Loose knee caps

I just took my 5 year old Maltese (Gretta) to the vet and he told me that she had "loose knee caps" in her back legs. He suggested that we have her see an orthopedic surgeon to correct the problem because down the road arthritis could set in those knees. The vet said that this was common in small dogs, has anyone had this problem and if so, did surgery really work or did it cause more problems due to other complications.

Gretta is "chunky" weighing in at 9 lbs. We are putting her on a diet to control her food intake more and we are increasing her activity level. I am reluctant to have her go through surgery, but I also do not want to jeopardize her quality of life as she ages.

Has anyone any experiences to share? Thanks in advance,
Diann, concerned owner of Gretta and Hannah

• Diann, there is a previous post titled "deaf/wknee problems", Larry Stanberry give some info on luxatting patella's or loose knees.

  As I have responded in my post, my maltese Amanda has had the knee surgery on both her hind legs (at different times) and my yorkie mix has had it on one of his. From what I know, it is common in small breed dogs. Amanda was much older than 5 when she had the knee surgeries; the yorkie, Benjamin was under a year.

  They have made such improvements in anesthesia over the years, surgery is not as risky as it used to be if you have a good vet -- though there is always some kind of risk with all types of medical procedures, even teeth cleaning. I think the important thing is make sure you have a good vet -- I think it is a good sign that your vet is refering you to a specialist -- and make sure you have presurgery workup done to ensure that all medical factors are know and accounted for during surgery.

  But, if the knees are loose and need surgery, I would get it done, your Gretta is a young dog, you don't want her to have unnecessary pain or trouble walking as she gets olders.

  At least talk with the orthopedic vet; there is no commitment in talking and after you talk with him or her, you may feel more comfortable about the surgery. Also, ask either vet if there is something you can read on the problem. Good luck.
  Rebecca (aka, RAKSAB, can't make up her mind)

• I'm glad Rebecca also referred you to the info already on this board regarding luxating patellas (aka slipping stifles or loose knee caps as you called it). You must realize how important it is to reduce any excess weight off of the dog and keep it off. This is one of the things that even causes dogs with a healthy knee structure to develop problems in this joint. If that tendon does slip out of joint, the animal is subjected,in most cases, to such excruciating pain - you may even think the dog is having a convulsive seizure by his actions. You dont want to allow the dog to go through this - if it is inevitable then have the surgury done, now. Again, you are well advised to see a specialist.
  Larry Stanberry - Divine Maltese

• My dog experienced this problem, and she too was overweight. My vet put her on a diet and put her on a supplement, and her knees are doing fine now. The problem with this surgery, and I do speak from experience, is the risk of arthritis. Ask your vet what the risk is in getting arthritis from the surgery. If I had known that arthritis can be a side affect from the surgery, I would not have had it done. The orthopedic surgeon can answer the surgery/arthritis question best.
  Marsha Ardoin