My dog needs an operation

[GarnetsandRubies]

My 12 month old cockapoo needs an operation on both knees. She has just been diagnosed with grade 4 luxating patella. This has just been picked up on today after I requested x rays as I knew something wasn't right however the breeder my dog is from has just had another littler! Am I unreasonable to think she should not be breeding a dog with this hereditary condition!? And the fact her dog has had puppies less than a year after her last has not sat right with me either. I'm so upset

You're correct that the breeder shouldn't be breeding and you're not at all unreasonable to be upset. Poor dog.

Someone will come along and say 'Mumsnet hates cockapoos', which isn't true. What's hated is the way they're often poorly bred and badly sold and the inevitable consequences - consequences like this, which cause real suffering to dogs and their families.

Both poodles and cocker spaniels are affected by patella luxation and sometimes genetic traits don't play by the perceived rules of hybrid vigour.

Is she grade four both sides? At twelve months old she has a good chance of a fast recovery and a long life ahead of her, though keeping her calm and quiet post-operatively might be a bit tricky if she's one of the 'busier' cockapoos'!

Yes grade four both sides. I'm hoping her insurance will cover the costs of the operations, she will have to have them done separately. Is it worth letting her breeder know do you think?

So sorry for both you and your dog.
Absolutely tell the breeder, it may make no difference but it’s the right thing to do.
If the dam is a KC registered cocker or poodle and/ or you have the sires details you may be able to report it on the Kennel Club website.