My Lizzie has it, our vet didn't use the term "luxating patella", but just
called it 'wobbly knees' for our benefit.  As long as we keep her weight
down, it doesn't bother her - I think it's popped out maybe 3 times since
the vet X-rayed her last year about this time.  He said surgery probably
won't be necessary (it usually isn't in smaller dogs and/or cats).  Last
time she was limping, Hubby held her and asked me to feel it (this was less
than a month after her X-ray), and when I did, she tried to push me away
with that leg & I felt the kneecap pop back into place - and she's been fine
ever since.

<snip>

Hi Jodi

Can't really give you any advice on this one, only share my
experience.

I discovered my cat had this condition when she was almont one year
old,  It affecs both her hind legs. We tried the anti inflammtory
drugs for a couple of weeks but basically, both joints were popping
out all the time, muscles were swollen and tender, she had very
limited mobility and was obviously in pain. It was absolutely
heartbreaking.  

I didn't give surgery a second thought as she was in so much obvious
distress and pain something had to be done quickly.

She had an operation on the worst leg.  Depending on what the found
once they started surgery, they were either going to shorten the
muscle to keep the joint in place or, deeping the groove to stop it
popping out. In the end they had to deepen the groove.

I don't think her recovery time was particularily long but then I
don't have anything to compare with.    The vet always seemed happy
with her progress when she went in for her weekly check.  After the
first couple of days it was impossible to keep her on the floor and
off all her usual high spots so I ended up having strategically placed
stools, boxes and chairs to help her get up with as little effort as
possible. When I was out, she was confinded to my living room along
with her tray, food and water and seemed happy enough to sit up on the
window ledge.

Current situation is that she is 3 and a half now and the leg that was
operated on is fully functioning but her other leg is a bit wobbly.
This does not stop her running about, jumping, climbing all over the
flat and generally leading a full and happy life. She's is on a diet
to get her weight down to see if this helps her wobble but at her last
check up, the vet didn't think she'd need surgery on her other leg at
the moment and   I am reluctant to put her through it all again unless
she deteriorates a lot.  I have been warned by the vet that she may be
more susceptible to arthritis as she gets older but, we will cross
that bridge when we come to it.

One thing the vet did tell me is that this condition is more common in
dogs so if you're looking for alternative therapies, you may want to
check out some doggie news groups!

Good luck with what ever you try and purrs to Meep from Buffy

Lindsey