Katie has a bum knee

[RobiLee]

Katie has been having problems with her back left leg. We have noticed several times in the past that she was straightening it out kind of funny like it was bothering her. It would only last for just a bit. I thought maybe she was having a cramp in it or something. Lately though she has had several incidents where she will yelp and hold it up and not be able to walk on it all. I took her to the vet today and he is pretty sure it is her knee. This is not good. Katie is only 1 year old and this could mean she will have lots of problems to come. The vet does not know the extent of any damage yet. She could have been born with this problem or she could have pulled or torn something. He is hoping it is not that bad since she still puts her full weight on it. Right now he has put her on some pain pills to help ease any pain she might be having and also to help keep her calm. We are supposed to try and keep her nice and quiet. No horseplay with Tori and no long walks. Keep her down as much as possible. Geesh :rolleyes: How am I going to do that?! Tori is starting to kick it into high gear this evening and keeps biting on Katie's ears and wanting to play tug of war. Tori was just spayed yesterday so I'm actually supposed to keep them both down :rolleyes: Yeah Right!! They were starting to get a little to hyper so I had to put them both in their crates. I hope they don't start thinking their crates are bad things now. They are both sound asleep right now and I hope they stay like that for awhile. We are suppose to do this for 2 weeks and see if she has any more problems with the leg. If she does then he will put her to sleep to do full xrays on her. If those come back bad then I think he said the next step will be surgery.

Anyways, please keep my special girl in your thoughts and prayers and lets hope this all turns out just fine.

Thanks for letting me rattle on........Hugs.....Robin :)

P.S...Any advice, suggestions, or questions that you think we should ask the doc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[wolf_Q]

Oh no, that's not good to hear! I will keep Katie in my thoughts. I hope it's nothing serious. Keep us updated!

[shais_mom]

get well soon Katie!!!

will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

[chocolatepuppy]

Katie's in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully it won't be serious.

[anna_66]

Robin I sure do hope that there is nothing serious wrong with her knee. I understand how worried you must be.

I'll be keeping your girl in my thoughts and prayers:)

[manda99]

Poor Katie! I know what you're going through... My dog Smokey has knee problems, too. I hope Katie's turn out to be less than serious.

Good luck.
-Amanda

[mruffruff]

Good luck with the knee problem. Hopefully it just needs a little rest.

Mary

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by RobiLee

Katie has been having problems
with her back left leg.

... she was straightening it out kind of funny
like it was bothering her.
...incidents where she will yelp and hold it up

I took her to the vet today and he is
"pretty sure" it is her knee.

Robin ~

"Pretty sure..." is sort of *vague*... :eek:

Just from what you've said - I would think that Katie has a
Luxating Patella or a "trick knee" -
where her Knee-Cap shifts off to one side.

Do a http://www.Google.com search using the term
[ "luxating patella" AND dog ]
(Put the "luxating patella" INSIDE "quotes",
also try "luxated patella".))

You'll get hundreds of "hits" - reading some of them should
give you some insight on the condition AND how dogs typically
"act" when they have the condition.

Dunno if you ever noticed - but SmokeMutt has a
Luxating Patells in his Right (rear) Knee! :(
He'll *run like a deer* then *skip* a few steps and
carry his righ rear leg *up* till the knee-cap *pops* back in place.

There are Other Conditions that can give similar symptoms -
one being a Ruptured Cruciate Laiament - see>>>
Vetcentric - Cruciate Ligament (http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=52&COLLECTION=EncycIllness)

or do a Google.com search for
[ "cruciate ligament" AND dog ]

You need to have Katie seen by an ORTHAPEDIC Vet -
one who Specialises in bone and joint problems.

Most Vets who have expierence with the problem can tell a LOT
by just "palpating" (feeling and flexing) her knee -
she WILL probably yelp :( while it's being done -
but it won't inflict any long-term pain.

Smokey takes Glucosamine (pill) to help lubricate the knee
and Aspirin if he has any pain -
I DON'T give him any of the High-Power pain relievers!

Sir Jury can usually "repair" either a Luxating Patella or
a Criciate Ligament rupture;
but the recovery period is long and the pooch MUST be kept
restrained during recovery and healing.

Hope ya Feel Better, Katie! ;)

/s/ Phre

[jenfer]

Wishing speedy recovery for Katie and Tori (for her spay).

