Dog Community

Born without knees?!?!?!

Posted : 9/29/2009 4:09:06 PM

I recently adopted a Shih Tzu from a breeder. (She seemed very sweet and I have kept in contact so far with her and she continues to seem very nice..and it appeared to me that this is not the norm for her) According to the breeder, he was born without knees. She seems to think he (Gizmo) will lead a relatively normal life. And honestly, so far he seems mainly unaffected by the "disability". He gets around and walks and run/hops along without seeming bothered. He doesnt seem to be in any pain. The only way you can tell there is anything different about him is that when he walks he resembles a seal....his back leg (the ones without knees) kind flop out to the sides and because he is so young he has very little control of them. Now I have taken him to work with me and everyone seems to think that the joint is there that would allow him to bend his legs and walk normally. However, I have read some about similar issues and they all suggest surgery to correct the problem. Now I would not care at all if the "problem" was never fixed, as it doesnt appear to bother him. I only care that he be happy and comfortable. SO I really don't plan to make him go through surgery unless absolutely necessary. However, I do see some advantages to him learning to use his back legs a bit more effectively. I have worked with him the past few nights (as I have only had him that long) and getting him to run a bit. He is able to get up on his back legs and use them effectively for short periods of time....and then he loses it and resorts to a sort of hop/run. I was thinking.if there is some way to create like splints for his back legs to put on him for short periods of time to kind of train his back legs that might be useful. Not sure, but do any of you have any suggestions?

miranadobe

Posted : 9/29/2009 5:10:35 PM

Something to keep in mind - the body will compensate for what it is missing, so even though you don't see issues now, as that puppy develops, there will inevitably be some changes in his body. I'm thinking tendon changes, arthritis, overworked muscles/joints in other areas that compensate for this.

What did your vet say about it? Also, I presume he's neutered, or under contract to be neutered? I'm having a tough time with a breeder producing a pup like this, so I hope to goodness she's eliminated his sire/dam from her breeding program so she doesn't produce this again.

denise m

Posted : 9/29/2009 5:15:38 PM

That is amazing. I had never heard of this before although it does seem quite plausible. I think being a small dog will be a major advantage. Lots of dogs live very happy lives without any use of their back legs. You should of course speak with your vet and get a professional opinion. I will try to find the link for you, but if you goggle dogleggs they make these special splints. They may be what you are looking for.

grab01

Posted : 9/29/2009 6:08:52 PM

Was he born without knees or does he have luxating patellas? The description of his knees sort of flopping to the sides sounds a bit like the latter. Has you vet examined him? What are his thoughts on leaving the knees as is vs surgery?

And yes, dogs to compensate quite well. Smile

Gizmosmama

Posted : 9/29/2009 6:21:27 PM

I am not sure about what the breeder did to ensure it does not happen again. I was not actively looking for a Shih Tzu...came across her and she was looking for the right home for this little guy. I know that there were other pups in that litter that were healthy...I am not even sure how something like this would happen,,,as there is not any information on it, and I have looked. And no to the contract...and he is only 8 weeks old and not neutered yet. But not to worry, I plan to do so contract or not..I did not adopt this guy with the intent to breed him...ever. And I have considered the possibilities of what growing may do to him...and like I said I will take more invasive action if it is necessary. But today that does not seem to be the case.

Thank you Denise M. I have looked up that website and will discuss it with the vet...I have him scheduled for next week, when he would be due for shots. I will, of course, make an earlier appointment if he seems like there is something else going on. As of right now he seems healthy and happy!

Gizmosmama

Posted : 9/29/2009 6:23:25 PM

I did research luxating platellas and thought the same. I am just going on what the breeder told me. I have not taken him to the vet yet. He will be going next week, as he is due for shots then anyway...again if there seems to be anything else going on to warrant a quicker visit he will be brought in sooner! Thank you!

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/12/2009 9:44:05 AM

This sounds more profound than luxating patellae. We have a little Shih Tzu pup who comes to play groups with us who is missing three vertebrae at the base of her spine. She has a hopping gait and actually can run - of course she looks a bit funny while doing it. I'm sure there will be some issues down the road with wear and tear from the poor alignment and such, but she is a cheerful girl and very well adjusted otherwise. Do get your vet's opinion about what to do, and as others have said, hope the parent dogs are out of the breeding program.

Janelle Darsey

Posted : 1/8/2014 5:02:54 PM

i have a dog named Gizmo that was born without knee caps...

whats the update on your dog? no knee caps or luxating patellas?

the two are VERY different, at least with my gizmo they are...her back legs are completely straight, just a bend in the ankle and at the hip....with a luxating patella there'd still be a knee joint...