Quetions

[Stressmagnet]

Ernie wants a 'Piggy Oinker'! What is it and where can he get one??

[Monchichi]

hope the link work, stressmagnetMy link

you will find it either at Coles or Wollies in dog toy section, Purina Total Care Toy Mini Oinker. Some independent groceries also sell this. I bought this toy as 1st ever item for her, before she even arrived (just shortly after I confirmed to the breeder I wanted my name on the waiting list)

probably that's why she is so attached with her piggy hehehe....apparently not all dogs love this piggy.

I have a collection, from size (large and small) to colours now..

[Brookestar]

Fish oil is something that has natural anti inflammatory properties in it. Not going to do anything to prevent anything. Glucosamine long term is not going to do any damage, it is not given in large enough quantities for it to hurt. I also agree with what CavNrott said, in that Glucosamine will be much more effective, when combined with chondroitin and MSM

The key to tiring a dog out is mental stimulation. Walking them in different places, with lots of things going on around them is more tiring, than walking through a park. It is all the sights, sounds and smells that tire them out. Making them earn their food, so feeding them via food toys is also going to assist to tire them out. The other reality is that dogs need to be taught how to settle down, and usually will when they are taught to do so. Sometimes they can get too much stimulation and be unable to settle themselves easily.

[PeiLuvR]

Hi Monchichi, CavNrot, Powerlegs

I have not used Dol for quite some time.

I have a chihuahua now. (And Shar Pei too)

My chihuahua was diagnosed with grade 1-2 LP in both legs when she was just a tiny speck, age 6months. I was a bit shocked and hesitant about surgery so young.

The first vet advised doing both knees within her first year.

I decided to wait until my dog showed any discomfort or pain. The occasional pop out and pop back in hasn't bothered her.

She is a super speedy little thing on walks and likes to chase the big dogs without issue.

Once in a blue moon, after a lengthy walk, recently she refuses to jump onto the bed (can usually do with ease) and will cry to be lifted up.

Aged 2.5 now another vet has said she definitely has grade 3 Luxating pattella In her left leg.

My concern is neither vet has ever mentioned doing X- Rays and are willing to book her in with short notice.

I'd like some advice on reputable surgeons preferably small breed LP surgery.

I also know it can be an expensive surgey, wondering if the size and weight of dog can vary the cost?

Sorry for the highjack Monchchi

[cavNrott]

Hi PeiLuvR. Great to hear from you again after all this time. I hope you stick around.

The only vets I would recommend are the ones the Specialist Veterinary Centre, the ones I suggested to Monchichi. I wouldn't let a GP type vet do this surgery.

My neighbour had a SWF who was diagnosed with LP, not sure of the grade, and she had a fairly well known vet do the surgery on one leg and a couple of weeks later on the other leg. This dog was still skipping and hopping when they sold their house three years later. I'd rate those surgeries as a dismal failure.

Not sure if the size/weight of the dog would have any bearing on the cost of the surgery. The same skill is necessary if the surgery is to be successful whatever the size of dog. Not sure if the anaesthesia cost would make a difference.

Re: xrays. Maybe manual manipulation is telling the vet all he needs to know. I doubt there would be much to see on xray that couldn't be felt on manipulation.

[PeiLuvR]

Hi CavNrott

Thanks for replying quickly.

Violetta's regular vet is in West Footscray and he specialises in chihuahuas but isn't a 'specialist' as such.

We have had a second opinion in Altona/Williamstown. Again no X-rays required.

I guess I feel X-rays would be beneficial to compare against but perhaps you're right in that they have already felt and distinguished the issue.

I am not familiar with the specialist centre in Essendon but I will definitely research Pete Laverty.

I have not visited the Victoria Werribee University Veterinary school for some time (Millicent's passing)

and don't know which vets are currently recommended.

I have Pet insurance, just want the best surgeon for my little brat lol

Thanks again

[Monchichi]

Hi PeiLuvR,

from what I heard of my friends who had Grade 3 above LP issue, surgery is the best way to go.

especially if your dog is showing the pain.

mine was quoted $1700 for one leg (as mine only affected in one leg) with surgeon that comes in to my vet clinic in Glen Iris.

specialist quoted me around $3200-$3300 for that one leg.

I might be sound stubborn...but if ever X-ray can show and tell how bad the patella issue is, then I will insist the vet to do so. Though probably it might cost me more.

unfortunately, as per my earlier post, 4 vets I had met and none of them suggesting X-ray, just based on touch and adjusting the leg.

honestly, I didn't even think on x-ray stuff until I posted here and Powerlegs mentioned it.

My next move, if I ever need to see specialist then I will contact Dr Pete Laverty as suggested by CavNrott.

Let me know how you go with your pet insurance and the surgery if you are doing it :)

Pst...I think some of these Vets that I met, probably thought I'm crazy dog owner who overthinking of worst scenario etc and they probably thought luxating patella is just one common issue in dogs which not a bigger worry compared to broken leg or hips dysplasia etc. But hey...I love my dog, any little issue with her of course I'm concerned and as DDD said earlier...something has been cut cannot be uncut..so I have to take extra precautions if I can. :D

Edited April 27, 2015 by Monchichi