Back in mid March he was out tearing around on the leash when I shortened the leash - I've done this many times without incident. This time he "continues" (they don't know the leash ends) even though I'm yelling at him to "wait" (he knows that command - obeying it when he's in the mood to run around is another story). He came up lame after that. He was fine a few days later. He then continued to show signs of lameness off and on but it progressed over the next month and a half to two months.
There are days when he doesn't show any signs at all and then there were days like Sunday when he wouldn't put his hind leg down at all.
So we went to the vet on Monday; vet checked him out and sure enough he's got Luxating Patella (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxating_patella) - I've done research on it as it's inherent to the breed and other small dogs.
Other Boston Boards I've read have had similar stories where the dog, at around 10-11 months of age, has to get the surgery done. Monty's 10.5 months right now so this is "about right".
The good news is the surgery is very successful and recovery is really good and the dog lives a good life after the fact. :)
Wow, it's common for the breed? What happens if the surgery isn't done? I'm thinking of all the pet owners who don't realize their dogs may have this issue and it goes untreated...
I'm sure he'll be fine. Maybe a little pouty when he gets home but he'll bounce right back :D
Well.. it's not like every dog in the breed gets it but it's "more common" in this breed than in some others :)
Just like how hip dysplasia is shown more in larger breeds like German Sheppards or such than in other breeds.
If the surgery isn't done that one leg will always give him problems - the knee cap doesn't always stay in place and eventually the spot where it's supposed to stay (a groove) becomes a lot less deep over time. So the leg basically becomes "not as good" (I don't want to say "useless" but you get the idea) as it used to be.
Well, pet owners who notice it will or should take their dogs in. Some dogs may be in a lot more pain than others and may yelp or such. Monty never yelped or cried but seeing him hobble around on three legs; I knew it wasn't a lot of fun for him.
Back in mid March he was out tearing around on the leash when I shortened the leash - I've done this many times without incident. This time he "continues" (they don't know the leash ends) even though I'm yelling at him to "wait" (he knows that command - obeying it when he's in the mood to run around is another story). He came up lame after that. He was fine a few days later. He then continued to show signs of lameness off and on but it progressed over the next month and a half to two months.
There are days when he doesn't show any signs at all and then there were days like Sunday when he wouldn't put his hind leg down at all.
So we went to the vet on Monday; vet checked him out and sure enough he's got Luxating Patella (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxating_patella) - I've done research on it as it's inherent to the breed and other small dogs.
Other Boston Boards I've read have had similar stories where the dog, at around 10-11 months of age, has to get the surgery done. Monty's 10.5 months right now so this is "about right".
The good news is the surgery is very successful and recovery is really good and the dog lives a good life after the fact. :)
nex
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I'm sure he'll be fine. Maybe a little pouty when he gets home but he'll bounce right back :D
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Just like how hip dysplasia is shown more in larger breeds like German Sheppards or such than in other breeds.
If the surgery isn't done that one leg will always give him problems - the knee cap doesn't always stay in place and eventually the spot where it's supposed to stay (a groove) becomes a lot less deep over time. So the leg basically becomes "not as good" (I don't want to say "useless" but you get the idea) as it used to be.
Well, pet owners who notice it will or should take their dogs in. Some dogs may be in a lot more pain than others and may yelp or such. Monty never yelped or cried but seeing him hobble around on three legs; I knew it wasn't a lot of fun for him.
:)
nex
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I'm glad you've turned out to be such a good & cautious puppy owner :D
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