Medial Patellar Luxation - Dog (Hank's Story)

Hank was diagnosed with Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) in 2014. We are sharing his story to start a conversation on the risks and benefits of proceeding with surgery or non-surgical options. All thoughtful & beneficial comments are welcome here :)
Update... Hank has completed TTA surgery and you can view his progress post surgery week to week by clicking the link below: / @courtneyklocke1744

[@tehaleks]

Thank you for this series. I'm going through this ordeal with my puppy as well and I'm on the fence. Most people wouldn't have noticed hers either but I pay a lot of attention to my dogs and do a lot of research and knew what it was immediately. Surgery is December 1. So thank you very much for doing these videos. You're very well spoken and it was easy to understand the information presented, just really great video. Thank you again.

[@dovey4703]

Hi Courtney, just want to say thank you for sharing Hank’s story. My baby is going through similar things. I have been so worried and scared. Your videos gives me confidence. I haven’t gone through them in details but I believe it will help us with the recovery and make sure he gets the active happy life style he deserves to live.

[@Frdzed]

My 5 year old miniature schnauzer got diagnosed today with level 2 of this condition today. Your video has been a great help, thanks.

[@RebeccaOsterbergFamilyandMusic]

My Akita just had his MPL surgery (grade 3) and had a genetic defect called patellar alta, meaning they are too high. They surgeon attempted to repair this as well. Thank you for your videos and I hope Hank is still with you, doing fine. Kashi is 19 months and already has some arthritis as well as some erosion beneath the patella. I hope once healed, he can have a decent life. Thanks again.

[@djangohipsunchainedw9632]

Hi Courtney! My 16-month old lab/pit mix pup was just diagnosed with severe bilateral grade 2/4 MPL yesterday and we decided to go ahead and schedule his surgery for August 20th. He is a happy active puppy with orthopedic issues, unfortunately. The deciding factor for us, was that he's not getting any better & without fixing his knees, we will not be able to address his hips. His limping progressed from the right to now the left with him sometimes holding the left leg up, hopping for a few seconds and then he'd be fine after. This has not stopped him from wanting to play & attempt to run of course. Ultimately, the goal is to stabilize both knees starting with his left so that he can have the FHO to fix his hip dysplasia (congenital severe bilateral hip dysplasia). Keep me posted & thank you. Good luck to Hank!

[@bananaphone339]

I just wanted to thank you. You are right in that there is a ton of information out there but it can be overwhelming. Our pup, Sissy, is six and scheduled for her surgery on her left knee on August 16. I have watched the videos and understand what will happen but your videos on rehab were very helpful. It takes a big commitment but Sissy is our fur baby and worth it. So thank you. I am sure I'll be referring to Hanks videos again. It gives me great hope she can get back to her peppy self. All my best! Jamie

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Jamie. I wish you luck with your pup Sissy. Hank is over one year post surgery and we are so happy with his results. Keep on top of Sissy's rehab and she will recover great. You know your dog better than anyone, so trust your gut and keep a close eye on her behavior, pain and movements. I hope you were able to view all 11 videos progressively. Sometimes they get jumbled on You Tube. Good Luck to you! Courtney

[@sissi8610]

Hi, your pup has my name? So funny! Hope she is doing really well.

[@MarkPawluk-td9ms]

Courtney very very good and informative series. My English Bulldog has been diagnosed with a stage III Luxating Patella also. I have not been told at this time that his ACL is not intact. He is 2 1/2 yrs old. It sounds like you would like you are from the Midwest. I plan to take him to the UNIV of WI Veterinary School which is supposed one of the best in the country. His first consultation will be a 4 hr exam ( so a very thorough exam) and then at that point he will be diagnosed as to how to proceed. Thanks again for the video series so I know what to " really expect" once he is sent home. I have been told that he will be staying overnight with his team to include check ups with his anesthesiologist to make sure he is not having any severe reactions for the surgery and anesthesia that was administered.

