Agree on getting a second opinion. Is there a Vet School in your state you could take your dog to for a second opinion?

My sympathy for you and your pup:(

A year ago mine was diagnosed with the dreaded luxating patella (Grade 3 bilaterally) and surgery was the only option, according to our vet. We went for a second opinion which confirmed the diagnosis. However, we were told to give a daily vegan omega supplement (to strengthen and lubricate the joints) and watch for gait abnormalities. Knock on wood-- no limping and no indication that surgery is necessary.

Second opinion, STAT!

Nanny--my terrier has a luxating patella but he doesn't let it stop him. Vet said it wasn't too bad. What supplement did you use?

mrs. S...sorry you are facing this. Good idea to ask here about what to expect with this surgery. Hope you get some helpful replies. Sorry I have no experience but agree with the second opinion. Not that your vet is wrong, but you'll gather more information.

Socks, Grade 1 and 2 is tolerable and does not cause symptoms. However Grade 3 and 4 may need surgical intervention.

We are still using it daily. Just 2 squirts on top of the food.

https://www.amazon.com/KODA-Omega-Life369-Vegan-Supplement-Dogs/dp/B00AAR61DI

Well, thanks so much for all your replies. Those are good bits of advice. Husband is a physician, and we did as much research as we could on the internet. And the surgeon/hospital we chose is associated with one of the best-known veterinary schools in the state (and country). Also, we consulted with our own primary care vet, who hand-picked the surgeon based on his experience and long relationship with him and the referral hospital. So.....

We went ahead and he had his first surgery today. After about a 3-4 week recovery period, they will go ahead and do the other one. I will post here as he recovers, and I hope his outcome is great and will help others contemplate this decision.

It certainly sounds like you did your due diligence--best wishes for a successful outcome!

And please keep us posted as promised:)

Both of our dogs have hip issues. Sam is 8 years old and was diagnosed at 3. We got several opinions and made the decision that managing with meds and supps was the best option for him and although he has some muscle atrophy, he does really well, In the last year in addition to monthly pentosan shots, fish oil, and joint supplements, he also started taking gabapentin and tramadol. He loves his walks and still runs and plays with Poppies like a puppy.

Poppie on the other hand, who is almost 3 is going to have to had surgery, We adopted her last year and the foster family told us about her luxating patella. It's not as common in large dogs ( she is a 65 lb lab mix). We did x-rays with our vet because I thought there was more to it based on her gait and i was right - her luxation is due to her hip being half out of socket!! :( The vet indicated that is was not genetic but rather from a traumatic event. We are about to move from Texas to Florida so we have been waiting, but plan to get with an orthopedic once we settle in. We have been managing her with anti-inflammatories ( yuck) gabapentin ( it has been affecting her spine too), chiropractics and acupuncture. She has a great spirit and still runs and plays but the only way to fix this is surgery. Not looking forward to it, but know she will be better off.

Best of luck to your sweet pup and you on recovery! Please keep us posted!

For anyone interested, our boy is recovering very nicely from his 2nd surgery. It was actually a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) on both sides. About 5 weeks after the 1st surgery, he went back for the 2nd surgery. It has been about a month since the 2nd surgery. Both surgeries were very smooth, surgeon extremely positive and optimistic about the outcome. Believe it or not, he walked out of vet hospital the next day after each surgery, easily bearing weight on his legs the whole time. We keep him confined to the largest crate we could buy, in our family room, when he's not on leash in the house or walking outside, to keep him from jumping up or wrestling around with the other dogs. And his walks/therapy are gradually increasing. However, he feels so good, it's hard to hold him back on his walks. He is not limping. Hard to believe, considering pelvis has been essentially surgically broken in 6 places, and manipulated and corrected, and is obviously still healing.

I plan to keep updating, as time goes on, to help others make this decision.

I always worry about that with my dog.. I never let him jump on or off the bed and he doesn't really use the stairs.. Maybe measures like that would help your dog..

Wonderful update--he's remarkably resilient! Best wishes for continuing progress

What good news Mrs. S! I would love to continue to hear updates!! We finally got moved to Florida and are getting ready to get a consult with the orthopedic vet on what Poppie will need done.