Worried About My Dogs Loose Kneecaps!

[tinkerbell23]

My wee westie began to limp & when i visited the vet they told me she has two loose knee caps which she said is common in wee dogs!!

I have given her a course of meloxicam- it did seem to help and now it has ran out she limps again but they have assured me she isnt in pain and she dosent appear to be either!!

My question is- i wonder if i should continue the course? She has to loose a little weight which she is doing well with but i dont know if im imagining that one of her legs looks a bit skinny ? Im worried if she dosent use it much she will loose it!?

The vet said we will avoid surgery to carve out her kneecaps if we can!!

[woofgang]

what does your vet say and why would you not continue the meds if your vet says its a good idea?

[tinkerbell23]

They didnt advise any follow up- id be happy to continue the meds if they didnt cause her any issues- meloxicam is anti inflamm so i was a bit worried about her wee kidneys or tummy!

Just ran out so ill contact the vet, just wondered if anyone had any experience x

[jakep]

How old is she tinkerbell?

[Peter Pedant]

yeah my brother has wobbly knees
( puts his own dislocations back whilst we watch and squawk)
he's not a dog tho

melox is an anti inflammatory which costs a bomb
quite safe for dogs.

[lankeela]

Patella luxation is very common but sadly also very commonly never treated - witness the 'Jack Russell hop' that many people find endearing but is painful and is the reason they carry one leg. It can be operated on very successfully but for smaller dogs vets will tend to recommend rest. However continued long term use of meloxicam or loxicom or any similar product can cause stomach problems, so watch out for blood in the poo. If noticed stop straight away.