Julie limping and just so sad

[aware]

We noticed yesterday, of course the only day the Vet offices are closed, that Julie was limping. At times it was just a small limp and at other times it has been a full on hop with out putting her foot near the floor. I called a new Vet this morning, we still haven't found one that we really like, and made an appointment.

We have no idea what has caused the limp she's a pretty wild puppy still. We are able to touch her foot without seemingly causing her pain, so we can't really get a feel for what is causing her pain. It seems she has been licking her "ankle??" There is no cut or swelling. Anyone had similar symptoms?

Also, any suggestions for the Vet visit? Anything I should bring up/ask? I have clearly stated that she is a rescued chow and made sure that they were familiar with the breed. I just want to be overly prepared

[Loha'sDad]

Have you squeezed her pads really tight just to make sure it isn't something hidden between the pads?

Loha's Dad

[aware]

We've squeezed everything, but we might try again.

I'm hoping the Vet will have some answers tomorrow. She is just so sad, it breaks my heart.

[kingalls]

How did the vet visit go? It's just tough when our Chow is not well and we don't know what the problem is...

[aware]

Vet visit is first thing tomorrow morning. Earliest we could get in.

[aware]

The Vet visit went well, Julie was a very good girl. The Vet said she has Patellar luxation, dislocation of the kneecap. The next step is to have the radiologist take a closer look at the film and see if surgery is needed. Anyone have experience in Patellar luxation?

One positive of the whole fiasco, Julie doesn't care if there is a pill inside of her rolled up turkey lunch meat treat...

[VelvetJones]

My chow had the same problem when he was around a year old. He jumps around a lot and must have twisted his front leg. He was laying on the ground crying and if he got up he could hardly walk, so I ended up to take him to the emergency vet. They x-rayed him and say he had a small tear in one of the tendons around the knee cap. He had to wear a cast for two weeks, but when they x-rayed him again after the cast came off he was fully healed. Hasn't had any problems since then. I do try to keep him from jumping now. He's a big boy, around 75 pounds, so when he comes down on his two front legs that is a lot of weight impacting on his knees. Still, it's hard to keep him from doing it. His favorite thing is to come running, jump up in the air, and smash down on one of his stuffed toys.

[CoraP.]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I wish you all the best and hope Julie won't need surgery. Let us know what happens!

[aware]

Thanks CoraP.

Unfortunately, I scheduled Julies surgery apt. this morning for Oct. 5th. Her leg has only been getting worse.

We can't wait to get this all over with. It just breaks our hearts to see her in such pain.

For all of those out there who have dealt with surgery, leg/knee or otherwise, any advice for the recovery stage? Have you have found anything that makes them more comfortable? Its going to be an extra long 4-6 weeks.

[Lou_2010]

Hi Sorry to hear about Julie hope all goes well with the op, I have been referred to see a specialist with my Jed the vet thinks he's got a luxating patella, he doesn't seem in pain though but when we go on walks he sits down sometimes then gets up and walks on, he's booked in for tomorrow which I'm quite nervous about as he's had so many problems within the last 7 months he really could be doing without another op he's so happy at the minute probably the happiest he's been for a while n now I feel guilty taking him while he's so happy, Well keeps us informed how Julie gets on with her on and good luck to you both. Louise n Jed

[Lou_2010]

Hi Jed went to see the specialist yesterday to find he had a laxating patella the vet gave us the option of having it done there n then or at a later date, we decided to have it done yesterday as I thought leaving it any longer it will just cause more damage the op went fine and the vet was glad he did the op then as he's got some cartilage damage and also x-rays showed he's got hip dysplasia which may of caused the laxating patella I will be going to see the vet next week so I will know more then. we got Jed home on the same day with his leg all bandaged up poor thing he's on 3 lots of tablets which seem to be sending him agitated at times but then he calms down, last night I slept down stairs with him as i was worried he might rip his dressing off surprisingly its still on he has tried to get it off but I’ve out a little tape round it so he can't get it off! feel so sorry for him as he was in 101% good form before the op but it had to be done for his own sake .

[aware]

Hi Louise,
Hopefully Jed is still doing ok. Julie is having trouble settling down and seems to be in a bit of pain. The doctor was quite confident that she will have a smooth recovery. He noticed that her leg is a bit bowed, probably part of what caused the luxation of her patella.

Julie has no dressing so we have to watch her to keep her from licking her sutures.

Tonight will be her first night, thank goodness we live in a one story.

I hope Jed has a smooth recovery!

[Lou_2010]

Hi how's Julie recovering from her op hope she's well, Jed is just about on the mend now well he's been running round the garden like a mad dog at times so think he's on the mend!!
had a few problems along the way he was doing really well a week after his op and was walking on it then on the 3rd week he couldn't walk on his leg so we took him back to the vets and found he's got an infection in his wound but the tablets have cleared that up now he seems to be walking on it ok but is occasionally lame on it but the vet said that it could take up to 5 months to fully recover.

He's been back to the vets for a eye check up today after having an operation back in may for entropian the vet said his eyes are ok but possibly may have to have more surgery if is eyelid starts rubbing on his eye but this time he'd have a facelift to pull back his skin on head so his skin isn't so baggy on his eye causing it to rub! he has said its a 50/50 chance so fingers crossed he'll grow a little more n won’t need the surgery poor things has so much bad luck he's just turned 1 so I’m hoping this is going to be his year n can have a happy one.