[zd88]

Hello,

my name is Zdenek Balcar, from Czech republic, Europe.

I have a portuguese water dog, 8 weeks old female. I have her 1 week now. Since I have her, she limps on right hind leg. I thought it is just temporary injury caused by playing with her siblings. Unfortunately after x-rays was discovered, there is a kneecap/patelle missing.

Is there any chance a kneecap is going to appear?

Do you recommend any exercise for now? Or just to stay calm? With my family we already love her no matter what and want to give her a chance for the best life possible. It seems to be very rare, so I will appreciate any help.

Thank you


Kind Regards
Zdenek Balcar

 

[storyist]

Have your vets mentioned consulting with some of the orthopedic specialists at university teaching vet colleges and the like? The odds of those specialists having seen cases like this and being able to advise would be higher than for any private practice, I'd think. My equine vets were especially good at doing that for me, but I've also had small animal vets do it or sometimes refer me to specialists.

 

[zd88]

Yes, I forgot to write down. After private vet, we went straight to an orthopedic surgeon/specialist. Specialist told us to return the dog. Breeder is giving us money back, but we still want to keep the dog anyway and give her a chance for the best life possible. Orthopedic surgeon mentioned only plan A, which is returning the dog. Not mentioned plan B, he told us future of her leg is not known. Also said it may cost a lot of money in future but I believe in her.

I am trying to find anyone with similar case. Any advices will help.

 

[DaySleepers]

This is a case where I'd try to get another appointment with this specialist (or a different one) to help you make a support plan. Orthopedic issues like this are tricky and what works for one dog might not be right for another due to any number of factors. The wrong kind of exercise could even make things worth, so that definitely needs professional guidance. It's awesome you're willing to commit to helping this pup, and I hope you figure out something that works for her!

 

[parus]

It seems to me that worst case scenario is that she ends up a tripod, and that's not so bad...plenty of dogs do fine on three legs, particularly when the lost leg is a hind leg. Good for you for looking out for her.

 

[zd88]

Thanks everybody for messages!

On another forum someone recommended braces - Orthopedic Dog Braces & Splints - Balto Dog Brace USA - Dog / Pet Braces | Rehabilitation | Physio . It may bring a lot of help if she is in pain or can not use her hind leg too much.

I wish & believe she will be fine without surgery.

 

[DaySleepers]

She may be, and I hope she is! It's still a good idea to have a professional on board to give you advice personalized to your pup. A veterinary physiotherapist, rehab specialist, or chiropractor can design specific exercise plans for her, for example, and give you a really clear idea of what will support her and keep her comfortable and what kind of activities are at risk for causing pain and injury. There's sometimes a lot of help a specialist can offer besides surgery or amputation!

 

[zd88]

Yesterday I had a conversation with the orthopedic specialist (the one who took the x-rays), he will take care of her and will provide support plan for the future. He said it is very rare condition. Only 2 times he seen this in his whole career. But it still would be nice to find someone with the same scenario, to hear dog is active and ok, this would calm me a bit and add more confidence.

Thank you so much for messages!