Chihuahua first step one day after double luxating patella surgery

Here is the way I tried to get her to take a step. She was supposed to walk ten feet, but that is just unrealistic for a dog that just had both hind legs operated on. This process is tough, but I hope these videos will help other people decide whether to do the surgery.

This one went to Biscayne Veterinary Center in Miami FL. They have a beautiful facility and the most wonderful and accommodating doctors. I cannot thank them enough for how great they have been to the real patient : ME.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog
• luxating patella
• surgery
• pets

[BreezyYaz]

Hey! She is looking good! Congrats!

I have a young min pin with a luxating patella in one leg who has been hopping off and on for about 6 weeks now, but the surgery is too costly (about $2500). How was the surgery for your dog? Any tips or hints?

[mike2lane]

@BreezyYaz Thank you! Yes, the surgery is costly. I searched for the best Vet, then I rented a state-of-the-art operating room for him. Mine cost $7500 (2 legs), but it was worth knowing that she wouldn't lose mobility to arthritis. One tip is to push your dog to do the exercises each day (note the cut rag supporting her). Also, inquire as to the "new" way of doing it. My Vet performed a rarely-used, modern technique, which every Vet does not know how to do. PM me if you need more info.

[mike2lane]

@BreezyYaz Also, I just recorded her today, so you can see how she runs now. See the video in my profile titles "Tula Running (post surgery)[.]"

[MsENT88]

My chihuahua may need this surgery. Would you say Tula is 100% recovered from her surgery?

[mike2lane]

@MsENT88 Yes, she is 100% recovered. Her right leg does a little hop every 25-30 steps when she runs, but otherwise, she is perfect. The Vet said that is normal post-grade-4. Surgery majorly improved her life. I flew in an independent Vet, who does a "modern" lux. pat. surgical method, then I researched and rented an OR at a new, state-of-the-art clinic here in Miami. Thus, make sure your Vet does the "new" way...if not, search one out, and just rent the O.R. yourself. Good luck!

[marlobydesign]

How is your Chihuahua doing now? Thanks for posting this as my Chihuahua may need this - he is walking on three legs right now and I think he is in pain. Almost 9 yrs old and keeps moving his right leg up??

[mike2lane]

@marlobydesign Sorry for a delay. Tula is doing so well, I forgot about youtube. In the left leg (grade 3 before), she is 100% perfect. She runs, and she neither skips nor whimpers in pain. In the right knee (grade 4 before), she does lift it while running - very minor though. The Vet took another X-ray at my request, and found that Tula's right knee is definitely NOT luxating. The current theory is that Tula had this condition since birth, so she may lift it out of mere muscle memory.

[mike2lane]

@ashleyyvictoria Yes, she is doing much better. The right leg was worse, which apparently the doctors could not tell from x-rays. That right leg is stil picked up now and again when she walks, but it is nothing like pre-surgery. The doctor told me that the one that was worse just takes a little longer to heal. She is now back to bouncing around and using the little steps to get on the bed and couch. Every now and then, she gets cramped and would rather be carried (don't we all, lol).

[ashleyyvictoria]

I'm still trying to decided if this surgery will be worth it for my chihuahua. How is your chihuahua doing now?

Is she better now?