[@djangohipsunchainedw9632]

Thank you for replying. I did watch the rest of Hank's videos last night. For some reason only your 1st one popped up when I searched videos on MPL repairs/post op care. Good to know what to expect. For months I've been reading up on and watching FHO post op care, etc.... videos not knowing my li'l guy would also need bilateral MPL surgery (of course one knee a time). I have made it a point to be home with him for the next 5 days post surgically. At this point, I still don't know what exactly our orthopedic vet will do. He just said he won't know exactly what he'll do until he opens up Django's knee. I hope all is well with you and Hank & that he is well on his way to a complete recovery.

[@sarahsuzannewhite]

Thank you for your videos about sweet Hank! Seeing his (and your) story has helped me better understand my Bichon's issues and feel okay about his future. He's had these issues since we adopted him at age 5. Now, at 9, he is having more flare ups and we are needing to figure out the best course of action. Give Hank a good pet for us!

[@courtneyklocke1744]

+Sarah Cornell I'm glad my videos helped you and your Bichon better understand patellar luxation. If you do decide to go thru the surgery, be sure to take the time to watch all 11 of my videos in order to know what lies ahead for recovery. It was quite a process, but as of today (8 months post surgery) Hank is fantastic and you would never know he ever had surgery. He is loving life and happy to be moving freely again. Daily care post surgery is so important. I can't stress that enough. Good luck to you and feel free to ask any questions. I'm not a professional, but can share my experience.

[@sarahsuzannewhite]

+Courtney Klocke We did end up getting our pup Pappas the surgery and we will be two weeks post op as of Friday. Your videos about Hank helped my husband and I make the decision to meet with the specialists here in Japan and go through with the surgery. Papp is doing great! Thank you again for posting your story. Give Hank a pet for us.

[@hannaleigh6975]

Wonder, very informative video. Thank you 👍

[@Mouseearsmom]

Thank you so much for posting this series. My chihuahua is a grade 3 and had surgery today. I'll get her back tomorrow. I'll make sure to get an ice pack tonight and be ready to be up with her tomorrow night.

[@rmrdnl]

Mouseearsmom how did it go?

[@WagonGirl]

Thank you so much for posting Hank’s journey. My Merlin had his surgery today and your videos have given me so much hop for the future and inspiration for rehab as the weeks progress. Just like Hank, Merlin is a VERY active dog. He lives to chase a tennis ball! So, I’m hoping he will come back to full fitness in order to do what he loves most again. How is Hank now? Is he totally back to full health and range of movement?

[@courtneyklocke]

Hi Siofra :) Hank is back to 100% running, jumping and playing! Good luck to you and Merlin! Slow & Steady Rehab and everything will be okay.

[@sissi8610]

Hi Courtney, I've got news on my dog, you might remember us. We did his left knee last year, and this Tuesday, 22th of August 2017, he was with the same surgeon, to do his right knee, and to take the pins out from the left. I got a phone call from the surgeon at lunchtime. He said: "This is so strange, but Foxy is sedated, we've taken x-rays, and I checked his legs, and I can't seem to make the right patella come out of the groove, it does not luxate anymore!" He also said that he checked with another vet, and they've agreed not to go ahead with surgery on the right knee. So he only took out the pins from the left knee, saving Foxy from a long recovery time, and saving me a lot of money. On the down-side, his arthritis has gotten slightly worse, on both knees apparently. The vet has no explanation about the right knee, other than that maybe with the Oesto Arthritis, some bone could have formed to the side of the groove, where the patella rides in, and thus prevents it from popping out. But it's only a theory, and attempt to try and make sense of it. I will do a video over the next few days. I've decided to watch your videos again, and when Foxy recovers, to be very consistent with Physical Therapy. I want him to use his legs properly, he could use the left back a lot better, but years of learning bad habits need to be changed. Hope Hank is still going strong! I'm a bit disappointed about the Arthritis still getting worse, I've given Foxy so many really good supplements, I even grow herbs in the garden for that reason. (Gotu Kola) Maybe without them he would be a lot worse, that is my only consolation.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Hi Sissi. Thanks so much for the update on Foxy! I appreciate it. I'm happy that Foxy did not have to have the second surgery, but how odd? I believe Foxy is six or seven years of age? Is that young for a dog to experience arthritis? I'm not sure, but that would be a good question to start with. I would start digging in deeper to see if Foxy has signs of inflammation elsewhere. Not just joint inflammation, but digestive, skin, etc... One option would be to address Foxy's diet. Some foods (even healthy foods) can cause an inflammatory response in animals (and humans). There is a lot of research on human food consumption and inflammation in joints. I don't see why it would be any different for our pups. I wish you luck with Foxy. Thanks for checking back in :) Courtney & Hank (P.S. Hank is doing fabulous!!!).

