Luxating patella, also known as a floating kneecap, is a common orthopaedic condition in small dogs. If left untreated, it can cause varying degrees of lameness and discomfort, as well as long-term joint damage. It occurs when the kneecap does not move properly within its groove. This condition can range in severity from mild displacement of the kneecap all the way through to complete dislocation. It’s more common among smaller breeds of dogs but can affect all sizes; it’s also considered hereditary, meaning that if one dog has it there is potential for their offspring to be affected by it too.
The severity can range from mild to extreme – sometimes it can even require surgery to fix! Treatment should always begin with assessing your dog’s individual needs and discussing any options that are available with your vet before proceeding.
The good news is that once diagnosed, there are plenty of things you can do to help manage this issue at home such as providing support through various exercises or using medications prescribed by your veterinarian. With patience and dedication, many owners find that their pets’ quality of life improves significantly after treatment has been completed.
Symptoms Of Luxating Patella In Dogs
The most obvious sign is when the affected dog begins limping or holding its leg up off the ground for a short time after walking or running. This usually occurs due to an increase in pain caused by the dislocation of their knee joint. In addition, there may be swelling around the area along with some difficulty getting back up after lying down. If left untreated, your pup might have more trouble jumping and climbing stairs than usual as well as lack energy during playtime because of discomfort.
It’s important to take any signs seriously and seek veterinary help right away so treatment can begin quickly before the problem gets worse over time. Depending on how severe your pooch’s case is, surgery might even be necessary which can mean weeks or months of recovery at home too. So make sure you keep a watchful eye out for these potential warning signals as early detection will allow you to get them feeling better again soon!
Most Susceptible Dog Breeds
Small and toy breeds, are predisposed to developing luxating patella. This can include a genetic disposition for a shallow groove on the end of the femur bone or abnormalities in the shape and alignment of the bones in the hind legs. It is important to note, however, that luxating patella can occur in any breed and size of dog, and it is not always predictable or preventable based solely on breed.
The dog breeds that are most susceptible:
- Chihuahuas
- Pomeranians
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzus
- Miniature Poodles
- Bichon Frises
- Boston Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- French Bulldogs
Regular veterinary examinations, proper nutrition and exercise, and genetic testing can all aid in the diagnosis and management of luxating patella in dogs.
Causes Of Luxating Patella In Dogs
The main cause of luxating patellas is genetics. A lot of times, particular breeds are predisposed to developing this issue due to an inherited trait that makes their ligaments more lax than usual. But even if your pup isn’t from one of those breeds, they could still end up with a luxating patella due to trauma or injury. That might come from running into furniture or jumping off something too high without proper support around their legs.
Ultimately, the key here is prevention! Choose a reputable breeder and keep your furry friend away from situations where they might suffer injuries or do things that don’t suit their body type (like long-distance running). And if you notice any signs of limping or pain when they move around, get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. With some careful attention and proper medical treatment, you’ll have your dog back on all fours in no time!
Diagnosing Luxating Patella In Dogs
If your dog has luxating patella, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for the severity of the condition.
Physical exam: Your veterinarian will examine your dog physically, including a gait analysis, to look for signs of lameness, discomfort, and weakness in the hind legs.
Manipulation of the knee joint: Your veterinarian will manipulate the knee joint to see if the kneecap is sliding out of place, which is a sign of luxating patella.
X-rays: To determine the severity of the condition and to look for signs of joint damage or osteoarthritis, X-rays may be required.
Sedation: Sedation may be required in some cases to allow your veterinarian to fully manipulate the knee joint and assess the severity of the condition.
Luxating patella is graded on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the mildest and 4 being the most severe.
Additional testing: Additional testing, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be required in some cases to fully evaluate the joint and surrounding structures.
Medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery may be used as treatment options. Regular follow-up exams and monitoring will be required to ensure that the condition is well-managed and that long-term joint damage is avoided.
Patella Luxation Grading
The kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the femur bone in luxating patella. Based on the severity of the condition, luxating patella is classified into four grades:
Grade I: The kneecap can be moved out of the groove manually, but it returns to its normal position when the pressure is released. Dogs with Grade I luxating patella may limp or skip occasionally, but they are usually not in pain.
Grade II: During normal activity, the kneecap will spontaneously dislocate out of the groove, but it will return to its normal position with leg movement. Dogs with Grade II luxating patella may exhibit intermittent lameness and be hesitant to bear weight on the affected leg.
Grade III: The kneecap is frequently out of the groove and must be manually pushed back into place. Dogs with Grade III luxating patella may limp persistently and have an abnormal gait.
Grade IV: The kneecap is permanently out of place and cannot be pushed back into place manually. Grade IV luxating patella can cause significant lameness, pain, and arthritis in the affected joint in dogs.
It is important to note that the severity of luxating patella does not always correspond with the degree of lameness or pain experienced by a dog. Some dogs with severe luxating patella may not exhibit obvious signs of pain, whereas others with mild luxating patella may experience significant pain and lameness. Based on the individual dog’s condition, a veterinarian can diagnose luxating patella and recommend a treatment plan.
Treatment Options For Luxating Patella In Dogs
Surgery is often necessary if conservative management isn’t successful after several months. This can involve re-aligning or deepening the groove that the kneecap sits in, as well as reconstructive surgery for severe cases. In some cases, ligament reconstruction may also be required.
On top of this, there are physical therapies such as hydrotherapy and massage therapy which can help strengthen muscles around the knee joint and improve range of motion. Surgery should always be considered carefully before opting for it as its success rate varies from case to case. With all these considerations taken into account, deciding on an appropriate treatment plan for your pet becomes much easier.
Preventing Luxating Patella In Dogs
Several genetic tests are available to help identify dogs who are at risk of developing luxating patella. These tests typically look for changes in specific genes linked to the condition.
The most commonly used genetic test in dogs for luxating patella looks for a specific genetic variant in the COL6A1 gene. Many commercial laboratories that offer genetic testing for dogs offer this test.
It is important to note that genetic screening is only one tool for identifying dogs at risk of developing luxating patella. Other factors that can influence the development of luxating patella include the dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level. A veterinarian’s thorough physical examination is also required to diagnose LP and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
One way to help reduce the risk is through proper diet and nutrition. Good nutrition helps keep your pup lean and fit, which lessens the strain on their joints and ligaments. Also, regular exercise – especially activities such as swimming that don’t involve too much jumping or running around – will build strong muscles that support the knee joint properly.
Finally, avoid any activity where there’s a high risk of trauma to the legs or knees; if you have an active breed be sure to hold them back when they get too excited! Of course, some breeds may just be predisposed to developing luxating patella so regular check-ups with your vet could go a long way towards identifying potential problems before they become serious.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dealing with conditions like luxating patella in dogs – so make sure you do what you can to look after their wellbeing!
It is a sad fact that luxating patella in dogs is quite common, especially when there is a boom in Backyard Breeding of dogs. This condition can cause pain and discomfort for our canine friends, but fortunately there are treatment options available to help them cope with the issue. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and causes so that you can catch it early and start treatment quickly if necessary.
The best way to deal with this condition is prevention; making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, has access to good nutrition, and doesn’t get overweight will all go a long way towards helping prevent luxating patella from occurring. But if it does happen, don’t despair – there are treatments out there which can help give your pup some much-needed relief.
In general, we should always be on the lookout for signs of luxating patella in our furry companions. If caught early enough, the prognosis can be positive and these four-legged family members won’t have to suffer unnecessarily from this painful condition.
