Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
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
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