lb0024
Well-known member
Let me start by saying I'm sorry... I know there have been lots of posts on here about PL and I've read lots of them, but I still feel the need to ask about it. I'm having trouble deciding what to do.
Molly has patella luxation (PL) in both legs. The second vet I went to see said both are between Grade 2 and 3 (out of 4). Both vets suggested surgery. I asked the second vet about supplements. He basically said I could use them, but they wouldn't change the need for surgery.
I have read about and talked to people who have or had dogs with PL for many years and never needed surgery. People right away say, "don't rush into surgery!" "Try this" or "Try that!". (The "this" and the "that" are supplements, exercise, even a chiropractor) Believe me, I do not want Molly (or me!) to have to go through surgery, but... she limps a LOT. One leg is definitely worst than the other - she limps several times per walk and just about any time I play fetch with her. And, sometimes she goes down to a sitting position almost. I think when the bad leg gives out, sometimes the other one does too and then she looks almost paralyzed for that second that she can't stand back up. It's so terrible to see! In my gut, I feel like the surgery is the only way to fix the problem, but I almost feel guilty for considering it when I read about or hear from people who say don't do the the surgery.
Anyway, I'm planning to go to Angell Memorial to see what they say. But I kind of feel like the vets will all say do the surgery because... well, for lots of possible reasons... for one, more money for them... for another, I think doctors will usually choose the "standard" fix rather than the "experimental" fix (such as supplements or chiropractor).
For those of you who did decide on surgery, can you identify any particular factor or factors that brought you to that decision?
And if any of you are in the Boston or north shore area, maybe you could PM me with the particular doctor/hospital that you used - and how your experience went?
Thanks for any and all advice/opinions/information.
-laura
Molly has patella luxation (PL) in both legs. The second vet I went to see said both are between Grade 2 and 3 (out of 4). Both vets suggested surgery. I asked the second vet about supplements. He basically said I could use them, but they wouldn't change the need for surgery.
I have read about and talked to people who have or had dogs with PL for many years and never needed surgery. People right away say, "don't rush into surgery!" "Try this" or "Try that!". (The "this" and the "that" are supplements, exercise, even a chiropractor) Believe me, I do not want Molly (or me!) to have to go through surgery, but... she limps a LOT. One leg is definitely worst than the other - she limps several times per walk and just about any time I play fetch with her. And, sometimes she goes down to a sitting position almost. I think when the bad leg gives out, sometimes the other one does too and then she looks almost paralyzed for that second that she can't stand back up. It's so terrible to see! In my gut, I feel like the surgery is the only way to fix the problem, but I almost feel guilty for considering it when I read about or hear from people who say don't do the the surgery.
Anyway, I'm planning to go to Angell Memorial to see what they say. But I kind of feel like the vets will all say do the surgery because... well, for lots of possible reasons... for one, more money for them... for another, I think doctors will usually choose the "standard" fix rather than the "experimental" fix (such as supplements or chiropractor).
For those of you who did decide on surgery, can you identify any particular factor or factors that brought you to that decision?
And if any of you are in the Boston or north shore area, maybe you could PM me with the particular doctor/hospital that you used - and how your experience went?
Thanks for any and all advice/opinions/information.
-laura