, to bring him in for an exam.
Over the next few days, Chili would wimper when he put his rear right leg on the ground (of course, it had to be the good leg). I caved in and took him to the vet on Wednesday.
Dr. Rodriguez at Northwoods Animal Hospital examined Chili and didn't see any signs of a cruciate ligament tear (similar to our ACL). She mentioned taking some xrays, but we took a less invasive approach and she sent Chili home with some painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and steroids. I had orders to call back if I didn't see any improvement over the weekend.
Cost for the day: $68
On Tuesday morning, March 24th 2009, Chili did (what I like to call) a "flying superman leap" off of our bed. All I saw was flying white fur, followed by a *thump* and lots of wimpering. I initally thought he might have just strained his knee, so I left him in his crate (per usual) and left for work. I called the vet and asked for some recommendations. They said if there was no improvement in a day or so, to bring him in for an exam.
Over the next few days, Chili would wimper when he put his rear right leg on the ground (of course, it had to be the good leg). I caved in and took him to the vet on Wednesday.
Dr. Rodriguez at Northwoods Animal Hospital examined Chili and didn't see any signs of a cruciate ligament tear (similar to our ACL). She mentioned taking some xrays, but we took a less invasive approach and she sent Chili home with some painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and steroids. I had orders to call back if I didn't see any improvement over the weekend.
Cost for the day: $68
The Luxating Patella
We didn't have Chili long before we realized something was wrong. Whenever he would walk or run, he held up one of his back legs (usually his left). We couldn't find any source of pain, but we wanted answers! Dogs are supposed to walk on all 4 legs, not carry 1 in the air. We took him back to our vet.
*This is a photo of Chili running with his back leg held up*
The vet diagnosed Chili with something called a Luxating Patella, or a kneecap that slips out of joint. She said it wasn't causing him pain or discomfort, but referred us to a surgeon for a consultation.
The surgeon looked at Chili's legs and diagnosed him with a grade 2 luxation on the left and grade 1 luxation on the left. (The grades refer to how bad the luxating patella is, depending on how easily it slips out of joint, and how hard it is to get back in. Surgery grade is considered a 3.) Chili was just over a year old at the time, and the surgeon recommended waiting on surgery. He did warn us that Chili would most likely need it at some point in his life. We were satisfied with the answer, so Chili just hopped and skipped along like a happy little dog.
Here is some additional information I found online that was published by a veterinary hospital. To see the full article, please go to http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/78.html
LUXATING PATELLA (KNEE CAP)
Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the knee cap either toward the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg. The patella and its ligament normally rides in a trough or trochlear groove in the center of the leg (femur). It is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs.
Luxation may result from traumatic injury or congenital (present at birth) deformities. If the groove that the patellar ligament (knee cap) rides in is too shallow or if the distal attachment of the patellar ligament is medial instead of central, the patella will dislocate medially when the knee is bent. When this occurs, the dog (or cat) has difficulty bearing weight on the leg until the ligament snaps back into place. Sometimes only one knee is involved, but the disease can become bilateral (involving both legs) in 50% of cases.
Patellar luxation is most common in toy and miniature dog breeds, especially Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers and Boston Terriers. It is uncommon in cats, but may be more common than suspected because most affected cats are not lame.
Clinical signs of patellar luxation vary depending upon severity and chronicity of the disease and may develop soon after birth or generally after four months of age. With mild forms of luxation, animals may occasionally pick up the affected leg when they run. As the disease progresses, animals may present with increased lameness with a decreased ability to jump. Pain is usually not associated with this condition unless it is the result of trauma or until degenerative arthritis has occurred due to chronicity of disease.
Some pets can tolerate this disease for many years, some for all of their lives, with minimal consequences. However, this weakness of the knee joint can predispose the knee and even the hip joint to other injuries such as degenerative arthritis and torn knee ligaments, both painful conditions.
Grade I -- The patella can be manually luxated but easily comes back into normal position. Patient may or may not occasionally carry the affected leg.
Grade II -- Patella luxates on flexion of the knee joint and remains out of place until manually replaced or patient extends and rotates joint. Patient intermittently carries the affected limb with the knee joint flexed.
Grade III -- Patella remains luxated most of the time but can be manually reduced (placed back into position). Flexion and extension of the knee joint reluxates the patella. Patient transfers most of the body weight to the front legs, bunny hops or carries the affected legs, and appears bowlegged or knock-kneed.
Grade IV -- Patella is permanently luxated and cannot be manually repositioned. The quadriceps muscle group starts to shorten, making it difficult to extend the leg fully. Patient transfers most of the body weight to the front legs, bunny hops or carries the affected legs, and appears bowlegged or knock-kneed.
