Patellar Luxation - Lola

[Martina]

Well, our health was short lived in this house -- AAAGH :(

Just a quick update for those of you following the post-colonopexy recovery of Gigi: She's doing great! She practically sprang out of the door this morning to potty. I think someone's getting REALLY tired of being cooped up and forbidden exercise and play time! Sutures come out on Tuesday of next week.

But now to the bad news ... Lola has a luxated patella. Since Tuesday she's been really slow, won't get up to greet me, doesn't want to be held and is sleeping non-stop. I thought that she might be depressed about Gigi getting more attention because of surgery. Then she didn't want to go for a walk on Wednesday so yesterday I finally sat down and looked at her and realized that she was limping (when I can even get her to walk).

Back to the emergency room - we're gonna be on a first name basis soon! Not to mention they're gonna think that I have Munschousen (sp?) Syndrome - you know, where the parent makes the child sick for the attention -- aaagh! Patellar Luxation level 2 to 3. I'm waiting to hear back from my regular vet, but the emergency doc was pretty sure that she'd need surgery. All I know is that my once fun little doggie is unhappy and hurting - and I miss her wanting to curl up on my lap and snuggle.

I know that I could return Lola for her deafness and this patellar luxation. The deafness doesn't bother me at all ... but the luxation ... that's another story. Except that I absolutely LOVE this doggie!! More than Gigi (ssshhh!). And what are they gonna do if I return her? Put her down. Where do we draw the line? When is enough, enough? I'm ready to have surgery TODAY if it will mostly 'cure' her (other than the arthritis that is sure to follow).

I'm sad, confused and frustrated ...
Martina

[fran]

Martina,
Many breeders that I know sell Deaf frenchies (which are much in demand by the way) for a greatly reduced price. Then half of the price goes to FBRN or FCBCARL.
IF it were me, I would contact the breeder, tell them that your girl is deaf and about her knee.Tell them you want to keep her ( OF COURSE ) and that you feel you are entitled to a rebate on the purchase price of this dog.See what they say.
What does your contract say about the luxation? She is awfully young for this.
How old was she when you got her? Breeders know fairly young that pups are deaf.
If she were mine; there would be NO way she would leave me either.
fran

[Carolyn]

Martina: I once owned a Boston who had this problem with both knees. We opted for surgery and both knees were done at once. Jill came through the surgery with no problems and came home in a "soft" cast. I was very lucky, in that Jill was a smart little girl and KNEW she needed to relax and take things easy for several weeks. The difference was REMARKABLE!

I agree that Lola does sound very young to have this problem present itself. But...it is what it is. Poor little gal....let us know what you decide. CArolyn

[Martina]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! That was absolutely great feedback and EXACTLY what I needed to hear. It also helps that after 24hrs on pain medication, little Lola is up and active again -- and crawling onto my lap for snuggle time in the morning. Hallelujiah!

We go to Dr Bill next week for Gigi's sutures, Lola's spaying - and now her knees. I haven't seen the movie yet Roosje because I don't have a Mac and I haven't downloaded the program to run it. I'm so glad to hear about other dogs leading happy and healthy lives. When Lola would barely get up for 2.5 days ... well ... I was really worried.

I will talk to her breeder Fran. The deafness thing was really weird. She has no external trauma, and it was only after I'd had her about 2 weeks that I finally started to think something wasn't quite right. Everyone who meets her can't believe she's deaf. She's so attentive that she seems to be listening. But after an 18 wheeler drives by and she shows no reaction to the noise, you start to think 'hmmm.' It even took a bit to convince my vet. Once you start paying attention, though, it's apparent. Because there's no visible ear problem, I've been recommended to have her fully tested by a specialist. Which just isn't going to happen because I know she's deaf and I don't care. She's a charming and smart dog - unlike Gigi who's really sweet, but dumb a bucket! And believe me, you can tell the difference when she doesn't hear vs when she's purposefully ignoring me!