[RobiLee]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
Robin ~

"Pretty sure..." is sort of *vague*... :eek:

Just from what you've said - I would think that Katie has a
Luxating Patella or a "trick knee" -
where her Knee-Cap shifts off to one side.

Do a http://www.Google.com search using the term
[ "luxating patella" AND dog ]
(Put the "luxating patella" INSIDE "quotes",
also try "luxated patella".))

You'll get hundreds of "hits" - reading some of them should
give you some insight on the condition AND how dogs typically
"act" when they have the condition.

Dunno if you ever noticed - but SmokeMutt has a
Luxating Patells in his Right (rear) Knee! :(
He'll *run like a deer* then *skip* a few steps and
carry his righ rear leg *up* till the knee-cap *pops* back in place.

There are Other Conditions that can give similar symptoms -
one being a Ruptured Cruciate Laiament - see>>>
Vetcentric - Cruciate Ligament (http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=52&COLLECTION=EncycIllness)

or do a Google.com search for
[ "cruciate ligament" AND dog ]

You need to have Katie seen by an ORTHAPEDIC Vet -
one who Specialises in bone and joint problems.

Most Vets who have expierence with the problem can tell a LOT
by just "palpating" (feeling and flexing) her knee -
she WILL probably yelp :( while it's being done -
but it won't inflict any long-term pain.

Smokey takes Glucosamine (pill) to help lubricate the knee
and Aspirin if he has any pain -
I DON'T give him any of the High-Power pain relievers!

Sir Jury can usually "repair" either a Luxating Patella or
a Criciate Ligament rupture;
but the recovery period is long and the pooch MUST be kept
restrained during recovery and healing.

Hope ya Feel Better, Katie! ;)

/s/ Phre

Thanks for all the info, Phred. I guess I should say he is certain it is the knee but not quite sure what the damage is to it. I did find out that the "pain pill" that he put her on is Rimadyl. Which I'm not sure if I like using that drug. I have read some bad things about it. She has about 1 1/2 weeks left to take it. It is very hard to keep her calm. So far she has not had another "episode". It does sound alot like what you describe Smokey as having. I will have to do some reading on that when I got home from work. The doc did do the palpating and Katie did a couple of big yelps. Once she even yanked around to give him a warning. That was when he hit the really sore spot. I'm not for sure what we should do from this point. I want to keep an eye on her and make sure I write down any other episodes she might have and what she is doing at the time.

Thanks for all the well wishes from everyone. Katie and I appreciate it.

Jennifer, thanks for mentioning Tori. Tori is doing just fine. She is full steam ahead and seems to be getting into more trouble than ever!!! ;)

Robin :)

[Holly's mom]

I hope Katie's knee problem is nothing serious. It's always a worry when something is wrong with our furkids. I'm glad Tori is bouncing back o.k. from her surgery. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by RobiLee

The doc did do the palpating and
Katie did a couple of big yelps.

I'm not for sure what we should do from this point.

Robin ~

What to Do sort of depends on WHAT the Vet said.

Diagnosing a Luxating Patella is not too difficult for
a Vet who has done it before - they "know" just what it
"feels" like and can usually say with certainty if the dog HAS the condition.

FIXING a Luxating Patella should be left to an "expert" -
a Vet who has done MANY Luxating Patella repairs.
The Orthapedic Specialist Vet who saw Smokey said that
until the Surgeon actually begins the operation -
he's never really SURE what he'll find and sort of has to "wing it" -
with years of experience to guide him.

Example: They shave the dog's entire HIP -
so IF a piece of bone is needed for the knee job -
the donor site is ready and no time is lost.

The actual "fix" can involve re-locating the knee cap's attaching ligaments;
deepening the "groove" the ligament rides in;
or reforming the cap itself.
He said X-rays don't usually help - they can't "see" under the knee cap.

He pretty much ruled out a Cruciate Ligament problem with Smokey
(after sticking his fingers into places SmokeMutt thought they shouldn't be!)

We're doing a *Wait 'n See* with Smokey - HIS problem IS severe;
but it really doesn't bother him very often. He's "learned" how to
run and jump without aggravating it!

