advice and options re older uninsured JRT and luxating patella

Molly'sMama

Molly'sMama

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A month ago, our sweetie 11/12 year old JRT started limping- putting no weight on left hind. started off only lightly limping but now it's on and off in severity- sometimes its not noticeable, sometimes it's really high up and angled awkwardly.

the issue is she's very very anxious around vets; we can barely touch her leg, let alone a vet, and she's wiggled out of muzzles before.

she's also older so no idea how she'd respond to surgery, and finally, we havent insured her ; all these years she's cost us nothing but her vaccinations, and so we never considered it. we can't afford £££.

what are our options? can they be put on painkillers longterm, like bute? i don't know how much it pains her but she's off it 90 percent of the time, but i couldn't bear putting her down. plan to get her to vet in next week or two but planning ahead would be grand.

advice gratefully appreciated!
 
would you leave a horse that was off its leg 90% of the time or would you class it as urgent a vets opinion was sought?

if she is off it 90% of the time she is in a great deal of pain at least 90% of the time
 
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Jeez, she really needs a vet. Not in next week or two, but asap, so she can get diagnosed properly and given pain relief. Poor dog.
 
Your dog needs to go to the vet tomorrow. They in turn can give you all the advice and information you need.
 
to be fair she's normally very very vocal about pain; if something hurts, she lets us know. She likes walking still runs about ; she's her usual happy self. I figured she was off it because the joint was out and she physically couldnt put it down, not that she was in agony. Perfectly happy to be told otherwise, however.

ets ; i wasn't thinking when I said 'next week or two'; puppy has appt in a day I believe , so will take her then. doh.
 
Molly'sMama said:
to be fair she's normally very very vocal about pain; if something hurts, she lets us know. She likes walking still runs about ; she's her usual happy self. I figured she was off it because the joint was out and she physically couldnt put it down, not that she was in agony. Perfectly happy to be told otherwise, however.
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Luxating patellas which sound as severe as that one will be painful. That's of course if it is a luxating patella. She really needs to see a vet asap.
 
Molly'sMama said:
to be fair she's normally very very vocal about pain; if something hurts, she lets us know. She likes walking still runs about ; she's her usual happy self. I figured she was off it because the joint was out and she physically couldnt put it down, not that she was in agony. Perfectly happy to be told otherwise, however.
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so a luxating patella has not been diagnosed?
 
twiggy2 said:
so a luxating patella has not been diagnosed?
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We called their advice centre when it first happened as it was the prognosis given; and its been discussed in the past, when she hopped about like JRTs do. Not been officially xrayed etc but the vets know her well and have seen it/her legs before
 
Even if it is a luxating patella, once it reaches that stage (sounds like a grade 4) then it will be painful and will most likely require surgery.
 
Molly'sMama said:
We called their advice centre when it first happened as it was the prognosis given; and its been discussed in the past, when she hopped about like JRTs do. Not been officially xrayed etc but the vets know her well and have seen it/her legs before
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So you've had a prognosis? What was it?
 
Prognosis was L.Patella, grade 2/3. This was however only a prognosis and not a diagnosis; will call tomorrow and ask for earliest appt.
 
Molly'sMama said:
I am 100% aware the dog needs a vet's attention; I am willing to do anything for this dog. She will be booked in the morning for the next possible time, I was however asking what the likely options are going to be so can discuss with family before they leave etc.
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Only your vet can tell you that, once a proper diagnosis is given. IF it is a luxating patella, it MAY be possible to operate.
 
would it be reasonable to operate on a 11 year old jrt ? do they have a high liklihood of surviving the op?
if PTS is the only option then of course i would do it, i just don't want to put her through an operation that will distress her; she is still bright in mind and soul etcetera; wants to go for long walks but obviously cannot.
 
Molly'sMama said:
Prognosis was L.Patella, grade 2/3. This was however only a prognosis and not a diagnosis; will call tomorrow and ask for earliest appt.
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Prognosis means outcome, diagnosis is the discovery of what's wrong.

So you've had an over the phone diagnosis, but no prognosis.
 
Ok, I think you are obviously very worried OP about a family pet, and I can understand that. It isn't unheard of or even uncommon for dogs of that age to be operated on, but of course it all depends on the individual dog, so only your vet can do a pre op assessment and inform you of what the best options are.

Best thing to do is book her in for an appt tomorrow, and take things from there, without jumping to any decisions or conclusions.
 
you're right of course amyway; I'm getting myself confused. over phone diagnosis. v. tired and worried.

thanks Moomin1 ; of course she will see a vet ASAP. I'm just having sleepless nights over the idea of her having an op, and sleepless nights over the idea of her being put down, and so I'd like to know which one was the more accurate thing. The vets are v good and so i;m sure they'll do their best.
 
11 isn't that old for a JRT. Bite the bullet, get her to the vets, get the pain seen to for her and stop yourself from all this worry.
 
11 isnt old for a jrt. Unless she has underlying issues she should have no problems with surgery if that is an option.

She is holding the leg up either because the patella(kneecap) has locked out of place and is stuck and she cannot unlock it,this is painful.. or the moving patella has damaged the area around it and it is to painful to weight bear. Dogs to not limp for the fun of it. Limping is because of discomfort.90 percent of the time holding a leg up suggests a fair degree of discomfort.
Their are grades of patella luxation your vet will be able to tell which she has by examining her leg and walking.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=2186
It is possible to either fix the issue with surgery or to prescribe nsaids to help her with the pain. This is not usually a pts issue at all as it is generally easily managed.

If her temperment at the vets is a hugh issue it might be best to examine her walking etc from afar(ie you run her up and down so they can see her gait) and then preform the hands on exam under sedation.

Good luck with her :)
 
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