I'm sad for her about the patellar luxation, but I'm relieved that surgery is so successful in cases that need it. And believe me -- I'll keep ya'll posted on the ever-going saga of health crises that seem to have gripped this household :o

Martina

[fran]

Martina,
There are lists for people with deaf dogs. Do a google search. There are several people with deaf frenchies that have talked about these lists. No reason you can not train both dogs with hand signals.
The consensus is the Deaf dogs are more attentive and easier to train because they pay attention; WHEN they want to!!!
Why spend money on Baer testing if you know she is deaf. Take her in a room alone. (Don't let her key off the other). And go behind her; Make a really loud noise; like bang on a pot with a spoon. If she does not respond; you have your answer;money saved.
There does not have to be visible trauma; from what I have heard, most are born deaf.
fran

[Carolyn]

Hi Martina....I am sure I don't need to tell you this...but I will anyway! :o As you may remember...my brother is also our veterinarian. He is the best, of course, but when it came to Jill's knee surgery...he referred me to a specialty hospital....a referral only facility owned by a friend of his in Los Angeles. Because my Jill had so many other health issue....water on the brain to name one...he wanted Jill to be in the hands of professionals who specialized in this kind of surgery and could do the surgery in less time than it would take most vets who don't specialize. Our experience was wonderful. Although it was hard leaving her so many miles away...I was able to call and speak with a vet within minutes anytime day or night while she recouperated....and I did call frequently in the middle of the night! Just make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon...ask lots of questions. Good luck. I wish Lola well. Carolyn

[fran]

Great point Carolyn.My vet has a surgeon on staff; the only thing she does is operate.When it came time for Dari to be spayed, she was on vacation and we waited a week for her to come back. Even for something as simple as a spay.These Frenchies are NOT simple dogs.
So only a specialist.
fran

[Kelly+Manja]

hi everyone
I posted a message the other week about manja walking funny (his back legs sway from side to side). Well the breeder says that quite possibly it could be his pattela and that some tests should be run to make sure. She also doesnt want me to go to my local vet. She would rather come and pick him up and take him to her vet in the mountains who also owns frenchies. Manja will be neutered as well so I think I am going to take her up on her offer as I would prefer for him to be in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing. Im not so sure about not being there though. I want to be there for him when he's scared

[Carolyn]

Hi Kelly....can you go with Manja? I think you should if at all possible. I believe that luxating patellas can be easily diagnosed with a hands on physical exam...so I don't know what tests your breeder is talking about. I think it very important that you be there for both the surgery and exam...not only for Manja but for you.....you can have all of your questions answered. Please let us know the outcome...and I pray everything goes well. Regards, Carolyn

[Kelly+Manja]

"run some tests" was my expression. My breeder didnt say that, i just assumed thats what was involved (like xrays?) im glad to hear that its just a simple hands on check. I cant remember the word she used I'll have to check my email, but she said that he might have stiff artstrums, aristas ... something sounding like that but meaning his back legs, and that luxating patellas could be a future problem. Anyway i'll keep you all informed.

[Kelly+Manja]

i got the word totally wrong! its stifles (i just checked my email) anyway i also have a feeling that my breeder is so keen to take manja to the vet for me because she wants to make sure he gets neutered!

[Martina]

Well, after several days on pain killers and low activity, Lola's patella has 'regressed' (?) to a Level I - which is a super good thing. As many of you know, Level I does not need to be surgically corrected immediately and simply needs watchful, preventative care (no more jumping!!). She is overjoyed with the lovely weather we've been having and has had fun romping with Gigi in the yard - but no jumping!

She went in for her spaying on Friday but the bitch before her ended up having serious ovarian cancer (and taking much longer than expected). So her operation has been postponed till Tuesday. Lord almighty! If it's not one thing, it's another! My vet called and said, "Look, I can do it, but we are all pretty rattled and I'd rather start on her fresh next week."

By the way, our 'regular' vet is a really nice guy who has many brachealephic (sp?) dogs under his care. Not to mention that I'm always sending/showing him stuff regarding frenchies' particular needs (and he's getting tired of my info :p). The specialty vet (who did Gigi's surgery and would do Lola's knee) is considered the best in our region. On top of which they have several frenchies under their care. So I feel pretty confident that I at least have the best that St. Louis has to offer. Not to mention that with all of the emergency visits we've had, I'm starting to find vets I like - and don't like! I am now fairly well acquainted with the veterinairy community here - sigh.

Now that the dogs are (knock on wood) doing okay, I've been going through hell with the condo I'm buying. What a surprise - NOT! I am moving out of my current house and into a condo so that I can tear down my current house and re-build. Joy, oh joy. I found a great, cheap, rehabbed condo with a deck and tiny yard that's right around the corner from my house so that we can visit everyday during construction. It's just that the rehabbing of the condo has been less than smooth sailing -- but I'm looking forward to it being finished ... I think.

Martina