i need to find a vet who is an expert on the Llaso Apso - my 3 year old is suffering with her 'knees' and out local vet wants to operate - need advice form someone who knows the breed

can anyone help

Guest, slipping patellar is common problem with a number of the smaller breeds, so your vet will be used to the problem. Why not ask your vet for a second opinion or referal to a specialist. Jackie H

Exactly what I was going to say. Much as I like my vets and they're very good, they wouldn't attempt a difficult osteopathic operation like that and I wouldn't want them to, they always refer to a specialist surgeon.

As Jacquie says ask your vet for a second opinion and if their opinion is the same ask for a referral to a specialist surgeon.

What part of the country are you in?

I don't think the breed is particularly significant here. You need to see an orthopaedic specialist. My young dog has knee problems too and my vet also wanted to do the surgery himself. However, when I saw the specialist it became apparent that the operations would not have been as straight forward as first thought. If your dog needs surgery you really need it to be done by a specialist who has gained a lot of experience from doing many similar operations. Do you know the severity of the problem ? I will be glad to help further if needed.
Joyce

Hi guest, If you would like to e mail me I will help you out as best I can as my lhasa, Barney, has had both his front legs operated on by a specialist vet. We had to travel a long way to see the vet and as I am not sure what part of the country you are in I cant help until I do know. I was put in touch with the specialist vet through my own vet if this helps. Also, Barney is getting on fabulously and I am so glad we had the ops done. He had them carried out at around 8 months with a period of 4-5 weeks between the two ops.
Gina