And Doc Mike took the time to Teach ME how to reposition Smoke's
knee cap when it pops out and Smokey can't pop it back in by himself.
I about passed out when Doc put MY fingers on the cap and
*popped* it out :eek: and then returned it to normal!
You can easily "feel" it moving! :eek:

But that knowledge has helped several times when Smokey has had a
problem with the knee. If it goes "out" on him ~
he'll stop and * S t r e t c h * that leg out behind him...
If that doesn't "fix it" to his satisfaction ~

He'll YELP! and then 3-Legged *hop* over to me and lie down,
usually stretching his leg out straight or behind him.
A gentle *pop* and it's back in place! ;)

Both Doc and the Surgeon recommended generic Glucosamine tablets
to help "lubricate" the joints,
and adult ASPIRIN if he seems to be in any pain.
(Doc Mike takes the same stuff (from Wally's-Mart) for his own knees!)

And both Docs *stressed* that Smokey needs to be kept Slim 'n Trim!
SmokeMutt says I'm starvin him;
and folks often ask if I *FEED* him when they see his ribs showing
through his short coat; but Doc Mike says "Ribs are meant to be seen!" :cool:

Rimadyl?? In short-term use - it does wonders. Read >>>
Rimadyl Article - Use with Caution (http://www.thedogplace.com/library/articles89.htm)...
I'd ask about just using ASPIRIN for pain management.

/s/ Phred

[captain]

Robin,

Captain has a problem with his back leg, usually after he has RUN AND RUN AND RUN ......... but sometimes, simply when he gets up from lying down.
I have Rimadyl in my cupboard that I give him every now and again, if it hurts.
BUT initially, he was on it for approx. 1.5 weeks - then I was instructed only to give it to him if it hurts.

Captain NEVER, EVER yelps, but when I took him to the vet, they poked and prodded him, until he "yelped"
We had X-rays, blood tests, and a VERY EXPENSIVE muscle test done on Captain when it started .......... only to establish, that they cannot find ANYTHING wrong, and that it might be muscle strain.

I hope that is Katie's problem too :D

Kisses to Katie
Michelle

[pitc9]

Oh Robin, I am sorry to hear the news..... I hope everything works out!!
Sierra has a Luxating Patella, it is not that bad (for now :( )
But once in a while she'll stop, and kick her leg out behind her a few times, and I'll hear a "pop" and Ta Da.... all better!:rolleyes:
And keeps on running. My vet told me it is more common in smaller breed dogs. I hope Katie's knee gets better and she does not need to go under the knife:( .

Poor Robin... has to keep both of your widdle gurls quiet!!

My heart goes out to you!!
I hope both girls get better soon!!!

[manda99]

Awww! Our poor babies with all these bum knees!

I think my Smokey had the cruciate ligament problem... He just had surgery to replace the ligaments in his right knee. Complete bed rest for 3 weeks and now just short walks and then confinement for the next 2 months! :(
Not to mention when this one is healed he has to have the left one done, too. 6 months total of bed rest!! He's going to be hating me.
We joke that he's only got half his pants on because the hair they shaved off is barely growing back. It looks funny.

But anyway, these were the issues with Smokey--

First, his left knee was bothering him (he was limping, it seemed stiff, etc). We took him to the vet, they did some Xrays, started him on Cosequin and gave him some pain meds. Upon consultation she told us there might be a small tear in his knee somewhere, but it seemed to get better. Then about 8 months later just suddenly he started favoring the right leg. It didn't get better so we took him back to the vet, more Xrays and then a surgical consultation. They determined surgery would be best . He was even starting to lose muscle in the leg from not using it. So we did the surgery (and some tests since he wasn't clotting properly...). He is healing up very well and should be good as new when it's done healing.

Expensive? Heck yes.
Worth it to see him more comfortable and pain free? Absolutely.
Now I just have to start saving for the second knee...

I should have had Pet Insurance before this even started!

I've attached a picture of him on bed rest. Looking bored... But being a good boy!

Good luck with your Katie.
-Amanda

[manda99]

Oh yeah, I had a question for anyone that may know, too...

I've heard that in larger breeds these days knee problems such as these are getting more and more common. Any truth to that?

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hey Katie ~

So, How's yur KNEE doing??

You feelin any better after taking yur Pills??[/b]



Originally posted by manda99

"I've heard that in larger breeds these days knee problems
such as these are getting more and more common.

Any truth to that?"

Manda ~

There probably IS some truth to that! :(

First, Vets are more skilled at Diagnosing & Treating these conditions;

And very :( sadly -
the huge increase in IRRESPONSIBLE :mad: Breeding
has resulted in the spread of many genetic defects such as ~
* bad hips
* eye & ear problems
* bad KNEES...

