Luxating Patella Diagnoses, Is There Any Other Alternative To Surgery?

I wish I had know this when my 6 month old boxer puppy was diagnosed with TWO luxating patellas in her rear legs. He said that we would have to wait until she was full grown(1 year) to have surgery and gave me no other options. At this point she was grade ll(out of lV) and her knees were popping out quite frequently but they would always go back in on their own. He told me to keep her exercise to a minimum. Come to find out, controlled walks on a slight incline actually strengthen the ligaments. This helped immensely, but he never told me this. So at 10 months one of her back legs is completely popped out and will not go back in. She still has 2 months until she can get the surgery, and his only solution was to put her on painkillers. I decided to check out more natural route, hoping to improve her condition until she can get the surgery. So I read that a raw food diet has worked wonders on many dogs with this issue. I didnt want to go completely raw so I opted for a grain-free diet which I read helps. I also read that glucosamine which is used for dogs with arthritis also helps. She is now on Glyco-Flex lll, which has 1000mg of Glucosamine. Literally, in days I can see a difference. With a combination of diet, supplements and exercise, I believe luxating patellas can be helped without surgery. While this may not work for everyone, please research your options! I was not given an option to surgery and wished I would have started researching this sooner!

I also have had success with switching my pup (pug/ jack russel mix) to a raw food diet. I have recently added glucosamine supplemts and nightly leg massages (the muscles in her leg become very tense). She has improved dramatically. I highly reccomend exploring your options before surgery.

You should not get afraid of surgery because there is no harm in this treatment. Surgery can correct equally the affected structures as well as the movement of the patella. The groove at the bottom of the femur possibly will be surgically deepened to hold the kneecap. The kneecap itself can be fixed on the outside to stop it from moving inside. The bony bulge at the position of the connection of the quadriceps tendon can be incised and then re-attached. All of these measures will work well. Your pet will give response soon after surgery and will be completely in good health in thirty days.

My sharpei/boxer mix had the surgery yesterday for a luxating patella in his back right leg. I was told it was the best solution because he was the same, he's 11 months and around 50 lbs and his knee kept popping out, and he kicked it back but he was diagnosed a month ago and it slowly kept getting worse. I can't tell you the outcome yet since he just came home today. But make sure you have plenty of time to take care of your dog because the recovery time is 6-8 weeks, and since my dog is young as soon as I picked him up and got him home, he's done nothing but try and get me to take him outside, hop around when he is supposed to be resting, and cry. They have him on 3 medicines for pain and infection prevention as well as 2 medicines for his joints. I go back in 10 days to get his staples removed. My dog finally fell asleep so I'm going to try to nap as well because he is wearing me out. I'll let you know how it goes!

My year old lab had surgery 12 weeks ago on his right back knee luxating patella with a partial torn ligament. Now this morning had him to Vet because his left knee is luxating. Can't afford another surgery very expensive not sure what to do?
Sad in michigan

I have a two and a half year old min pin.   She has had knee problems since she was 6 months old.   She has been on Rejuvenate Glucosamine tablets and a glucosamine additive for her food.   She has been on a grain free diet since birth.   She is schedule for surgery on the 16th of July for nothing else is working.   When my dog jumps and then lands and the knee pops out it is heartbreaking to watch her suffer until it goes back.   Surgery is $1000 and they say she will have to do the other one at some point.   For now it is not bothering her so we will start with one.   I am hoping all goes well they say they are good as new after surgery.   My fingers are crossed.   I'm sure in the long run it will be worth it.