Hello, awesome pet people! Let's talk about a common issue, especially in our smaller furry friends: Patellar Luxation. It sounds complicated, but it simply means a dislocating kneecap. While it can be a bit startling to see, the great news is that it's very manageable. So, let's get the scoop on this tricky kneecap!
What is a Luxating Patella?
The patella is the kneecap. It normally sits in a groove at the bottom of the thigh bone (femur). In a dog with a luxating patella, the kneecap pops out of this groove. Most of the time, it pops to the inside of the knee (medial luxation), but it can also pop to the outside (lateral luxation).
You can think of it like a train jumping off its tracks. When the kneecap is out of place, your dog can't extend their knee properly. It's primarily a genetic condition, and it's incredibly common in toy and miniature breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians.
Spotting the Signs: The Skip in Their Step
The signs of a luxating patella can be pretty classic and easy to spot once you know what you're looking for.
- •The "Skip" or "Hop": This is the hallmark sign! A dog will be running along just fine, and then suddenly pick up a back leg and hop for a few steps. Then, just as suddenly, they'll put the leg back down and run normally again. What's happening is the kneecap has popped out, and then popped back in.
- •Intermittent Limping: They might show a limp that comes and goes.
- •Shaking a Leg: Sometimes, they might stop and shake their leg to pop the kneecap back into place.
- •A "Bowlegged" Stance: In more severe cases, the back legs can look bowlegged.
Many dogs don't seem to be in a lot of pain when the kneecap pops out, it's more of a mechanical issue. However, over time, it can lead to arthritis, which is painful.
The Grading Game: How Vets Classify It
Vets grade patellar luxation on a scale from 1 to 4, which helps determine the best course of treatment.
- •Grade 1: The kneecap can be manually pushed out of place, but it pops right back in on its own. These dogs rarely show symptoms.
- •Grade 2: The kneecap pops out on its own occasionally but can be manually put back in or the dog can pop it back in by extending their leg. This is when you see the classic "skip."
- •Grade 3: The kneecap is out of place most of the time, but it can be manually pushed back into the groove.
- •Grade 4: The kneecap is permanently out of place and cannot be manually put back in. These dogs often have a more persistent limp and may have significant limb deformities.
What Causes It?
It's almost always a congenital, inherited condition. The groove the kneecap is supposed to sit in might be too shallow, or the alignment of the bones in the leg might be slightly off. Trauma can also cause a kneecap to luxate, but this is much less common.
Diagnosis: A Hands-On Approach
Your vet can often diagnose a luxating patella with a simple physical exam. They will feel the knee and manipulate it to see if the kneecap will pop out of place. They will also grade the luxation.
X-rays are also recommended to check for any other abnormalities in the leg and to see if any arthritis has developed in the knee.
Treatment: From Observation to Operation
Treatment depends entirely on the grade of the luxation and how much it's affecting your dog.
For Mild Cases (Grade 1 & some Grade 2):
- •Watchful Waiting: If your dog is not showing any signs of pain and is only skipping occasionally, your vet might recommend a conservative approach.
- •Weight Management: Keeping your dog lean is vital to reduce stress on the knee joint.
- •Joint Supplements: Can help to keep the joint healthy and may help to prevent arthritis.
For More Severe Cases (Grade 3 & 4, or painful Grade 2):
- •Surgery: For dogs that are in pain or where the luxation is significantly affecting their ability to walk, surgery is the best option. The goal of surgery is to stabilize the kneecap and keep it in its groove. There are several surgical techniques, but they often involve:
- •Deepening the groove the kneecap sits in.
- •Tightening the capsule around the joint.
- •Realigning the tendon that attaches to the kneecap.
The success rate for surgery is very high, and most dogs return to a normal, active life.
Can It Be Prevented?
Because it's a genetic condition, the best prevention is responsible breeding. If you have a small breed dog, keeping them at a healthy weight can help to reduce the clinical signs.
A luxating patella might sound scary, but for most dogs, it's a very manageable condition. With a good plan from your vet and your loving care, your little buddy can continue to lead a full and happy life!
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Patellar Luxations
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Luxating Patella in Dogs