Luxating patella in dogs: Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this common knee condition affecting your pet.
A luxating patella, also known as a dislocated kneecap, in a condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position.
It is common in pets, particularly dogs, and can cause pain, lameness, and if left untreated, arthritis.
Understanding this condition is crucial for dog owners to provide their pets with a good quality of life.
To provide valuable insights for dog owners, this blog will explain the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for a luxating patella in dogs.
What is Luxating Patella?
A luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) shifts out of its normal position, either intermittently or as a permanent displacement.
The patella is a small bone within the quadriceps tendon which runs along the front of the thigh. Normally, the patella sits in a groove at the end of the femur called the trochlear grove.
This issue is particularly prevalent in dogs, especially small breeds, due to factors such as genetic predisposition, muscle imbalances, developmental changes, and congenital abnormalities.
In dogs with luxating patella, the grove may be too shallow to support the bone making it easier for the patella to slip out of place.
How Severe is This Condition?
To understand the severity of a luxating patella and its impact on a dog’s wellbeing, dog owners can refer to the Patellar Luxation Grading System.
The Patella Luxation Grading System is a classification tool used to assess the severity of a luxating patella in dogs. It ranges from Grade I to Grade IV.
In Grade I cases, the patella may occasionally dislocate but can be manually repositioned. At this stage, dogs are likely to experience minimal symptoms and remain active.
A Grade IV assessment would see the patella remain dislocated permanently. At this level, the patella cannot be repositioned, leading to severe pain and significant mobility limitations in dogs.
Usually, surgery is advised is the condition reaches Grade III or IV. There are treatment options available to return the patella to its normal position and relieve discomfort.
Can a Luxating Patella Cause Long-term Problems?
If left untreated, a luxating patella can cause complications and long-term problems for your pets. Potential complications if a luxating patella is left untreated include persistent pain, progressive damage to the knee joint, and difficulty performing daily activities and exercise.
Chronic joint instability, reduced range of motion, and potential gait abnormalities are examples of significant long-term effects on joint health in dogs with a luxating patella.
These issues can also lead to uneven wear on other joints, exacerbating overall mobility problems.
Breeds Prone to Patella Luxation
Some breeds are more prone to patella luxation than others. Many small breeds have a genetic predisposition and often have shallower trochlear grooves which can contribute to an increase likelihood of patella luxation.
Luxating patella is also common in mixed-breed dogs. While it is less common, larger breeds and purebred dogs can also experience patella luxation.
Common breeds affected and prone to patella luxation include:
- Toy Poodles
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Chihuahuas
- Pomeranians
- Boston Terriers
- French Bulldogs
Causes
The cause of a luxating patella in dogs is often a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
As discussed, certain breeds have a genetic predisposition and abnormalities that are more likely to result in patella luxation.
Excessive physical activity or strain can also trigger the condition. Similarly, trauma or accidents can lead to displacement and instability of the patella.
Developmental issues, such as abnormal bone or joint development and muscle imbalances, can lead to structural issues that contribute to patella luxation.
Symptoms
Skipping, limping, and leg stiffness are all common signs of a luxating patella you can look out for. These symptoms often worsen after exercise.
You may also spot behavioural changes in your dog that indicate pain or discomfort. For example, the dog may avoid physical activity and show reluctance to move. Additionally, increased licking or chewing of the affected area can be a sign of pain.
Dog owners can assess the severity of systems based on the grading system we mentioned earlier.
When to Contact Your Vet
If your dog is consistently limping or displaying noticeable signs of pain, such as excessive licking or vocalising, it is important to contact your vet.
Early detection can help prevent worsening of the condition and reduce the risk of additional joint damage.
Prolonged untreated patella luxation can lead to more severe pain and a decreased quality of life for your pet. Delaying treatment may result in further joint damage, arthritis, and other complications.
If a luxating patella is not severe enough to warrant surgery, your vet may recommend pain relief medication, lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, and regular check-ups to monitor the condition.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Typically, the vet will perform a physical examination to diagnose a luxating patella. They will check for abnormal movement or dislocation of the patella and may even use an X-ray to assess the alignment of the patella.
After diagnosis, your vet will recommend a range of treatment options suitable for your pet and the severity of the patella luxation.
Treatment options include medication, weight management, and physical therapy. They may also recommend assistive devices such as ramps to reduce strain.
In Grade IV cases, surgery may be required to realign the patella. Surgery is only usually considered when conservative management is insufficient, or the luxation causes significant pain.
Post treatment, regular visits to the vet will help to monitor healing and the condition’s progress. Continuing with physical therapy also helps to support recovery and strengthen the affected leg.
Always follow your vet’s advice in relation to activity restrictions or modifications to ensure proper healing.
Prognosis
There are several factors that influence your dog’s recovery after treatment for a luxating patella.
Firstly, the severity of the luxation plays a crucial role in determining the prognosis. Lower grades are more likely to improve with conservative management, while higher grades many require surgery for optimal recovery.
Your dog’s overall health and age can also impact recovery. Younger, healthier dogs tend to recover faster.
Dogs experiencing a luxating patella are more likely to see success rates in recovery when prescribed treatments, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle modifications are followed and considered.
Most dogs show improvement in pain and mobility post-surgery, although recovery time and outcomes can vary depending on reasoning above.
How Long Can a Dog Live With Luxating Patella?
Dogs with a luxating patella can have a normal and happy life if the condition is managed appropriately. With the right treatment, your dog can live a full and active life.
Additionally, dogs receiving treatment and management can enjoy a good quality of life with minimal pain. Regular vet visits and lifestyle adjustments contribute to the overall comfort of your pet.
Final Thoughts
If you have concerns about your pet’s knee health or need advanced diagnostic services, contact Anrich Vets today.
Our state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanning facilities, combined with our expertise in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, are here to provide comprehensive care for your pets. Get in touch with us for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way.