Dislocated Knee (Patella Luxation)

Hi,

Archie, my 1year old staffy had been suffering from a slight limp to actually not putting weight on his hind left leg. After my hubby and myself had hoped he's just twisted it, or just bruised it we took him along to the vet to get him checked out.

Unfortunately he diagnosed it as patella luxation and illustrated the problem by popping the kneecap in and out. He sent us home with anti-inflammatories and asked that we returned 10 days later to check the progress. The pills helped and he started to walk normally again, but once the pills wore off, the limp returned.

After the 10 days we returned to the vet and he told us that the kneecap was now permanently dislocated and he'd need corrective surgery to repair it and to also avoid further problems further down the line, such as arthritis and long bone disorders.

He wasn't sure if the bone with which the kneecap sits was too shallow or that it was ligament damage, but would be able to tell once he operates.

Yesterday he had his surgery and the vet had preformed a tibial crest transposition..The bone had been re-aligned and two screws were put in to keep it in position. Archie is home now and looking very sorry for himself, but after 24 hrs after surgery he hasn't urinated. I didn't expect him to need a poo as food wasn't allowed pre-surgery and his appetite is, as you can imagine not 100%.

He hasn't had a great deal to drink, maybe a desert bowl of water, but should I be worried about him not peeing? We have his post-up check up tomorrow morning, but just wondered if anyone else has had experience of this.

Many thanks

TBH honest the vets is booked for tomorrow so your time not too long. I am pleased the surgery went well, I know when Moo was put under for x rays it took about 48 hours for her to back to herself, huge hugs and I hope recovery goes well Xx

Great news the operation went well, it's good you have a post-op appointment just to check on him hope he's back to his normal self soon

I would contact them straight away to let the vet know he hasn't been able to pee yet, this is important. See if you can get hold of them now.

glad the surgery went well,i hope all goes well at the vets tomorrow,do keep us updated on him ><

How did Archie get on at the vets this morning ??

Hi everyone

Firstly I'd like to say a big fat thank you for your well wishes and support. It's much appreciated..

Ok, progress report on Archie.....

He kept me waiting till late afternoon to take a pee, but once he'd started to go it seemed like he wouldn't stop! But fair to say I was very relieved..

We attended our "post op" appointment and the vet seemed very happy with him. He informed me that you'd be surprised at how long animals can hold out to pee. He said he's known some dogs wait over 48hrs!

Anyway, he told me that he had preformed a "tibial crest transposition" on Archie. Where the upper bone is out of place, therefore not allowing the kneecap to rest in it's natural position. He said that he re-aligned this bone along with soft tissue and ligaments and pinned it all in to position with two screws. (apologies if I haven't explained it correctly, but this is the way I have understood it all)

To my surprise the vet removed all of his dressings and has sent us home till next Friday, when he will have his stitches removed. In the meantime it is my job to keep him from running and jumping (any ideas anyone?!)

This is Archie one hour after I collected him from the vets.



Trying his best to get comfy


Immediately after his dressings were removed.


His wound.




This was taken yesterday, he's starting to look a little more comfortable now.


I will keep you posted. Wish me luck with the keeping calm and still bit

That is great news! Look at his little chicken drum stick! Bless. I hope the recovery goes well, lots of chew toys and mind games

How funny, chicken drum stick is what we've been calling it

Meanies

Very pleased to hear that Archie is now getting on OK after his op. I was quite worried that he hadn't peed for so long but this has now thankfully happened. Sending lots of hugs for Archie and you too >< >< ><

Kathy wrote:Very pleased to hear that Archie is now getting on OK after his op. I was quite worried that he hadn't peed for so long but this has now thankfully happened. Sending lots of hugs for Archie and you too >< >< ><

>< Thanks Kathy, really appreciate your kindness. Gotta admit I was really worried, but when the vet said that they can hang on for over 48hrs I guess I got off lightly He said it can be a mixture of trepidation, nervousness and ultimately the need to go. Wish I could hang on that long!