Alfie has always slightly skipped on his right back leg. He kicks it out to the side and it doesn't seem to be sore but it's happening more often now so I'm getting worried. When he was a tiny pup he used to stop dead and sit down with a stiff leg.  I rubbed it and within a minute it was fine . At the time I thought it was cramp but now on thinking back I'm not so sure. I was just wondering if anyone knows if wcs suffer from knee or hip problems.

I guess you will take him to a vet?

Sure will !

Just back from vet.  Alfie has been diagnosed with slipping knee caps . Luxating patellas. Getting xrays and referral to orthopaedic surgeon.   Now on lead walking only .  Not a good day !!!!!!

Sorry to hear that about Alfie. It seems more and more cockers are suffering from this complaint, years ago it seemed to be poodles and yorkies. Hope he's sorted out soon.

Pauline

We are back at the vets on Wednesday for x rays.  Finn has had 3 episodes over the weekend were he just lets out these awful yelps.  Its dreadful when its going on.  The vet that we saw at the emergency vets back in May seems to think that was his problem too.  Im dreading it. 

Sorry to hear that...............

Sorry to hear about Finn. We are also having our xrays on Wednesday. It would be good to keep in touch ! Alfie doesn't yelp , the vet said that he has found a way to shake his knee cap back into place as he's trotting along. I showed the vet a video that I had taken of him shakiing his leg as he slows down from a run.  i am also dreading the xrays and possible surgery, he's such a great wee dog and much loved as I'm sure Finn is. Thanks for others sympathy.

It's not the end of the world if your dog does have luxating patella's. My spaniel was operated on in June to fix her luxating patella and she is now coming on leaps and bounds! She had the full works (apart from the groove deepening) and I'm really glad now that she was operated on, as before she could never be let off the lead on a walk and couldn't even run free in the garden as her knee would pop out. Good luck with your spaniels

Claire and a happy Maisie spaniel

Thanks for your reply Claire. Its good to get some reassurance . Has Maisie to get her other knee done ?  She's a very lovely girl !   So glad all went well for you .

Hi,

No plans to get her other knee done yet, as it hasn't caused her any problems to date. Never say never though! (and will keep her insured just incase!)

Claire

Hi Audrey, yes, will let you know how we get on on Wednesday. Ive got the back end of what happened on video as well which l will take with me.  Im hoping for an uneventful 2 days up until then. It has happened once in the night before now and he was loud enough to lift the roof!

Good luck with Wednesday folks, its great to hear that Maisie Spaniel and Claire are happy - this must be very reassuring for you both. Wishing you the very best.

Well bad news from the vet Alfie does have luxating patellas and will require surgery .He had xrays . Apparently if we didn't do the surgery he would be crippled with arthritis by age 4 or 5. He has to go to a specialist orthopaedic sugeon in Fife. Feel a bit devastated as I thought his little skip was a pulled muscle or something.  He is on lead walking and medication until his surgery in 3 weeks time. He's SO energetic he's already fed up  !!!!!!!

Audrey so sorry to hear about Alfie, no wonder you feel devestated. However at least you know what the problem is now and how it can be dealt with. Lead walking must be a complete nightmare. Big hug from Red and I, you have our cyber support.

Oh no, sorry to hear your news. He will feel sooooo much better after surgery though, although if he is anything like Maisie he will make you feel really guilty! Just think long term - he will thank you for putting him right so that he can run around again :). Although do not rush the recovery! Maisie goes for a checkup on Monday, oh and stuffed kongs were definitely a bordem breaker for Maisie when she had to be cage rested for 4 weeks.

Keep in touch

Claire and Maisie

X rays done this morning.  Apparently they are showing that Finn has hip dysplasia on his left side.  To be referred onto specialist for MRI and treatment options.  Anybody been through this? Not a good day........going to go and pick him up from vets now....

I'm sorry to hear of your dogs problems.

Oh Audrey I have only just seen your message I'm so sorry to hear about Alfie! It must be so difficult to keep him on the lead too.

Do please let us know how he gets on at the specialist! xxxx

Hi Audrey, and sorry for not responding sooner.  I'm very sorry to hear about Alfie, but I'm sure you will do your best for the wee chap.  Give him a hug from Ollie and me.