And the list continues to grow. :(

/s/ Phred

[RobiLee]

Thanks everyone!

Katie has been doing just fine. She did have a very small "episode" this morning. I put her out and as she went down the steps I could tell that something happened. She hobbled for just a sec, looked around and then stretched her leg straight out behind her for a sec and then off she went. This is the first incident since she saw the vet. Her and Tori were very hyper this morning and I didn't do a very good job of "keeping her calm". It could have been because of that. The keeping her calm thing is going to kill me. Its just too hard. I marked the episode down on the calendar and described what it was like so when she is all finished with her medicine and I call the vet I can tell him exactly when and where and what it was like.

I dont' know what is going on. :rolleyes:

Roibn :)

[robinh]

I know how you are worrying over this, I do the same over mine when they don't feel well. It might not be a bad idea take Phred's advice and have her looked by an Orthopedic Vet.

Keep them "Quiet"?!? Do they have any idea what they are asking? NOT! I've tried - it does no good somehow it just winds them up worse. Give it the good try - that's the best we can do.

I'll just keep seind prayers that everything goes well.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Robin, I'm so sorry to hear about Katie's knee!!!:( When I first read your thread, I thought immediately of Phred and SmokeMutt:( I have no first hand experience dealing with a pup with luxating patella or CL ruputures. But Cody was dx with hip dysplasia at age 2, so I know how discouraging it is to have to deal with such issues at a young age, as well as weighing the pros and cons of sir jury. The good thing is she's only had the one episdoe since her first visit. If you don't feel you're getting all the info. you need to make an informed decision from your vet next visit, I'd definitely consider making an appt. with an orthopedic specialist, as Phred suggested. Please give both the girls hugs and kisses from me! Breaks my heart to think of Katie with a bum knee...thinking of you sweetheart! I'm so glad to hear Tori's doing well after her spay Robin:) I'm sure it wasn't easy trying to keep them both "quiet!":D What a mom!:)

[davidpizzica]

Robilee, if any human can sympathize with Katie, it's ME!! I'm going thru the human equivalent. Well, Katie, I hope that we BOTH are up and running again! Robilee, you have my prayers and good wishes.

[Rachel]

I do hope that Katie will be okay and won't necessitate surgery. It seems as if you have gotten a lot of good advice in this thread. Good to have PT buddies with so much info to share, isn't it?

[anna_66]

Just thought I'd bump this up for Robin.

We were talking on msn this morning & she heard Katie yeplping very loudly and it was her knee again. She has her in the house and gave her a Rhymidil (sp?) and says she is now sleeping. She has called the vet er and is waiting to hear back from them.

Just please keep sweet Katie in your thoughts and prayers.

[Cincy'sMom]

Poor Katie!!! How hard it must be for such a young, energetic dog to keeep calm!!

We're keeping you all in our thoughts. Hope the Vet calls back soon.

[ChrisH]

Poor Katie. She's in my thoughts and prayers.

[manda99]

Kaite & family , you're getting positive thoughts from me & my family all day!

Keep on keepin' on...

xoxo
Amanda

[RobiLee]

Thanks for updating for me, Anna. :)

Yes, its true. I was talking to Anna on msn when I heard Katie yelping very loudly and I looked out the window and I could see her hobbling around and then fall over. :( I hurried outside and tried to feel around on her leg and massage it a bit. I heard lots of cracking so I thought I better leave it alone so I wouldn't make things worse. I'm not for sure if it is her knee or something else. I think this happened about 8 this morning. She can still not walk on it and her leg appears to be swollen. I spoke with our vet and he said there is not much he can do for her today that it sounds like maybe a sprain or that she tore something. He told me to give her aspirin and keep her down and I'm to bring her in first thing in the morning so he can give us a complete exam and go from there. He said that if it is a tear that more than likely it will require surgery and he will have to refer us to someone. We will just have to wait and see. Which as you all know is the worse part. I am not having any trouble keeping her down as she doesn't want to hobble around on three legs. I'm trying not to do too much because if I move around the house she wants to follow and be with me. She doesn't seem to be in intense pain. I'm sure it hurts but she mostly just lays and looks at me with those big sad brown eyes :( Oh how I wish I could do more to help her. I hate this!!

