Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 1 1/2 year old Yorkie was a grade IV with both knees.
We had the surgery done by a Board Certified Surgeon.
The one knee is fine but the second knee has had surgery on it 3 times now.
They said the last time they think her body was rejecting the sutures or something so they did a different kind of suture this time.
This was 2 days ago.
It feels to me like it is out again.
I am beside myself and cannot deal with putting my little girl through this anymore.
Her normal weight is 4lbs and has dropped to 3.5 lbs.
If we go to a different surgeon, this will be another $1000.00.
At this point I need some suggestions on what some of you would do in this case.
The vet clinic and surgeon have not charged us for these additional surgeries since it is not anyones fault and they feel terrible and state they have never seen this happen before.
Her leg looks like it has been through a meat grinder due to an abscess (Seroma) that appeared up on that leg after the 2nd surgery.
The skin was too thin so they had to cut it away and sew the two sides together.
I am in tears not knowing how to deal with this anymore....
Any suggestions or ideas is much appreciated.

Thank you!

Don't take this the wrong way, cos I don't have a clue, BUT what would happen if she had no more surgery? Like if you left it 'un-fixed' except to get the wounds healed.

I adopted a 7# 9yo pom that had had some (genetic) paralysis & was left with onefront leg unable to use at all. she holds it up & back & hobbles about just fine for 4 yrs. It seems to me that her back legs don't work too well either, but they aren't that bad.

I would love that your pup could have the best success, but just wondered if being lame was a 'practical' option.
I'd want to get her overall health to the optimum level at least.

sending healing thoughts to you both

Thank you for your response but that is not an option for us.
There is no reason why she should be lame due to something that is completly fixable.
She is very young (1 1/2 years old) and I would not want her to go the rest of her life having a handicap that can be fixed.
Her little sisters legs are completely fine so far and she is 5 months old.
We got her (Maya) so Bailey would have a playmate.
Im wondering if anyone else has had these complications with this type of surgery or if I need to go to a different surgeon for another opinion.
Again, thank you for your response and best of luck to you as well with your furry friends.

Hi, I'm rarely in the dog part of the site, but had to put in my two cents.
It sounds like it's been a strain for you both.

What I recommend, is to have the vet treat Maya just to help her heal, regain that 12.5% body weight, get comfortable and rest. For now. Just taking a break from the whole thing. During this time, you can regroup, and also rest and research her ailment. (as well as any possible experts in the field)
Then, you will both be in a better position to decide what to do.

Frankly, I know nothing about luxating patellas. But how much of a handicap is it actually? Yorkies are little dogs and therefore can deal with a inefficient leg far easier than say, a 60 lb lab that needs a leg at each corner. And if the condition (once healed from surgery) is painless (so I hope) then Maya probably isn't aware that she has a handicap. But if it's a definite quality of life issue, that's far different than the cosmetic issue of a happy little dog having a funny gait.
Either way, good luck.

I'm so sorry for you! I know exactly what yo uare going through. My 6 year old shiba Kita went through the exact same thing- 3 surgeries on her right knee one on her left. The right knee to this day is still a grade 2 (it had been a 4) and we choose not to continue the surgeries. Instead, we carpeted our house and she doesn't jump up or down off of things.

I think for now, your pup needs a break from the surgeries. Let it be for a while and see how much scar tissue the knee ends up having. Sometimes the scar tissue can reinforce the kneecap position. If after a few months of healing, there is still no noticable improvement- pup still limps, carries leg, doesn't put weight on it, you are probably going to have to have more surgery. Yet, for now, give it a small break to heal and see exactly what yo uare dealing with.

*Hugs* it's so hard to have to deal with our pups in pain.

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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Just thought I would post an update.
This last surgery was a success!!
We did have to go in about a week ago and get one of the pins removed which was minor.
We also had an x-ray taken and her leg is healing perfect!
Now we are starting her physical therapy within the week.
Her little sister going in next week to be spayed and a couple baby teeth pulled...whew!! good thing we don't have any kids!
I worry so much!
I am happy to know there are people out there that love their kids as much as we do!

Thanks again for your imput and concerns!

Sweet little kisses from my kids to yours!

Quick question... how long was the dog confined after the surgery?

I had one done 2 years ago on a young dog, he was confined... Crated except to go out on a leash to potty... for 2 1/2 months. His knee is Rock solid.

The reason? I truly believe it was the confinement after the surgery to allow him to heal properly. A friend of mine just had the surgery done on one of hers, same doctor, same instructions. We're both very confident that her girl will turn out fine as well.
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Joan
Responsible Breeders spay/neuter Pet puppies.
Statistically, the average breeder remains in a breed for five years. The mark you leave on that breed, good or bad, is entirely up to YOU!