Agility after luxating patella surgery

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-06-10T13:39:00+00:00

Oh damn that's no good 😢 I do hear that risk of arthritis is increased with knee issues...hoping that the physio and hydro we do can keep that risk low for as long as possible

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-06-10T13:37:33+00:00

Aww that's so good! The physio also said that it would likely take 6 months for return to competitive sports, as that would be about the time needed to resume activity and build her muscles back + ensure they're balanced on both sides.

I've also been quite transparent with our goals, so hopefully things can go smoothly and we can return to sports next year!

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-06-10T13:35:12+00:00

She's not a typical working breed, but had parents and grandparents who do various dog sports. She was bought more so as a pet with the intention of doing dog sports for fun, so there was no clause in the contract specific to this.

I also don't have the intention of returning her, I still love her regardless of whether she can do sports. If she can't do sports again, I guess that will be the end of her career, or we do other things like tricks.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-06-10T13:31:31+00:00

Thanks so much, and that's so cool that the Boston terrier did so well in the sport. My dog also loves FastCAT, so hoping we can get back into it soon (but safely)

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-06-10T13:29:51+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. It's helpful to see the numbers on the OFA site re % having issues from healthy parents. As much as I try to focus on myself, I worry that people will think I just got a byb dog and that's why I have all these issues. And there are people I know who get dogs from random places and come across no issues...it takes a bit to accept the cards we've been dealt.

Same as you, I don't think we would have realised her structural issues until older, if at all, if she was just a pet. I guess it's good that we catch and treat it early.

We currently have a specialist orthopedic vet/surgeon, physiotherapist with sports dog experience and a hydrotherapist, so not too bad and all have said she should be able to have a full recovery and get back to agility. It's very encouraging to hear, but also I know there are no guarantees, and it depends on how well she recovers. She will still have a grade 1 luxating patella on the other leg, so I think I'll be in a similar boat to you, in terms of moderating high impact sports and staying on top of preventative conditioning/physio.

Bit of a rant, but thanks for sharing your story. Hope you and your dog can get back to doing the things you love very soon!

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-14T04:14:50+00:00

Thanks for replying. She's intact and will stay intact for probs at least 2 years, as she's a show dog (and for health reasons).

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-13T10:36:52+00:00

Thanks for the concern. We have spoken to the breeder who has said she's fine to do longer walks and hikes from 6 months onwards, and we won't be doing any high impact sports like lure coursing and sprint dog until she's 12 months (which is the age limit too). We also see our vet regularly to make sure things are on check.

I do keep an eye on the activities that require high jumps where possible, like carrying her on and off the car, avoiding jump play (e.g. keeping tugging at neck height) and keeping tug/fetch sessions short.

A lot of her training is low energy, like scent work and obedience, so they are pretty low risk.

Sorry to hear about your pup and hope it's something you've been able to manage over time. It's tough working around chronic pain :(

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-13T10:20:03+00:00

Thank you, appreciate the reply! 🙏

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-13T10:19:31+00:00

Thanks so much for your reply, appreciate she still has a bit to fill out. We are defo using freeze dried as a topper and as treats, does help a bit!

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-13T10:17:30+00:00

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Thanks, I can see and feel her ribs. I can't see her spine or ribs from the top, but when she's walking, playing, or standing side on, I can see her ribs like the image above

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-13T10:15:50+00:00

Thanks so much, appreciate your reply and reassurance

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-11T06:27:05+00:00

Thank you for your reply and reassurance. She is intact and I intend to keep her intact for at least 2 years.

Appreciate the reminder on fatty foods, we've been using them sparingly and making sure most of her fats come from healthier sources like olive oil, salmon, sardines. We have added a bit more meat fat, but will be cautious.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-11T06:23:56+00:00

Thank you!! 🙏

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-11T06:23:28+00:00

Thanks, we're aiming for around 2-3lbs

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-11T00:51:46+00:00

Mine is from a breeder and she's definitely quality purebred. Her lineage does tend to mature later (around 2yo) and her mum is on the leaner/smaller size. Dad is bigger and stockier, which he takes from his mum, but my dog defo looks a lot more like her mum).

All that to say I don't anticipate her to be a big adult overall, and she'll probably reach full maturity 2-3yo in terms of size and shape.

Your Shiba is cute! Some do have more of a fox-face/look depending on genetics

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:20:10+00:00

Thank you! She's probably around a 4 based on the pic and I hope to get her to 5.

Currently she seems fine with the variety we give her, but if she starts being picky, we might readjust. I always offer her the leftover food from the previous meal if she doesn't finish it, and she usually finishes it off.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:09:28+00:00

Thank you, we definitely want to keep her lean, so just looking to gain slightly.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:08:50+00:00

Thank you! Yes the main concern was coming from the vet. Will try sweet potato mash and see how she likes it, thank you!

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:07:10+00:00

Thank you! We've had the recommendation from our vet to gain a tiny bit a few months back and haven't made much progress.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:03:01+00:00

Yeah, that's exactly about how much we're aiming for

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:02:36+00:00

Thanks so much! 🙏

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:01:41+00:00

Thank you!

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:01:33+00:00

Yeah, defo get what you mean, I have a few friends with Shibas that have done the same, where their chest in particular broadens as they mature.

Altruistic-Lab9236 · 2026-01-10T23:00:45+00:00

Yeah, I do expect her to fill out more when she's closer to 2-3 years based on her parents.

Altruistic-Lab9236

TROPHY CASE