Elbow dysplasia & luxating patella in our Pup

our one yr old golden retriever has had a rough first year. at 6 months he was diagnosed with double elbow dysplasia which required surgery with an orthopedic vet. it was a very long recovery which included therapy, injections, many appointments and medications. we were diligent and dedicated with all that it involved,especially since he is so young and we were hopeful that he'd recover fully. his 12 week posy surgery check indicated that although he is no longer in pain, he did not gain full range of motion in one of his elbows. disappointing news esp. after all the time and expense. several weeks later we noticed he began intermittent limping on his right hind leg (this is following a severe infection/allergy break out all over the sides of his faces and involved shaving, steriods and antibiotics) our vet was very concerned and upon examination he determined are 12 month golden has a luxating patella in his right knee and possibly in the left, too!! he felt, that as with the dysplasia, that this too is probably genetic. surgery seems to be the only solution with same type of recovery period, as well as expense. our vet indicated that typically dogs recovery quite well but as with the elbows, there is no guarantee and it concerned him a bit since our pup didn't fully recovery, at such a young age, from his first surgery. currently we are giving him pain medication as needed. he is a happy dog, good-natured& very loved. he doesn't whine or act as if he is in pain, & tries to run & play but his knee often gives out and causes him to collapse. it's heartbreaking. he gets up and after a few steps, the knee is back in place and he is fine again with his tail wagging. we are in a dilemma about what to do...surgery will cost in the $5000 range and we are not in a position to do that, especially after spending $6,000 on his elbows surgery. i don't want him to be in pain but the thought of putting him through another surgery (12 weeks or more recovery...restricted activity, meds, etc) is terrible too. but, not so sure if a lifetime of pain medication and limping is so great either. thoughts? suggestions? alternative treatments. thanks and sorry so lengthy

Oh dear. So sorry to be reading this.

I suppose at the end of the day you have to look at the bigger picture and maybe discuss in length with your vet the prognosis if you decide to go ahead with more surgery.

There are lots of natural remedies out there but if the patella is luxating I would think surgery is the only option. I do not have any experience with this though so may be wrong.

There are a few Dogsey members who have been through this op with their dogs so maybe they will come along soon and be able to shed more light on it.

Wishing you all the best whatever you decide.

Omg what an awful situation you are in. I dont know anything about your dogs conditions but im sure someone will be along shortly with some advice. Hope all goes well for you and your pup x

I would imagine the patella issue hasnt been helped by the enforced rest that came from the elbow ops. Has hydrotherpay been mentioned at all?

Am no expert and have no experience of lux P but would imagine that hydrotherpay may help build up the muscles in the hindleg without having the weight helping the knee to pop?

it may also help the range of movement in front too?

Just a thought, sorry to hear you've had such a tough year xx

You may want to consider having a look at this website. Launch is in October 2011 and it is shipped to the US at small extra cost. It works for the elbows or hips and basically any walking difficulties.

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Good luck. Personally, I think the swimming may help considerably.