Why surgery wasn't recommended for bilateral luxating patellas in dog?
I have a 4yr old Lhasa Mix that weights 20lbs, his knees have always been bad. The second vet graded both knees a 3 and they luxate in and out!! She didnt recommend surgery just recommended Adequan Inj's which have been working well. Maybe once a month he needs Metacam usually a day or two before his inj. I am wondering why neither dr recommended surgery for him, and should I pursue it more, or treat him as I have been. He gets Glucomine/MSM treats and Omega 3 treats daily. He plays like crazy and only hesitates on steps when its getting close to his inj. Thank You
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By: Kara McCarty El Segundo, CA
Replied on 04/19/2011Dogs with luxating patellas can be treated successfully with surgery or medication. Usually dogs with grade III or IV luxating patellas require surgery to keep them comfortable and functional, however there are exceptions to every rule and your dog may be the exception. He sounds as if he is doing very well without surgery and that may be why no one has recommended it. Some dogs with surgery don't achieve the comfort level he has. Luxating patellas usually worsen over time so it may be that initially he was a grade I or II, and those dogs often do well with medication alone. Adequan injections have few side effects and that's not always true with surgery. Some dogs relapse after surgery, some get secondary bone infections, and some have significant pain after surgery. Your dog may need surgery in the future but I wouldn't rush in now given how well he is doing. Keep up with the glucosamine/MSM and omega 3 treats and watch him closely for signs of increased discomfort. Kara, DVM
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