Hi there, i have a 2 1/2 yr old Jack russel X Terrier. A while ago i noticed that my dog was limping. I took her to the vet as she was not herself. I was told that she had 'Patella Luxation' in her back left knee.
She also had it slightly in her back right knee aswell. I was given some pain killers and told to come back in a month, also to keep a diary of when she was limping.
I did and she was limping abit most days, and just before she was meant to go back she went really quiet and not eating properly and just kept sleeping.
So the vet arranged for xrays and it did show that her knee cap was out of place and there was damage to the cartlidge were it has been rubbing it.
Anyway she was referred to a specialist as urgent at the beginning of december.
We were seen within 2 days and after a consultation was told that she needed an operation.
She would have a bone cut and a pin put in her leg.

I have been so indecisive about having it done as i dont want to see her in pain. But then if i dont have it done she will end up in alot of pain with it.

I finally managed to pluck up the courage to book the operation today. It is for Tuesday 22nd January. I feel so nervous about it
She has not been limping as much lately, but i think that is because i have cut down her visits to the park.

I have got to keep thinking that she will have a better quality of life after she has recovered.

I was told she will probably not use her leg for about a month after and she is not allowed to run around for about 3 months after.
The thought of that worries me.

I have looked it up online aswell.

Any advice or anything greatly appreciated. I feel funny at the thought of it. I am also waiting for the specialist to contact me again as i want to talk with him before the operation date.

She is my baby and part of our family....

Hi Angel
It is understandable that you will be worried about your little dog but you have made the right decision in having the operation done. Once she has recovered you will be glad you had it. Once the stitches are out you could take her swimming at a hydrapool which will help her recover.

Yeah i know what you are saying, and i know that it is the best option as it will give her a better quality of life as she is so young.
The thing that worries me is that i wont be able to afford the best aftercare for her as i am a single parent on benefits.
The op is covered by the insurance, which i am glad i took out.

Have a word with your vet, perhaps he will recomend that a course of swimming will aid recovery. Most insurance companies but not all will pay for this. Whether you take her swimming or not just follow the advise given by your vet and I am sure she will make a full recovery. Try not to worry just give her lots of tlc

I agree with Jan C - you are doing the right thing - most insurance companies cover for hydro - look on your policy details or ring and ask them etc...talk to your vet first so you know what it all entails. Good luck

She wil definatly get lots of tlc. I think the correct words are 'spoilt'...

I know in the long term it is the right thing to do. I feel awful at the moment as she has been ok. Not really having problems. but I am not taking her out to the park etc at the moment just for short walks.

She loves to run in the park chasing the seaguls. (even thought they are right up in the sky). She is so fast, it is amazing to watch her.

I hope that when she is fully recovered she will be able to still do that.
And she will get arthritis aswell. Either way we cant win. If she does not get the Op done she will suffer in the future with her knee and if we get the Op done then she is going to suffer with arthritis.

Its 2 weeks today she goes for her Op.

I have been told that the vet will be ,
cutting away damaged ligament in her knee.
putting her knee cap back in place and securing it there
and making the groove deeper for her kneecap to sit in.

I am not alowed to take her for a walk for 10 days and then start of with 5 minuites and build up like that.

For 3 months she has to stay on a lead, even in the garden. No running!!

The specialist will see her 3 days after the Op and then 12 days after for the stitches to come out and then again at 6 weeks after.
He will show me a few physio exercises that i can do on her. She can go to physio and hydrotherapy, but its not essential.

Hopefully she will be better for the summer and she will be running round the park chasing the seaguls by then.

It is only about 8 days away now until the op.
I am beginning to get in panic mode. I just have lots of things going through my head.
Lots of what if's........

She is not allowed out for walks for 10 days. She comes everywere with me so i think we are both going to be feeling a bit lost.......

These last few days she has been really quiet and not really eating. We went to the park today and she can only manage running around for about 5 mins and then she starts limping and stands by my feet as she wants to go home.