Tori is being a good little sister and seems to know that big sister is not feeling well. She is just laying beside her and has even just left her alone and went to sleep in her crate. Right now they are both laying right beside my chair and Tori has her head laid across Katie's right front leg. They are adorable! What a great little sis she is being :)

A special thanks to Anna for being there for me. If I hadn't been talking to her online I probably would have freaked out. Knowing I had her waiting to find out what was happening kept me calm. Thanks Girlfriend! Love Ya!

Please keep Katie in your prayers everyone. I will update you all tomorrow.

Thanks....Robin and Katie :)

[KYS]

Oh dear sweet Katie,

Robin please let us know what the specialist says
and what the x-rays show.
I will keep my fingers crossed that she only
has a sprain and nothing more.

Sending oodles of hugs to you and Katie.

[Kfamr]

You know we're thinking of you guys.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ptsignatures/Random%20Stuff/gwsk.jpg

[Karen]

Beautiful Katie will certainly be in our prayers. You, too. Tori sounds like the best kid sister ever! Awwww. I hope the vet can figure out what's wrong AND how to fix it!

[4 Dog Mother]

Oh, Robin, I am sorry that Katie is having problems with her leg. She is such a beautiful baby and much too young to be having problems. I will pray for her and you as you deal with the uncertaintly of what is wrong. Diana

[RobiLee]

Thank you so much for all the warm wishes. Katie and I really appreciate it.

I think the swelling has come down just a bit. I think the aspirin might have helped with that. I have been sticking close to her because she seems to want to be where I am. So to keep her from moving I have been sitting here and doing some reading.

Just now as I'm typing this she has gotten up and seems to be heading for her crate. She tried to put some weight on the leg but can't do it. She has laid down in front of her crate. I tried to see if she wanted to go out to potty but I don't think she can handle the steps. I told her she could go right there on the floor if she has to. I just don't care. I just want her to be comfortable. I know she doesn't know what I'm saying though. I have an old blanket laid out for her just in case she has to go potty though.

Continue to keep her in your thoughts please.

Robin :)

P.S..Kay Ann, you know I love the picture and it truly touched me. Thank you so much!

Diana, how is Snoopy today?

[Holly's mom]

Oh, beautiful Katie, I hope your knee feels better soon. I know it must be such a worry for your mom. Hopefully it will just be a sprain.

Robin, I know what you mean when you say how Katie wants to be near you. Holly always likes to be where I am, but yesterday when she was sick, she was extra "clingy", she would actually come up to me and lean against me. It's just no fun when our furkids don't feel well.

[tatsxxx11]

Extra, extra special prayers coming your way, sweet Katie. Oh Robin, I know how frightened and rattled you must be. I'm so glad Anna was there for you:) Hopefully the aspirin will ease the pain and Katie will be content to lay quietly by your side until the vet can see her tomorrow. We all love you beautiful Katie and are putting the power of Pet Talk behind you:) HUGS to you Katie from Sandra, Cody and Star. Robin, check in when you can tomorrow. We'll all be anxious to hear what the vet says.

[anna_66]

Robin I am more than glad that I could be there for you. Love ya too:)

I hope you little girl is feeling a little bit better this evening. Give her some hugs and kisses (yes...again;)) from me:D

I'll be waiting to hear what the vet says.

Anna

[Cinder & Smoke]

Robin ~

You might try making a sling to help Katie move around...

Take a Bath Towel - and either *fold* or *roll* it along the LONG dimension -
to make a Long, narrow strip ~

Then slip it under her hind quarters (side to side) -
just in front of her rear legs.

Encourage her to *stand* - then pick UP on each end of the towel roll -
you'll be able to take almost ALL of her weight off her rear legs.

Be sure to *PRACTICE* inside - but if she catches on -
you should be able to *help* her up and down steps.

*TRICK* is you have to keep her "lined up & square" -
so she can *balance* squarely with her front legs.

{{{HUGS}}} & Prayers to you both

[Sudilar]

So very sorry to hear about Katie's leg problem. I hope it can be fixed quickly.
In the past, my RB Great Pyr Avalanche had an ACL rupture and had the surgery to repair it. The hard part is recovery. Keeping them off the leg is almost impossible. My parents present rescue Great Pyr, Smilie, had the luxating patella surgery done in both legs before my parents adopted her.
My prayers are with Katie!

[wolf_Q]

I hope everything will be ok with Katie! I haven't had any experience of dogs having knee problems, so I don't really have any advice..but I'll keep Katie in my thoughts!