[@sissi8610]

Hi Courtney, yes I agree about Foxy being young to have Arthritis. I got him age 5, in Nov 2013, now he is 9. The vets say that because he had to live with luxating patellas for so long, he developed Osteoarthritis. I also suspect that prior he wasn't exercised, and his diet was poor. He was very fat when I got him. And the Vet who gave me Foxy recommended giving him prednisone for his skin condition, when it flares up, which I totally rejected. A change in diet and exercise made his fur and skin better, I didn't know, but the vet nurse was totally happy when she saw him a few months after I got him. I do NOT give him prednisone, it was totally unnecessary. I agree with you about food and inflammation, that is why I am so unhappy about his arthritis getting slightly worse over the last year. I give him Centella Asiatica, 2 leaves per day, a miracle herb for arthritis, parsley, mint, Bacopa Monnierie, all home grown, fish oil, turmeric, green lipped mussle powder, pink salmon, chicken breast, brown rice, occasionally pasta, a big variety of fruits and vegetables, all suitable for dogs, either steamed, stir-fried or fresh. Plain Yoghurt, some seeds and nuts, lentils, beans, peas, all suitable for dogs. The only thing I can think of is that maybe I should feed him more raw foods. Apparently cooked meat/chicken can cause inflammation. I might have to cut it out. What do you think? How do you feed Hank? I'm quite upset because I really tried my best with his diet. He also eats my Vegetarian food, maybe I should just stick with feeding him my food and cut out the animal products altogether?

[@believe8542]

Does pet insurance cover Medial Luxating Patella?

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

2022 I am looking to adopt a small dog and the 3 yr old, 7 lb. Yorkie has what the shelter calls "locking knees" and didn't say medial patellar lux or what. I might want this dog, but an expensive, double surgery would be hard for me. I'm older, on fixed income--- very grateful, but fact. Locked knees is not a specific diagnosis, so do you have any idea what her knee issue would mostly likely be. She is said to slip/fall on slick floors sometimes and get up fine, ok on hardwood and other. She would be best without stairs. I know u can't diagnose, but advice would help. She was a breeder surrender (a shelter), perhaps they knew they shouldn't breed her. Sorry for long question, and fine if you'd rather not say. Thanks !! BTW - wow, Hank is an active boy & so cute!

[@angelicagutierrez7845]

Hello Courtney (: I have a chihuahua with a luxation in both his rear legs and is a stage 4 , so I am very hesitant when going forward. I just wanted clarification if you have seen a major difference in Hank after the surgery and if his leg no longer turns inward when he walks? My dog has both legs turned inward and I can tell it really bothers him ...

