A luxating patella, or a dislocated knee in lay terms, is when your dog’s kneecap “pops out” of its normal position, causing pain and discomfort. If you notice your dog occasionally raises one of its hind legs and limps onward before running on all fours again like nothing happened, it might be a sign to take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
What Causes Luxating Patella?
Your dog’s kneecap (patella) is attached to the patellar ligament, which connects the thigh muscles to the shin bone (or tibia). Any time your dog moves its leg, the patellar ligament tugs on the shin bone to straighten the knee.
When a luxating patella occurs, your dog’s kneecap shifts sideways (luxates) and moves away from its regular position at the front of its knee. That typically happens due to alignment issues throughout your dog’s skeletal growth; over time, it causes friction on the knee joint cartilage that gradually wears it down, making it easier for luxating patellapatellar luxation to occur and cause more complications. Luxating patellas only affect the hind legs and never the front legs.
There are also four grades of luxating patella:
- Grade I: The patella can be manually luxated but spontaneously returns to its normal position; there is minimal discomfort.
- Grade II: The patella luxates spontaneously during movement but can return to its normal position manually or as the joint moves; there may also be some discomfort.
- Grade III: The patella is luxated most of the time but can be manually reduced (put back into place). However, it does not remain in the groove.
- Grade IV: The patella is permanently displaced and cannot be manually reduced, which can lead to severe pain.
Many toy and small dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, French poodles and Pomeranians, are at particular risk of luxating patellas; this condition can also be inherited due to genetics. The higher the grade, the higher your dog’s risk of developing long-term complications that require medical attention. It can also adversely affect their overall quality of life as they age.
What are the Symptoms of Luxating Patella?
The most common symptom is when your dog suddenly raises one of its hind legs, sometimes held close to their body, while walking or running. They may do this briefly before setting it down (after shaking or kicking the limb outwards) again and moving normally. Other symptoms include:
- 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 its knee.
Symptoms can potentially worsen the higher the grade of the luxating patella, so it helps to be observant for early warning signs.
Diagnosing Luxating Patella
In most cases, a physical exam will be enough to diagnose the presence of a luxating patella. During the exam, the veterinarian will carefully manipulate your dog’s leg to look for signs of a luxating patella. If needed, imaging scans like X-rays and an MRI scan may be helpful in accurately determining the extent of damage or looking for other signs that suggest a different medical condition is causing your dog distress.
Luxating Patella Treatments Available
For mild, low-grade cases, patellar luxation can often be managed with nonsurgical treatments. The vet may prescribe medications for pain and inflammation relief, and joint supplements may also be beneficial.
Acupuncture for Luxating Patella
Acupuncture can be an effective way to manage patellar luxation. By targeting specific acupoints, acupuncture can reduce pain and inflammation while promoting relaxation. It enhances blood flow to the affected area and encourages tissue repair. Acupuncture can also help improve joint function and relieve muscle tension. Regular sessions often lead to reduced discomfort and improved mobility.
Rehabilitation Therapy for Luxating Patella
Rehabilitation therapy can also help by improving muscle strength, joint stability, and range of motion. Techniques such as therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and stretching can help reduce stress on the affected knee, prevent muscle atrophy, and enhance overall mobility.
Surgery for Luxating Patella
Surgery is recommended for moderate to severe cases of patellar luxation, specifically Grades III and IV. Early surgical intervention can prevent further complications such as arthritis and improve the long-term quality of life for the affected dog. Patellar luxation surgery involves various techniques to realign the patella and stabilise its position. The specific procedure depends on the severity of the condition and any structural abnormalities contributing to the luxation.
Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation sessions can help your dog regain mobility and strength and are crucial for a successful recovery. This ensures your dog can overcome its current physical limits (within reason) and slowly regain its confidence in moving freely.
Can You Prevent Luxating Patella?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent luxating patella, especially if it has a genetic or congenital basis, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk or manage contributing factors:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on joints.
- Provide Joint Support: Include joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s diet to support cartilage health and joint function.
- Regular, low-impact exercise: This can strengthen muscles around the knee and improve joint stability. Avoid activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or twists that could strain the knees.
- Choose a Responsible Breeder: If you’re getting a dog prone to patellar luxation (e.g., small breeds like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians), ensure the breeder screens for hereditary joint issues.
If you need further support or have other questions, the Bluewater Vet Acupuncture & Rehabilitation team is here to help! Contact us via our website or WhatsApp anytime for more information on luxating patellas or our professional services tailored to maintain your dog’s well-being!