Pet of the Month! Stanley!

Stanley is a 2 year 10 month old long haired chihuahua that we have been seeing in clinic since October 2021. Stanley started seeing our nurse team for socialisation visits on a regular basis as he was extremely nervous. Upon one of these visits it was noted that Stanley was sitting in an unusual manner and appeared to have on/off lameness. Stanley was referred to see James and x-rays were carried out. However, the family moved away to Devon where Stanley has been enjoying life (especially the beaches!).

In October of this year despite living many, many miles away in Devon due to the relationship built with James Horner Vets Stanley’s owners travelled back to us so that Stanley could have further x-rays & a dental procedure undertaken.

Following the x-rays Stanley was diagnosed with a Grade IV Medial Patella Luxation of the left hind and booked in for Orthopaedic surgery here at our practice with Hannah from RATA.

The term luxating means out of place or dislocated. Therefore, a luxating patella is a kneecap that 'pops out' or moves out of its normal location. Patellar luxation is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. Both large and small breed dogs may be affected; but the disease may be seen in cats as well. The luxation can be medial, lateral, or bidirectional. The vast majority of luxations are medial and diagnosed in small breed dogs.

We asked Stanley’s owner a few questions about Stanley.

1.      What is Stanley’s favourite thing to do?

Stanley’s favourite things are to cuddle with the people he loves or play with other dogs on the beach in Devon where he spends half of his time.

2.    What do you enjoy about Stanley?

As well as being very perceptive, attuned to our emotions, cheeky and funny, Stanley is remarkably affection and loving. After he’s bonded with a new person or dog he remembers them forever and makes them feel very special every time he sees them.

3.     What changes did you notice in Stanley that prompted you to get him seen by a vet?

We were taking Stanley to the vets on a weekly basis for socialisation sessions with nurse Sophie so that he would be less anxious going to the vets. We had noticed that he has occasionally been wobbly and Sophie noticed he had an unusual gait. He was soon diagnosed with hip dysplasia and a luxating patella.

4.     Did you research further into his diagnosis?

Yes. We researched his condition, the long term prognosis and things we could do to better support Stanley long term.

5. What advice would you give to others in a similar situation?

Find a really great veterinary clinic like James Horner Vets, having a supportive and knowledgeable team for your pets care makes all the difference.