Patellar luxation is diagnosed based upon history, physical exam findings, and radiographs.
Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the knee cap either toward the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg. The patella and its ligament normally rides in a trough or trochlear groove in the center of the leg (femur). It is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs.
Luxation may result from traumatic injury or congenital (present at birth) deformities. If the groove that the patellar ligament (knee cap) rides in is too shallow or if the distal attachment of the patellar ligament is medial instead of central, the patella will dislocate medially when the knee is bent. When this occurs, the dog (or cat) has difficulty bearing weight on the leg until the ligament snaps back into place. Sometimes only one knee is involved, but the disease can become bilateral (involving both legs) in 50% of cases.
Patellar luxation is most common in toy and miniature dog breeds, especially Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers and Boston Terriers. It is uncommon in cats, but may be more common than suspected because most affected cats are not lame.
Clinical signs of patellar luxation vary depending upon severity and chronicity of the disease and may develop soon after birth or generally after four months of age. With mild forms of luxation, animals may occasionally pick up the affected leg when they run. As the disease progresses, animals may present with increased lameness with a decreased ability to jump. Pain is usually not associated with this condition unless it is the result of trauma or until degenerative arthritis has occurred due to chronicity of disease.
Some pets can tolerate this disease for many years, some for all of their lives, with minimal consequences. However, this weakness of the knee joint can predispose the knee and even the hip joint to other injuries such as degenerative arthritis and torn knee ligaments, both painful conditions.
Grade I -- The patella can be manually luxated but easily comes back into normal position. Patient may or may not occasionally carry the affected leg.
Grade II -- Patella luxates on flexion of the knee joint and remains out of place until manually replaced or patient extends and rotates joint. Patient intermittently carries the affected limb with the knee joint flexed.
Grade III -- Patella remains luxated most of the time but can be manually reduced (placed back into position). Flexion and extension of the knee joint reluxates the patella. Patient transfers most of the body weight to the front legs, bunny hops or carries the affected legs, and appears bowlegged or knock-kneed.
Grade IV -- Patella is permanently luxated and cannot be manually repositioned. The quadriceps muscle group starts to shorten, making it difficult to extend the leg fully. Patient transfers most of the body weight to the front legs, bunny hops or carries the affected legs, and appears bowlegged or knock-kneed.
Patellar luxation is diagnosed based upon history, physical exam findings, and radiographs.
For more information on luxating patellas in canines, please visit the following websites.
Chili: A History
I figured the best place to start with Chili's story is the beginning, or at least the beginning with us.
We found Chili at the Savannah Humane Society in Savannah, Georgia. He was jumping up and down in a little pen with 5 other small dogs, and won our hearts over immediately. We adopted him the next morning, July 1st, 2006. We quickly became a happy family!
Chili's first vet visit went well, he was in perfect health! (He also had to be muzzled since he tried to bite the technician when she tried to take his temperature. In all fairness, many people would have done the same thing!) He saw the Independence day fireworks with us and loved it!
We spent Chili's 1st birthday (October 1st) in the park near our house. He loved laying in the grass. A few weeks later, Chili met his best friend; Loki! Loki's "Dad" was in a class in school with me, and Loki's "Mom" later became a great friend. Sadly, Loki and Chili were separated when we all moved away from Savannah (there was a happy reunion in August).
We found Chili at the Savannah Humane Society in Savannah, Georgia. He was jumping up and down in a little pen with 5 other small dogs, and won our hearts over immediately. We adopted him the next morning, July 1st, 2006. We quickly became a happy family!
Chili's first vet visit went well, he was in perfect health! (He also had to be muzzled since he tried to bite the technician when she tried to take his temperature. In all fairness, many people would have done the same thing!) He saw the Independence day fireworks with us and loved it!
We spent Chili's 1st birthday (October 1st) in the park near our house. He loved laying in the grass. A few weeks later, Chili met his best friend; Loki! Loki's "Dad" was in a class in school with me, and Loki's "Mom" later became a great friend. Sadly, Loki and Chili were separated when we all moved away from Savannah (there was a happy reunion in August).
*This is a photo of Chili taken by a professional photographer walking around River Street in Savannah, Georgia. He was 10 months old.*
We moved with Chili to Raleigh in 2007, and a few months later, adopted a sister for him, named Bridgett. She's a bit older than him, but loves to play with him and acts like a great big sister! Chili is very happy, and loves going on neighborhood walks and to the dogpark to meet up with other members of the Raleigh Toy Dog meetup group!
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