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 and then returned it to normal!
You can easily "feel" it moving!

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!"

Rimadyl?? In short-term use - it does wonders. Read >>>
Rimadyl Article - Use with Caution...
I'd ask about just using ASPIRIN for pain management.

/s/ Phred