She's never had this problem until about 2 months ago. I thougth it was just an injury...running to much on my dad's land when we went for a visit. The vet however, thinks it's a luxated patella. I was curious too as to how come they just now "diagnosed" it. We are very careful with her and she always gets the vet attention she needs! Please don't think we don't. She's on hypo-allergenic food and gets regular check-ups. I thought this was usually diagnosed earlier, too. So, I guess we'll see what the surgeon has to say. I'm going to ask him the same question. Since she has no history of problems. But for now, she does limp severely, and at times won't put any weight on her leg at all.

I'll be very interested to see what the orthopedist has to say. I'll let you know. Thanks for the help. Oh, she has been on total restricted activity for 6 weeks. She's only allowed up to potty and eat and drink. The rest of the time she just sleeps or plays quietly. We've been really careful about that!

Talk to you soon,
Kristen & Madison

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am so glad to be part of such a nice group of people. We are off to the surgeon in about 2 hours. I'll update everyone tonight on how it went. As for her name..it came from her lineage. There were a few Ch. Milcoats Madison and variations of the above so we call her Madison. Although, her registered name is after her mom. Sweet Georgia Brown the 28th. Her mom was the 25th. So, we just call her Madison or Maddie!

Thanks again for making me feel so welcome.

Talk to you soon,
Kristen & Madison

Sorry I don't have any suggestions to your questions but I wanted to wish you luck at the surgeon and welcome you to the board!

- Cristina (& Leeloo)
"the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

and wishing you good luck at the surgeons. Les us hear after talking to him. Hugs to Madison.

n/m

.

Kristen,

I have been meaning to email you but misplaced your email address!! I got my computer back for a while at least. Sorry to hear about Madison. Give her a big smooche from Daisy!
I am glad you found the forum. These guys are great!!

Kim & Daisy

Henry was diagnosed with that too at about 7-8 months of age. He was limping and holding one foot up everytime he stood up to walk. He will be a year old tomorrow and really isnt doing it hardly at all now.

Our vet explained it as the knee cap slips in and out of the groove it rides in. The surgery to fix it basically deepens the groove so it doesnt slip out as easily. He said Henrys wasnt that bad but to take measures to help keep it from getting worse (not letting him jump down from places, or get too overweight, etc.). I started him on Glucosamine/Chondroitin (sp?) treats twice a day and dont have hardly any problems with it anymore.

If it is fairly mild, could this maybe help instead of surgery? Or is it that bad? Im no expert by any means but just curious.

Is she having problems, limping, holding her leg up, etc? You say she is 6 1/2. Lot's of dogs have a luxating patella, it is a "slipping knee cap" in other words. It depends on the degree. Some of course need surgery. But I've seen lot's of dogs that make it thru without surgery and they have it to a slight degree. Of course, if your dog has it, you need to be care they aren't jumping off things or too active, because that will make it worse.

Just wondered why finally at 6 years old she was diagnosed with it.

wish I could help on the surgery questions...but it seems you have a good list so far...and maybe others can think of something I can not...hum?ponder?
..I did want to say welcome and do post often...
and I love Madisons picture..the way she is sitting..gave me a smile too wide to measure....
...where did the name Madison come from?
as in Wisconsin?or dolly madison cakes?or?

again welcome..and best of blessings on your surgery Madison ..keep us posted on how all goes....ce

You'll get some good advice here.. Lots of knowlegable people and a ton of friendly bullies and their humans..!! I sure don't have any experience with orthopedic problems, but wish you best of luck!!

Thank you so much for the advice. I added the anesthesia question to our ever growing list of questions to ask the surgeon! (I'm an over-protective mom..what can I say )

I think Madison and Grover look alike too! I saw the pics you posted earlier!

I'm working on getting more pics uploaded. So, hopefully I'll have more up soon.

Thanks for the warm welcome! We look forward to getting to know everyone! I'll update tomorrow on the decision the surgeon made.

Thanks again,
Kristen & Madison

WELCOME to the "family" Best of luck if Madison needs surgery, I have no experience with the procedure.

I love her! (Personally, I think she and Grover look a little alike! )

I don't have any experience with luxating patella, but the one other question I would throw in there, and I'm sure you've seen a zillion posts on this, is to ask what kind of anesthesia they will use on her.

You're going to want them to use Isoflourane. It's the gentlest kind, perfect for bullies. Our vet didn't even flinch when I asked because it's what they use for ALL dogs, not just bullies. (Grover had palate surgery a year ago.)

Welcome to this wonderful board... it's an amazing group of friend. Please post often. Especially PICS.

Julia & Grover

If surgery cannot be avoided, ask your vet about this slow-release pain patch. This patch can make a world of difference during post-op recovery.

n/m

What makes you thing it is Sub Luxating patella Vs mcl/acl tear/strain?

Why is she having problems with it now since she has never had problems before?

And of course, anesthesia, recovery, pain patch?

good luck

Vicky Bosco & Bella

Bulldog Club of Greater Seattle

http://www.rainyday.net/bcgs