bull dogs and anesthesia

Question
QUESTION: We've acquired a sweetheart of a bull dog who is now 4 mos old and we found out last month that he has patellar luxation both knees (and brachiocephalic synd) This recent vet appt, the vet feels the luxation is stage 2+ in one knee and definite 3 in the other. We know we're facing surgery. My questions is this - knowing the prob w/anesthesia, how do you determine whether to get the surg for the knee and at the same time consider neutering him while he's already under or have one thing done at a time and put him under several times. Thanks in advance. Dianne

ANSWER: The first thing I'd like to know is, is the puppy lame in both knees? Is he limping? Does he appear to be in pain? If so, have you tried anti-inflamatories and crate rest?

No vet, I hope, if going to repair both knees at once. This surgery is lengthy and I would put off anything else at the same time.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bear's right leg kinda scoots out from under him I guess regularly. He'll "stretch" it out seems like he's trying to pop it back in? He may just sit down for a bit too and he's back up and motoring around. The left isn't so pronounced. He is able to walk w/o a limp and we haven't had any indication of pain (no yelps, etc) The vet recommends that we do repair both knees although not necessarily at the same time. The right one should be done first. She said "one goes, the other will most certainly follow" and we should consider surgery so as not to add extra stress on his front legs. The question about anesthesia and doing 2 procedures at once came about when we spoke to the breeder, He thought we could plan at a later date to have him neutered (which we will when it's the approp time)and at the same time get the bad knee done since he'd already be under to save him from anesthesia for one knee, the other knee, the neutering etc. Our vet deferred to the ortho vet who specializes in bull dog problems and we plan to s/w them sometime in the upcoming weeks to find out more about the surgery before we proceed. I'm someone who researches stuff as best I can so I can hopefully ask good questions and make informed choices as to our health and of course our pets. I found your website while surfing and was impressed with your candor, straightforwardness and pleasant professionalism. The vet didn't mention anti-inflam meds - I'll certainly check in w/her about that. Bear is in a crate for a couple of hrs till I check in on him at lunch (out for a bathroom break,treat and stretch) and then my son gets home at dinner time so he does get a chance to rest in between. Appreciate your time.

Answer
If you keep this puppy crated and only take him out on a leash to go to the bathroom, and don't let you son play with him, chances are this could resolve itself without surgery. It's unusual for a vet to be willing to operate on a puppy at this age when they aren't even finished growing yet. If the puppy isn't in pain and only limps occasionally, there's no rush to surgery necessary. Vets get over zealous when it comes to Bulldogs because if they really wanted to, they could rebuild the entire dog. You could avoid this, perhaps, if you stick to a strict routine and keep him quiet. It may take weeks but again, it may just work.