He's an 11 year old JRT. The last few times I have bathed him, his rear end collapsed!
I usually have the water very warm and I use a spray nozzle. He never had an problems standing before. But lately he just has a lot of trouble getting his behind up during the rinse.
He does have a loose patella in his right hind leg. I was wondering if the warm water, combined with his age and patella, was causing his muscles to just give out temporarily?
Does anyone recommend a supplement for loose patellas? Would anything help? Besides surgery?
and a question about my own dog
Re: and a question about my own dog
Several problems to consider: first, if you're bathing him in your tub, does he have good footing and support (vs slipping on porcelain).....second, when was his last vet check-up? If you haven't had him checked in the last 6 months, now is the time to do so and get the patellar re-evaluated with exam and x-rays. Left untreated, this could cause degenerative joint disease, if it hasn't already. Other arthritic conditions need to be ruled out as well. Your vet will at that time, decide if further diagnostics and/or bloodwork is necessary to look for other problems.
Lastly, does he have any sore spots or hot spots or anal gland problems? If so, the water or water pressure could be irritating and uncomfortable, may be the reason he's not standing up as you're bathing him. Unlikely, but a rule-out.
Luxating patellars usually require surgical correction, but at his age, I would be cautious (i.e., anesthesia).....you first need a re-evaluation to determine the extent of the problem, your vet can then tell you what your options might be.
Lastly, does he have any sore spots or hot spots or anal gland problems? If so, the water or water pressure could be irritating and uncomfortable, may be the reason he's not standing up as you're bathing him. Unlikely, but a rule-out.
Luxating patellars usually require surgical correction, but at his age, I would be cautious (i.e., anesthesia).....you first need a re-evaluation to determine the extent of the problem, your vet can then tell you what your options might be.
..........Traci
Re: and a question about my own dog
what the heck, i'll post this again but i will bet no vets nowdays will use it...sclerification
This is the sclerification procedure::
A scelrifying agent like sodium morruhate or scleramate is injected in the surrounding capsule of the knee, usually about 1 cc on the outer or lateral capsule, right into the fiber tissue, not into the joint…this causes scarring to occur in the capsule thus tightening up the knee joint…,,for meniscus problems etc, both the lateral and medial capsules are injected…it is repeated in about two weeks,,often a cocomittant injection of prednisone is given to ease teh irritation.
It is equivalent to the old firing of horses where a hot needle is place all around the knee joint to tighten up the capsule….that was very painfull and I suspect it is not done any more…this is not my idea but I learned it at a seminar at the Univ. of Pa. vet school from their orthopod years ago… (Dr. Bob Brody, to be specific)
Modern vets may not be familiar with it cayuse surgery of the lateral lig is more fun and more dramatic….but it won’t hurt to ask
This is the sclerification procedure::
A scelrifying agent like sodium morruhate or scleramate is injected in the surrounding capsule of the knee, usually about 1 cc on the outer or lateral capsule, right into the fiber tissue, not into the joint…this causes scarring to occur in the capsule thus tightening up the knee joint…,,for meniscus problems etc, both the lateral and medial capsules are injected…it is repeated in about two weeks,,often a cocomittant injection of prednisone is given to ease teh irritation.
It is equivalent to the old firing of horses where a hot needle is place all around the knee joint to tighten up the capsule….that was very painfull and I suspect it is not done any more…this is not my idea but I learned it at a seminar at the Univ. of Pa. vet school from their orthopod years ago… (Dr. Bob Brody, to be specific)
Modern vets may not be familiar with it cayuse surgery of the lateral lig is more fun and more dramatic….but it won’t hurt to ask
Re: and a question about my own dog
I totally forgot this pertinent piece of info--SORRY!
He was tested positive for Lymes disease last April at his yearly check-up! He has never shown symptoms, but could this be the problem? In any case, I have an appointment for him and will surely show them Davet's message, couldn't hurt!
One question Davet, is this a very painful procedure for dogs?
He was tested positive for Lymes disease last April at his yearly check-up! He has never shown symptoms, but could this be the problem? In any case, I have an appointment for him and will surely show them Davet's message, couldn't hurt!
One question Davet, is this a very painful procedure for dogs?