kb2yjx - Thanks for your nice post. I know that this isn't "our fault" but I just feel like as hard as I try and as much as we do, our pets just keep having random things wrong with them, and it sucks! I'm sorry to sound like such a whiner - I'm just so bummed out for him.

Catty1, I may look in to IMOM if we do have to go the surgery route. Or we'll try to borrow money from family or something, we'll do whatever we have to do to make sure he gets it done if he needs it.

Critters, he's getting around just fine right now, jumping up onto things and everything, but he's walking very awkward, and his right kneecap simply will not stay in place no matter what we try. It doesn't seem like it HURTS him too much to walk, but I'm sure it's not exactly pleasant for him. I hope that as he grows, his muscles and tendons get stronger and he outgrows this condition - in the meantime we're going to try joint supplements. I don't think that we could have the surgery done until he's a little bigger anyways, since his bones are still growing and stuff - at least, I would assume not - but we will be looking more into that.

Catmandu - thank you for your kind post. Maximus sends head bumpies your way.
Phesina, same to you - thank you for your response. ((hugs))

Jenn_librarian, she didn't get in to what had caused this, but did say that it didn't seem to be an injury or anything. I don't know what suddenly caused him to start limping, it's strange. We have Angell Memorial animal hospital here, which is a great one - we brought Molly, our puppy there when she almost died, and they were able to save her. granted it cost a boatload of money, but that's besides the point - they're good at what they do, and if it comes down to having surgery done, we'll definitely be going to a specialist to make sure it is done right. I should have mentioned in my initial post - our regular vet who Max has seen at his previous appointments was on her honeymoon and we saw someone different this time. I'm going to bring her in when our regular vet is back and try to get some answers about what we can do to help him, and maybe get some exercise recommendations that we can do at home with him to strengthen the muscles in that area. Kitty physical therapy maybe??

CultureJunky, thank you. I like to think that we're good pet owners and that we're responsible and take great care of them...it can just get so frustrating sometimes, when these things keep popping up

Thanks for all the kind words and advice folks. As usual, PT makes me feel better. (((Hugs)))