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*...

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

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