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Hi Angelica. I'm so sorry to hear about your little fella! It's a very difficult surgery. There is no question there. I often think... "what if I had to repeat this surgery on Hank's other hind leg in the future, would I do it all again?" That would be a tough decision. And I do not have an answer yet for that question. I just hope it never occurs. Hank is doing fabulous today and you would not know he had the surgery 3 years ago. I owe it all to his rehabilitation process post-surgery. It was at least a 6 month commitment (financially and time). I would encourage you to watch all of Hank's videos. I believe there are 9 or 10 videos. You'll see his progress post-surgery. It's amazing. Good luck to you! Courtney

[@brittanyfancher]

Courtney do you mind me asking how much the surgery was and all of the PT? We are considering getting a puppy with this concern.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Correction - In the video, I stated it was April 25, 2015. It's actually March 25. Just wishful thinking :) In need of summer warmth.

[@ducks1928]

Hi hows ur dog doing post surgery? Is he fully recovered now and doesnt skip anymore? My puppy has grade 2 LP and i was told rehab wouldnt really do much and that surgery was the only way to correct the issue

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Hank is great post surgery! 2+ years post surgery. We did a lot of rehab after surgery.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

This is video #1 of 11. I have posted each week since Hank's Medial Patellar Luxation surgery. Click or copy the following link to view previous videos. kzbin.info/door/Mm0Ov9Jby-zs95eE6LjwFg

[@d.elainem664]

My dog Nala is going to have surgery on her knee. She is Beagle Chihuahua and the doctor said it was a grade of 3. I am a little worried because she has never had surgery other than spayed,microchip, and 2 puppy teeth removed, all at the same time when I first adopted her and she was about 6 months now she is 5 yes old. I understand chihuahuas have a disposition for their knee caps to slip out. I going to have the surgery.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Good Luck! Surgery always comes with risks. I hope all goes well for Nala.

[@d.elainem664]

Thank you.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

Hi DjangoHipsUnchained :-) Hank did go thru the surgery 12 weeks ago. What a process! I have posted about 9 videos since, if you are interested in a true life week to week rehab of a dog post MPL surgery. I must say, I have learned a ton! We go in next week to remove his implants (pins and wire), which in most cases, stay in tact within the bone, but Hank's implants migrated and loosened. The X-rays show that his bone has fused, so taking the implants out at this stage is not cause for alarm. I wish you much luck with your bugger. My advice is to take the 3 days post surgery off of work and expect to sit and sleep on your kitchen floor for a bit :-) Take your time and slow your pup down for the next couple months. Expect 3 months of taking it easy. Good luck to you and feel free to contact me with questions. I'm not a vet, but I unfortunately have experience in what you are about to step into in August.

[@zacho115]

Courtney Klocke o

[@kc-n-sassy]

my dog has it in both legs which is weird because she is a big dog,,, but little dogs are more prone to it. i dont call her moose for nothing she is just missing the antlers lol i also have 2 almost 13 year old schnauzers but they dont have it. ofcourse the 2 dogs that have the health guarantee dont have it...lol my first mutt has allergies slip knees and she is part moose lol she is part great pyrenesse though = moose!

[@24nikita]

CourtKnee, you do a lot of talking but what about SHOWING what Patella Luxation is by walking your dog, you do nothing but stroke him and I didn`t learn anything about Patella Luxation, pity realy, waste of time.

[@courtneyklocke1744]

24nikita - I posted a total of 11 videos after the one you watched and I assure you, you spoke way too soon of negativity. Good luck to you on your search. You will find plenty of videos on youtube about the actual surgery and anatomical structure of Patella Luxation from very knowledgable Vets, etc... I am not a professional, but I wanted to share & show my story with my dog Hank of what you might expect post Patella Luxation surgery. The one video you watched, just represented my struggle with deciding on surgery or not. Which I am sure is true of anyone faced with this decision. (It's just the very first page of the entire book). I posted a video each week for 12 weeks following the day of his surgery. Many have found my video series to be helpful and have also managed their expectations with their own dogs post surgery. I don't expect you to waste any more of your time on my videos, but best of luck to you with your decision with your pooch.

[@brentfugett2700]

What's a waste of time is wading through comments like this. Courtney has a very successful and informative channel. If you don't find it informative I'm sure there are plenty others as she points out.