FAQ: PAtellar Luxation

My dog limps because he has patellar luxation.  Do we need to do surgery? 

Patellar luxation is a condition in which the “knee cap” jumps in and out of the groove of the knee when a dog flexes it’s knee.  How much it moves and how often ranges in severity.

The problems associated with this include: 

1. Wear and tear on the tendons = tendonitis

2. Wear and tear on the cartilage = arthritis

3. Instability of the knee >> risk of ACL tear

4. Back pain due to asymmetrical movement

Here are two dogs, both Yorkshire Terriers who have similar stories but different solutions to their knee pain.

Fitz

History: Presented for knee and back pain secondary to patellar luxation

Source of pain: He had pain in his tendons around his knee and arthritis in the joint

Treatments: 1) Pain management 2) Shockwave treatment 3) Rehab therapy

Outcome: After 90 days - He is back to running and jumping all over the house!

Diamond

History: Presented for limping and back pain secondary to patellar luxation and ACL tear

Source of pain: instability of the knee creating concussion and damage

Treatments: 1) Pain management 2) Surgical repair 3) Rehab therapy

Outcome: After 120 days – she is back to playing in the yard.  She will need some joint therapy (yearly injections and possibly shockwave) to keep her arthritis at bay and need for medications at a minimum.

Each case is different, some owners will choose to be more proactive for best long – term physical health and others prefer to deal with issues as they arise.  Schedule an appointment to discuss the options further.