A luxating patella, sometimes known as a dislocated or loose kneecap, can be a cause for concern, given how it impairs your dog’s mobility. It can be discovered unexpectedly and lead to temporary or lasting lameness that can be discomforting or painful for your furry friend. It may seem odd to continue taking your dog for occasional walks despite their condition, but it is still possible if you keep a close eye on your dog during your walks.
Signs of Luxating Patella in Your Dog
Be on the lookout for any of these symptoms when you are with your dog, as they may indicate a luxating patella.
- Sudden limping while walking or running
- Weak or trembling hind legs while standing or moving
- Difficulty or inability to jump.
- Bow-legged hind legs
- Unexpected yelps of pain when moving around
- Cracking or popping noises when moving the knee
- Loss of interest in activities it typically enjoys
While small breeds are at higher risk of a luxating patella, large breed dogs may also be affected. The condition is categorised into four grades based on severity, with grade IV being the most concerning, as it indicates that your dog’s patella is permanently displaced.
The Importance of Walking Your Dog
Regular physical activity is an essential part of any dog’s life. Not only does it help keep them active and engaged, but it also provides mental stimulation as they take in the sights, sounds, and smells of their surroundings. That can help minimise boredom, which can lead to problematic behaviours, while ensuring they can sleep well at night after a fruitful day of walking.
Frequent walks also help to maintain a healthy weight, as sedentary dogs can easily gain weight that can place significant strain on their joints and limbs. That can potentially cause further complications and worsen their luxating patella. As such, regular walks are vital to allow your dog to maintain its flexibility and mobility while also gradually strengthening the muscles to minimise the severity of a luxating patella.
Equally important is how walking can strengthen your bond with your dog, especially if your dog is constantly seeking your attention and affection. Walks provide plenty of opportunities to see new sights, meet new people and pets, play games, and have an all-around fun time together. There is nothing quite like a fulfilling afternoon spent with your dog.
That said, you should be mindful of your dog’s condition and adjust your walks to its physical capabilities. A simple way would be to break down long walks into shorter sessions, ensuring your furry friend enjoys some light physical activity without overexerting itself. Consider these extra tips as well:
- Prioritise low-impact activities like leash walking and swimming
- Avoid high-impact activities like running and jumping, which can stress the affected kneecap
- Feed your dog a well-balanced diet to improve their well-being
- Ensure your dog has a comfy resting environment
- Give gentle massages to help improve blood circulation
Consult your veterinarian if you need further advice or recommendations for appropriate physical activities for your dog.
When Not to Walk a Dog with Luxating Patella
There are instances where you should not take your dog for a walk. Acute cases can cause substantial pain and may result in significant discomfort and persistent lameness. In such instances, your dog will require ample rest, medical support, or both.
Take note of the following behaviours your dog exhibits, as it may be telling you it is in pain.
- Constant limping
- Abnormal posture when walking or standing (e.g., lifting one leg)
- Avoids its favourite activities
A luxating patella can lead to other complications, including arthritis, further reducing their quality of life. If your dog’s condition does not improve even with rest, speak to your veterinarian immediately. Rehabilitation therapy may provide the care your dog needs to manage their luxating patella effectively.
How Rehabilitation Therapy Can Benefit Luxating Patella in Dogs
Whether your dog requires surgery or otherwise, rehabilitation therapy can provide positive outcomes that help manage canine luxating patella cases, restoring flexibility and potentially slowing its progression. It aims to improve your dog’s strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance to manage the effects of luxating patella through various treatments and techniques.
Therapeutic Exercises
These exercises are tailored to enhance your dog’s general physical well-being, including their flexibility, balance, and coordination. Various exercise equipment are used to help develop your dog’s leg and core muscles, improving mobility, managing the effects of a luxating patella, and even encouraging its confidence by overcoming the limitations of its condition. The exercises are specifically designed to prevent your dog from overexerting itself while maximising the benefits of regular exercise sessions.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves low-impact water-based activities for rehabilitation. This method uses water’s unique properties, such as buoyancy and resistance, to promote a low-impact environment that helps strengthen your dog’s joints and muscles with minimal impact. These controlled sessions are conducted under the guidance of trained rehabilitation therapists, who ensure your pet’s safety and gently encourage exercise to enhance their overall strength and endurance.
Electrotherapy
Electrical stimulation therapies can be valuable for providing pain relief, reducing stiffness, and strengthening muscles. These treatments utilise low levels of controlled electric currents to stimulate nerves, muscles, and other tissues, interrupting pain signals for pain relief, as well as causing rhythmic muscle movements that facilitate their gradual strengthening. It can provide significant relief for your dog, allowing it to enjoy restored mobility over time.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where tiny, sterile needles are carefully placed on specific acupuncture points (acupoints) to promote the release of pain-relieving endorphins, stimulate nerve fibres, and even improve blood circulation to manage a luxating patella. It may be performed standalone or as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments by a qualified vet with the Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) certification.
At Bluewater Veterinary Services, we can help you and your dog manage a luxating patella with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. Contact us via our website or WhatsApp to learn more!