Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 10/27/2011

Question
Jax is 14 months--he has been diagnosed with a grade 2.5 luxating patella.  He limps most days even with gluco supplements daily.  Lately when we are walking he will just stop and sit down and not want to move.  We have met with an Ortho (from Tufts) and he said that it is poping back into place, but because it is happening so frequently it will cause arthritis.  He said if the dog was older (6-7) he would leave it and just make the dog comfortable, but because Jax is a so young he would recommend surgery.  He explained well what the usual causes of this was (the tendon not attached to the right spot, the grove not deep enough) but with bully's it was because the bow in the back legs is the cause and they used to over correct where they reattached the tendon, but now they are finding that if the cut the femur and straighten it that it is a better outcome.
Jax is definitely in pain--what are you thoughts on this surgery?

Thanks Lyn

Answer
Hi Lyn and Jax,  WE have a Jax too with the same problem.  If it's a 4 or more they need surgery.  You can wait and see.  We can try Jax on a few more supplements to help.  After about 4-6 months you will know for sure if the " NATURAL" has helped at all.
Tufts is the BEST you can find if you do need surgery.

What are you feeding Jax and what supplements have you used?
Also, what meds do you have him on for pain or discomfort?

Let me know...

Marie Peppers LPN MA