[pitc9]

Oh Robin, I am so sorry to hear about sweet Katie!
Well wishes and prayer are comming your way!

And sweet sweet Tori.... you are the best lil sis anyone could ask for!!

[Albea]

I'm so sorry Katie has problems with her knee. I know how worried you must be and how hard it is to help them. Phred's suggestion is a very good one.
Prayers and best wishes for a good report from the vet.
Hugs to both beautiful girls.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

I hope that Katie's knee is doing better today and that the vet will know what's going on in there. Get better soon, Katie! I'll be praying for you!

[K9soul]

Sorry I am late in seeing/replying to this Robin. You and Katie girl are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how heartbreaking and painful it must be for you to see your baby in pain. Please get well soon Katie! Prayers are on the way! {{hugs}}

[sammy101]

hopefully Katie gets better soon!

excuse me for my ignorance,but whats a bum knee??

[davidpizzica]

Sammy101, a bum knee is a knee that is sore, injured, or you can't move it. I should know because I also have a "bum knee" Wednesday I am going in for knee replacement!

[sammy101]

Originally posted by david p
Sammy101, a bum knee is a knee that is sore, injured, or you can't move it. I should know because I also have a "bum knee" Wednesday I am going in for knee replacement!

oh ok! THanks:)

[RobiLee]

Sorry it has taken me so long to post.

The problem is not Katie's knee this time. It appears to be in the "hock". That is what the vet called it. It has been very swollen and looks bad. This morning the swelling does seem to have come down and she has used it a bit today.

We are upset with our vet. I'm too tired and aggravated to go into it right now. I have made an appointment with another vet group here in town that comes highly recommended from several people that we have spoke to. We go today at 3:15pm. Katie is not in much pain. She is on pain pills and is usually laid out sleeping by me or in her crate. Tori is a bit confused why big sister is not playing with her and is not getting much attention. I feel bad for her too. For the most part she just curls up with Katie though. Right now Katie is in her crate and Tori is right beside her. She doesn't have to be in her crate but she just has to be where big sister is, I guess.

Please continue with the positive thoughts and prayers.

Thanks everyone....Robin and Katie :)

[ParNone]

Hi robilee,

When Murph hurt his knee, the vet told me you can only tell so much from outward appearances. You really need an x-ray to know the whole story. From your posts, it doesn't sound like they've done an x-ray on Katie yet, unless I missed it. Since this seems to be a recurring issue with her leg, you might want to request an x-ray with the new vet.

Prayers and positive thoughts for Katie.

Par...

[pitc9]

Oh Robin, I pray this new group of vets can tell you asap what is wrong, and how to get her back to normal FAST!!!

We are all here for you! Just keep us posted!!!

[Logan]

Robin, we are thinking of you and Katie and hoping that you can finally get some answers about her condition. I am optimistic that the problem can be fixed!!! :)


Hugs to Katie and Tori (you too) from all of us in Greenville.

Logan

[Cinder & Smoke]

Katie & Robin are *off* to see the New Vet >>>

http://www.chillicothevets.com/ (http://www.chillicothevets.com/)

Hopefully they will get a few ANSWERS to the old question of
"What's wrong with Katie??"
and present a Plan of Treatment that will show some *results*.

Hope they BOTH *like* the New Vet! ;)

Feel Better SOON, Katie!
..

[RobiLee]

We are back from the new vet. New vet agrees with old vet. Get Katie up to Med Vet in Columbus. No xrays have been done yet. The new vet could have done them but he is certain that by his exam it is going to require surgery and that type of surgery is best done at Med Vet.

Possible diagnosis.....several torn ligaments and probably even a break.

Our appointment is Thursday at 11:30am with Dr. Barnhart (http://www.medvet-cves.com/doctors/barnhart.htm)

In the mean time I am to keep her down and only let her up to go potty and keep her on her pain pills. So far that hasn't been much of a problem.

Poor Tori is starting to get frustrated and keeps tugging at Katie to play and now Katie is finally getting mad at her and starting to snap at her. Tori will just lay across from her and reach out her paw to her...like...."Are you sure, Katie, you sure you don't want to play". Oh...bummer...I just remembered that Tori has obedience class tonite :eek: Shoot....I have not worked with her for several days and at this point I can't even remember what we were doing!! Geesh, I have a major tension headache going on.....

I'm rambling..sorry!

Keep my big girl in your thoughts and prayers everyone!!!

