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Maltese Limping Problems
by Karen
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
DISCUSSION:
My Bianca, who is almost 3, had a knee problem about a year ago. She would limp on and off and when we took her in the vet said she needed surgery. I went to another vet for a second opinion. He said to give her 1 baby aspirin per day and wait and see. I gave her the aspirin, and on the second day she had severe vomiting from it. I waited and noticed her knee did heal. She is 100% fine now. Had I listened to the first vet and got the surgery right away like he wanted, I would have put her through unneccessary surgery and spent about $1000.00. So, you may want to get a second opinion. Good Luck!
Angel
Karen-I agree with Angel. Get a second opinion. Cubbie is an older dog too, 8 1/2 yrs. He has never limped, so I can't help you there. But do get more advice from another vet. It could be something very simply cured.
Felicia & Cubbie
Karen, did the vet say that he thought Lily had a luxating patella, or arthritis, and did he recommend surgery? If so, I would definitely get a second opinion. The vets can tell by the feel of the joint whether she has just hit her knee on something or if she does have a luxating patella. I was told that surgery is only recommended for this problem when they are young, before too much arthritic degeneration occurs. If this is what Lily has then, at 8 years of age, medication and dietary management may be a better option. I know that they can give shots and/or oral medication which are supposed to slow down arthritic degeneration (Rastus had the medication and I don't know that it had much effect, but I believe that the shots are more effective). Baby aspirin or panadol should help to relieve any inflammation, this is fine if she has only hit her knee on something but if she has arthritis this will only treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause - the limping may stop, but not the degeneration. It's hard to make the best decision when money's tight - perhaps you could check with the first vet that it's OK to give her some aspirin in the short-term (as he has already seen her he should be able to advise over the phone) then arrange for a second opinion as soon as finances permit. Good luck, I hope Lily is feeling better soon.
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
What about glucosomine condroitan (spelling?) which is supposed to rebuild cartiledge? I think originally it was developed for animals and then was adapted for human use as well. Maybe ask the vet...
Isabel
Oliver had surgery on both knees (one year apart) after chronic limping and pain that would last for days. I hope baby aspirin works - it did not help Oliver. You might ask your Vet for Phenylbutazone-an antiinflamatory if it persists. Oliver went to our Vet and a second opinion from his breeder's Vet-both recommended surgery. We ultimately did it because he was in pain and depressed for days after each incident. It is a tough call and there is no single correct answer-you have to use your best judgement and hope it's the right decision.
Glorya
Karen, asprin and medication will only prolong what will need to be done anyway. surgery! my male yoshie had problems beginning at six months old. finally at one year i had the surgery on the knee. they put in a pin that may or may not need to be removed. one opinion was $1,500 and one was $250.00. we had the $250.00 surgery done because we like the vet better. he is doing great and it has almost been a year. he does not like to walk like my other maltese, but that is to be expected. the vet explained that this problem in the breeds, maltese, yorkies and poodles is like hip displasia in large dogs. it is painful until fixed! don't wait too long.
MARGY