Loose Knee Caps- Should I worry?

[Star and Goldie]

Hi Everyone!

I searched the forums for this topic and couldn't find anything.  I apologize in advance if I missed something as I'm still learning my way around the site and the searching functions.

When I brought Goldie home 4 weeks ago I immediately took her in for a physical to comply with my warranty from the breeder. At that physical the vet mentioned that her left knee cap was more loose than normal for puppies. She said it's normal for them to be a little "loosey goosey" at that age but that Goldie's were a little more loose than expected. She marked it as "abnormal" on the puppy report card and suggested I send a copy to the breeder.

After I contacted the breeder she stated it's too early to tell anything but thanked me for letting her know.  The vet said she would keep an eye on it and I informed the breeder I would keep her in the loop.

Today Goldie had her 3rd round of puppy shots. During the physical everything went well except the loose knee cap issue. This time around she said that the right knee cap was more loose than it should be. This shocked me since the past 2 visits she has only put focus on discussing the left knee cap. Either way, the fact that anything was still loose seemed to raise her eyebrows. I asked her when we would know if it's something that she would grow out of or if it's something more permanent.  She told me she felt pretty confident in saying that this is something that she won't grow out of since she has seen it during all visits (today was the 3rd visit in 4 weeks... to me that doesn't sound like enough time to feel 'confident' in saying she won't outgrow it).  She told me that she can't move them entirely out of socket so she isn't overly concerned but that it indicates Goldie will be more prone to early arthritis. She said she doesn't see it being a big enough issue that it would result in any surgeries.

Here are my questions:

-Are loose knee caps common in doodle puppies?

-At what stage do they normally tighten up? Is it too early to be sounding this alarm?

-Even though she hasn't given an official diagnosis, if this is an actual concern would pet insurance be of use or would they consider this a 'pre-existing condition'?

-At what point should I consider a 2nd opinion?

I read over my warranty from the breeder and I can't really tell if they would be of help in this situation other than the possibility of returning Goldie which absolutely IS NOT AN OPTION!!!

Any help is welcomed! Thanks for taking the time to read this :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree with everyone who has suggested getting insurance. Even though this may be a pre-existing condition, you will want it to cover any other issues that come up. Being a student with a part time job income only, I completely understand not just having $600 dollars up front to go to a specialist. That is why insurance is ESSENTIAL. If Goldie heaven forbid, breaks her leg or swallows a hanger gets a disease or something that requires a lot of money, you don't want to have to make the choice of not helping her because you don't have the money. I couldn't imagine what a nightmare it would be if a few thousand dollars stood in the way of us helping Darwin if he was injured. Our insurance is totally affordable, and completely worth it. 

[Star and Goldie]

I'm going to go through the past discussions on pet insurance and look into my options there.

[Camilla and Darwin]

There are lots of good options. Good luck! :-)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My chihuahua has them.  You probably don't really need a 2nd opinion...  I don't know if they will "tighten" up and honestly, there is not a lot you can do aside from monitoring her and keeping her at the right weight (and hopefully avoiding surgery). Taquito's are not horrible and he is at a good weight. We run into issues when he runs too much.  We can't do long walks many days in a row due to his knees - they hurt him. Keep in mind he is 9 years old also....we just put him in my daughter's stroller and he rides while we walk.  But he's a little squirt! 

 

I am sorry about the diagnosis.  I wish your breeder at least offered a refund up to purchase price of your sweet Goldie.  You should never have to return your puppy once you've bonded - but at least get help with vet bills.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I don't really have any advice but I'm sorry you have going through this with little Goldie.  Medical issues are always stressful and I know you want to do the best for her. I agree with everyone else to get the insurance (even if you go with a plan with a higher deductible but you will at least have something for major injuries/illnesses/accidents).  Please let us know what your breeder says.

[Star and Goldie]

I just went back and read several discussions on the pet insurance.  I've decided I will get insurance for Goldie but picking the place and the plan... wewh... that's some research I'm knee deep in! Decisions, decisions...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Star, could you take Goldie to another vet for a well puppy check? I would want a  second opinion anyway - and if you can't go to the specialist right away, another general vet could be helpful to you. I would not want to tell the second vet what the first one said, so their well check is their own.   If that vet doesn't see a problem, perhaps you could use that vet as a reference for insurance?

[Star and Goldie]

Oh that's a great idea! I was going to take her to another vet for a second opinion on the knees but I didn't think about using the 2nd vet as the vet reference for insurance. Since she's only been to this vet 3 times I'm not opposed to actually switching vets all together. This is the same vet that recommended Purina for her! Thank goodness for DK opening my eyes on that one!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Don't expect another vet to be any better informed on dog food. Sadly, there is no required nutrition curriculum in vet school. Most of them push Hill's Science Diet or Purina, and have never heard of the better brands. :(

[Star and Goldie]

I was actually shocked at her reaction when I told her today that I switched to Blue Buffalo. She said "oh that was a good idea. That's a great dog food". I was thinking "uuuuh ok Lady you are the one that sent me home with a packet of information on Purina and told me I picked the right food with the Purina Pro Plan" HA!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I don't know if you can leave the 1st vet off when you send your records to the insurance.  They will probably want to know where she got her shots and we wouldn't want you to be arrested for insurance fraud.  lol

[Star and Goldie]

Good point. I actually thought about that just a minute ago too. Im sure they would want any information from where she got her shots and I couldn't very well say she's never had her puppy vaccinations to leave them off. I knew that sounded too good to be true. haha. Regardless, I will at least be getting a second opinion, though I know that wont help with the insurance part.