Thanks....Robin and Katie :)

[Samantha Puppy]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Robin and Katie (and Tori too!). Samantha and I are so sorry to hear that Katie's got a problem with her leg and hope that she's on the mend soon. Samantha sends lickies and belly rubs Katie's way!

Jaime and Samantha

[Toller 42]

I hope she's gonna be okay:( good luck on trying to solve the problem and good luck with obedience tonight. Update us on Katie whenever possible. Also update us on Tori's obedience class.

[KYS]

Robin,

Will be waiting by the PC for an update on
Thursday.
Sending so much good wishes and thoughts
your way.

[captain]

Oh Robin,

HUGS to you, Katie and the lovely Tori ............ I am certain you will get to the bottom of this really soon .............

Michelle

[anna_66]

I'm really sorry that you can't get in any sooner. I know you would like to know what's wrong with her for sure.

Needless to say I'll be keeping your girl in my prayers.

Hope you had fun on your walk tonight:D

Kisses and hugs to your girls!

[tatsxxx11]

Robin, I'm so relieved for you and for Katie, knowing that at last she'll be getting the appropriate treatment. Hang in there sweet Katie girl; help is on the way. And special hugs to you too dear Tori for being so understanding:) We'll all be on pins and needles Thurs., waiting for an update Robin. Love and positive thoughts coming your way:)

[Holly's mom]

Oh, I know how frustrated and worried you must be!:( You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything will work out well soon and Katie will be back to normal.

[Logan]

Robin, I know you are out of your mind with worry about Katie. At least she is following doctor's orders and staying put for you. Poor Tori just doesn't understand, I'm sure!!!

Hugs to Katie. I hope you will have a definitive plan after Thursday!

Logan

[Cinder & Smoke]

:confused:

So, How's Miz Katie doing today?????


Robin ~

Did you call MedVet to ask about "fasting" Katie tonight?

And "suggest" to Doc Barnhart that he do a *thorough* exam on
her ~ BOTH hocks, both knees AND both Hips!

Since she seemed to show signs of a KNEE problem before
the hock swelled up - she may have more :( than one "problem joint".

It might be possible to fix more than the most obvious problem
during one surgery.

We'll be Crossin Paws & Klaws tomorrow morning!!

[RobiLee]

Well, Katie is ready to gooooo! I mean she wants to be on the move. She has had enough of laying at my feet and laying in her crate. The swelling has really gone down and she even puts her leg down just a bit. She wants to run!! I have to take both dogs outside separately because they are really wanting to play bad.

She is getting a bity whiney now and woofs at me cause she wants to go outside and roam around but I won't let her. She just went out again to do her business and is now back in her crate because right now that is the only way I can keep her down.

We head up to the MedVet Hospital tomorrow at 11:30 am. Thanks for all the advice, Phred and I will be asking all those questions. I have called the vet today but no return call yet.

Keep my big girl in your thoughts and prayers everyone!!

Thanks again...Robin :)

[chocolatepuppy]

Will be keeping Katie in my thoughts and prayers. I feel for you with trying to keep your two girls from playing, it's hard and it's heartbreaking. You want them to be friends, they get along good and then they're told they can't play.(Been there, doing that)But hopefully Katie will be better soon and this will all be a faded memory.

[4 Dog Mother]

I am just catching up with where things are with Katie. Sorry to hear that she is having the problems she is. Hopefully the drs. at MedVets will be able to get things moving on making her better soon. I know exactly how you feel - it seems like every moment is taken up with either worrying about Snoopy or dealing with him. I feel overwhelmed dealing with the house, the other dogs,etc. I can tell the other dogs know that something is different about Snoopy and wondering why he can't settle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Cinder & Smoke]

OK, Pet Talkers ~~ PRAYER TIME for Katie!!

Katie and Robin should be pulling into the MedVet Hospital right
about NOW!

Let's all Cross Paws & Klaws that Doc makes a quick Diagnosis and
they can start FIXIN poor Katie's problem!

Big PT {{{HUGS}}} to Katie and Robin!!

;)
.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Prayers for Katie and Robin are on the way!

[tatsxxx11]

We're thinking of you dear Katie and Robin:) We're waiting anxiously for an update. Hopefully, finally, a correct diagnosis can be made and treatment stgarted! {{{HUGS}}} to our pals, Katie, Tori and Robin:) Love, Sandra, Cody and Star!