I imagine that it is like when people dislocate a shoulder. The muscles, like a rubber band that was overstretched, do not hold the shoulder tight, as before. To get them to draw tighter, and hold that joint in place, the antiinflammatories, and enough exercise restriction that the muscles can tighten up to the length they were before it poped out, would give it more support. Make sure you use a feed w/glucosamine/chondroitin added to keep the fluid level in the joint.
This is about LP: http://www.2ndchance.info/patella.htm

I would keep the dogs on puppy kibble [that's all I feed dogs of any age].

I have to add that adding MSM really helps too.  I have had Sasha on gluco-chondroitant for a long while. Hers popped too.  Having surgery for her would be useles being she has hardly and cartlidge left. I added MSM and it stopped.  She is not really active  due to her arthritis.

Kitty how could I deter a dog(poodle) from jumping. I want to avoid this in the future.

Also, feeding puppy food do you have any problems with weight?  I know labs tend to pack on the lbs. easily.

OK, I figured it out. The forum deletes the post because I used the symbol [

Stupid thing only printed a 3rd of what I wrote, I'm working on it...


Well, don't use the symbol for "less than" in a post...

-- Edited by Kittys Mom at 10:03, 2005-10-16

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Jawlaw,
Kaia had LP. She had it severe in both knees. My vet who is also an orthopedic surgeon said that the main reason that dogs get it in both knees so often is that when they get it in one knee they favor the other, therefore putting all that weight on that one knee....obviousely that is just asking for trouble.
What grade did he say his knees were? Kaias were a grade 3 of 4. Surgery is usually not required or reccomended until late 2 or 3. Many dogs never get beyond a 1 or a 2 and they live pretty normal and happy lives. I would ask your vet what grade it is and then you can go from there. My vet could tell instantly just by feeling.
As far as the surgery goes, I would see if they will work with you on a payment plan, alot of vets will, you might have to pay like 1/2 down and payments on the rest or something. Good Luck and keep us informed!

Katz- he didn't tell me the "grade". I will need to get back in touch with him. Thanks for the info. I will let you know how it goes. He has been taking the meds and I haven't seen him limp anymore, but the vet says it is only a matter of time! uggh!