Sliding Knees

[Fozzbear]

My beautiful 10 month old chow chow has just had surgery for luxating patella - sliding knees. Both knees are affected but only one required surgery as she went lame on it after an akward jump into a stream (trying to chase a dog that was swimming!).
I'm having loads of health problems with her - she already sees specialists for her allergies and developing entropian (we are keeping an eye on her eyes, so to speak).
I have let the breeder I got her from know about her surgery, as I thought that they may have to think twice about health checks for her parents etc). They have been very nice but said that her knee problem will be a result of me over-exercising her. Now I feel rotten thinking that I am responsible for my baby being ill. Is this right? All the information I've seen suggests that luxating patella is congenital. She used to go out for an average 40-60mins a day but this was an off-lead stroll rather than a full on lead walk, she spent most of it playing with other dogs or sniffing grass.

I tried so hard to get a healthy dog from a good breeder and feel I've failed my dog . I want to get a brother or sister for my chow (on hold until she has recovered from her knee op now of course) but I dont know how I can avoid these kind of problems again.

[PCC]

How could you have failed your doggy if the breeder did not provide a healthy puppy in the first place? She would have problems regardless is she was with you are someone else. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I hope everything works out.

[Victory]

Someone just discovered a post by Melanie from a few years ago that talks about this very thing. The breeder is breeding show type chows, they do tend to have elbow, and hip dysplasia as well as knee problems, they are bred in a matter where they are just couch potatoes. A true chow is a curious active animal and breeding them so that they can't be active is a big issue. To keep her healthy and happy, you're going to spend a lot, on repairing those joints, it's sad but it's true.

To avoid this for the next time, ask to see the tests on the parents, grand-parents and great-grand-parents before you buy your next puppy, if they can't provide them run away. Think about the type of chow you want, sounds like you want one that can run, play, jump and basically be an active dog. Search for breeders who breed for soundness, talk to people who have bought puppies from the, don't be afraid to ask for a list of names. The only way to get breeders to start breeding for soundness is to start looking for them and to start refusing to buy unsound puppies.

If I ever buy a puppy from a breeder you can bet that I will want to take a look at the parents and grandparents, I want to see how they move, can they run and jump, do they start panting heavily after a half an hour of walking at a normal pace with me, are their eyes open wide, giving them a good field of vision? You should maybe google Khana the chow and read about her, Melanie explains exactly why she picked Khana.

[Rory's Dad]

Luxating platella is absolutely a congenital issue and has not thing do with over-exercising unless there was an underlying issue. About the only possible issue that could relate, would be a tendon or ligament tear within the same joint. Its possible that the awkard jump caused damage to the surrounding areas. The vet that performed the surgery should be able to tell you which it was.

A young chow must be exercised to at least a minimal degree. Agree with Victory that its unhealthy for them to just be couch potatoes. I have a dog that was bred for potential showing, and the breeder does go for a mellower, sweet chow, but that is a positive temperment rather than breeding dogs that they know have aggressive or nervously shy attitudes.

Entropian risks should be very visible in the parents. I met with both parents of our pup, and having been a chow owner previously, knew what to look for. You dont mention anything specific about the allergies, but perhaps they are specific to a certain food type or to another medicine your dog is receiving.

Absolutely do the research on the lineage, see any relatives if possible. Without having all the info, not sure the breeders response was way out of line. Insensitive and wouldn't lure me back for a 2nd pup for sure, but at the same time, its definitely not your fault if the dog got injured playing and doing something he enjoyed.

[Fozzbear]

Thanks for the replies - make me feel better.
I did see the parents and grandparents but didnt really know everything to look for - they were definitely couch potato dogs though and the breeder told me that chows dont enjoy or need exercise. Mine has a fair bit of potato in her too but loves walkie-time as any dog should in my view; she particularly likes the socialising with other dogs aspect. I'm trying to find a sound UK source for pup #2 and will be taking my time.
The allergy is to house dust mites and we are getting on top of that with immunology treatment and treating the environment.
My chowbaby is resting after her surgery (and bored!).

[Victory]

Thanks for the replies - make me feel better.
I did see the parents and grandparents but didnt really know everything to look for - they were definitely couch potato dogs though and the breeder told me that chows dont enjoy or need exercise.

Yeah that is a sure sign of someone breeding for show and the wrong type. Chows should enjoy and need exercise. They were originally bred to hunt, guard, pull sleds, even herd. They are and should be all around working dogs, We have got to send the message to the breeders that we want chows of the old type that can work...they will be happier, healthier and more intelligent, (which might be a little scary) if they are bred to work as they were in the beginning.

[Rory's Dad]

Yes, when i was introduced to Rory's parents, they were barking and on alert. Mom was separated as still recovering from nursing 7 pups, but still very alert to her surroundings. We were able to talk to her a bit and relax her to our presence. Dad was thrown right into the mix with his pups (we looked at 3), and was protective, very guarded, but not aggressive. We were introduced properly and he eyed the area and pups. As a healthy Chow should be, he was stand-offish, but accepting for a bit. We spent well over an hour with both dad and pups on that 1st meeting. After a bit, he actually sat with us at the lawn furniture, accepted some light petting, and just kept an eye on us interacting with each of the pups.

[Fozzbear]

Thanks for the replies.
Fozz is currently recovering nicely from her operation - the biggest challenge is trying to keep her 'rested'. She is behaving more like a bonkers puppy now than she did when I first got her, possibly due to boredom (she has suddenly started playing with all her toys that she usually just ignores) and maybe because she is no longer encumbered by slippy kneecaps! Am looking forward to being able to take her out for walkies again in time. Meanwhile, I'm keeping her occupied by letting her sit in the porch and nosey at all the neighbours coming and going. Typical chow curiosity is saving the day!