If your small-breed dog seems to experience odd gait problems that come and go, you may need to have them evaluated and treated for a condition known as patellar luxation. This kneecap disorder can cause pain and lameness if it goes untreated, especially if a severe case promotes other painful complications such as arthritis.
Fortunately, your canine friend can benefit greatly from the right combination of veterinary treatment and sensible everyday wellness practices. If you don’t know much about patellar luxation, the following introductory guide can help you acquaint yourself with the subject so you can help your pet thrive.
How Patellar Luxation Affects Dogs’ Knees
A ligament called the patellar ligament normally runs down the front of the knee joint, connecting the shin bone to the thigh bone. Just beneath this ligament, a bone called the patella or kneecap supports and guides the ligament’s motion. In patellar luxation, a dislocated kneecap pushes the ligament off center.
Patellar luxation can assume different degrees of severity. In a grade 1 patellar luxation, the kneecap may move in and out of position on its own. A grade 2 patellar luxation may require outside aid to reposition the kneecap. Grades 3 and 4 apply to serious, long-term, or even permanent dislocations.
If your dog suffers from patellar luxation, they may suddenly develop trouble walking or running, only for the trouble to disappear once they come to a stop or they may run with both legs together. If only one leg has a luxated patella, your dog may adopt a strange three-legged or skipping gait when running. The affected knee may even make cracking or clicking noises.
How Dogs Develop Patellar Luxations
Some cases of patellar luxation occur due to a traumatic injury. For instance, a dog that sustains a blow to the knee may experience a sudden, severe dislocation that makes use of the knee impossible until you seek treatment for the injury. However, many dogs develop it due to a congenital abnormality in the knee joint. Small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and Boston Terriers face an elevated risk for the disorder.
How Veterinarians Treat Patellar Luxation
Veterinarians can confirm patellar luxation by feeling the knee joints. Diagnostic images can be helpful to confirm in some cases. If your dog has only a mild case, your veterinarian may prescribe physiotherapy to lend extra strength to the legs. Physiotherapy uses manual therapy often in treatment by using their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage the body tissues. This method forces improved blood circulation and muscle movement while relaxing the area to relieve pain and stiffness. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog might benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
If your dog has a grade 3 or grade 4 patellar luxation (or if you pet shows any signs of pain- often the only sign of pain seen is your pet lifting the leg or leaning away from the leg, even at rest), you may need to schedule corrective surgery. Your veterinarian can alter the knee’s mechanics by deepening the groove in the femur, removing the patellar ligament and reattaching it to a different point on the femur, or tightening loose, unstable joint components. Following surgery and a brief recuperation period, your dog should recover full knee function. However, if severe patellar luxation leads to other issues such as arthritis, your furry friend may still need additional or ongoing treatment to deal with that condition’s symptoms. Additional exercises to help regain strength and other therapies to help with pain and inflammation of arthritis can include pain medications, cold laser, acupuncture and other physiotherapy.
How Home Care Can Help Manage Patellar Luxation
If your dog struggles with any degree of patellar luxation, you can help their knees experience less stress and function as normally as possible. Start by exercising your pet regularly to keep their leg muscles strong. It is important for this to be low impact activity such as walking, jogging or obstacle courses rather than high impact activity that could cause trauma to the ligaments. Monitor your dog’s weight carefully and follow your veterinarian’s guidance to help it avoid obesity.
The experienced professionals at 1st Pet Veterinary Centers can help your dog overcome patellar luxation and live a happier, healthier life. Our veterinary team can evaluate your dog’s kneecaps, administer surgical or non-surgical care as needed, and advise you on how to help manage the problem. Contact us today.