Leg issues

[Karen]

Cinder and Smoke's Smokey has a luxating patella - maybe it is something like that? It'll pop in and out of place, it's a pretty common problem. You might do a search for that here on Pet Talk, and see if it matches what you are experiencing.

[MonicanHonda]

I would definitely see another vet... I mean, that's basically your final answer unless you want a dog who is in pain for the rest of it's life, right? I hope you find out what is wrong... if he keeps hurting it, something must be wrong and I'm sorry your vet won't find out what's wrong. Prayers for your pup!

[FabulouslyFierce]

Thanks everyone. I go to the same pet hospital, but the vet we saw yesterday was new, I really like the other doctors we have seen and I guess we'll take him back and ask to not see the same doctor again.

He said it may be luxating patella, but he messed around with Henry's knee joint a lot and said if that were an issue he would be able to pop it in and out with his hands and that Henry's joint felt very stable.

Henry woke up crying again in the middle of the night So we'll probably take him back in. My poor little baby boy.

[pomtzu]

Luxating patella is what came to mind here. Both of my pups have them, and Myndi's is the worst. She can't jump up on the bed or furniture, or go up stairs anymore, and I have to make her settle down if she gets a little too rambunctious, or it will go out on her again. She absolutely screams when it does, so I try to keep her out of situations that would tend to pop it out of the joint. Both of them have managed quite well tho, and they both get glucosamin/chrondritan (sp??) daily, and Myndi a baby aspirin if she appears to be somewhat uncomfortable.

Hoping you find out soon, what is ailing Henry. Sending good vibes and positive thoughts!

[FabulouslyFierce]

Thanks Ellie.

So it's ok to give a dog a baby asprin if he is in pain? He's about 15 lbs.

[ginalovesfelines]

I would certainly see about a second opinion if they can't find anything wrong, it would be horrible if your dog lived the rest of his life in pain if he didn't have to. I would also look into starting him on a glucosamine supplement either way. To answer the asprin question, I sometimes give my arthritic girl excel asprin bc it is made for dogs and i feel safer using it. Good luck, and best wishes coming your way!

[Seravieve]

I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion.

Our original vet told us Eli's leg was fine.. 2nd vet said he DEFINITELY tore his ACL and it required surgery. Muscle/tissue stuff doesnt show up on Xrays well, so a knowledgeable vet is a good way to go.

If you're not sure where to go, call around and see who will talk to you over the phone and discuss different options. We found our 2nd opinion that way. They guy was willing to talk on the phone for 45 min about what he could have done to his knee. It was awesome.

Dasaquin is the glucos/chon/msm supplement Eli gets from now on. After a couple weeks, you can definitely tell a difference. We found it on Amazon cheaper than the Vet's office, and it the exact same bottle.