A dog with luxating patella needs a specific sequence of strokes around (but not on) the afflicted kneecap. Your dog has luxating patella if its kneecap is dislocated. The kneecap might simply fall back into place in some circumstances.
Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases to keep the knee from locking up. A slipping kneecap is medically referred to as luxating patella.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best practices for properly massaging a dog with the goal of speeding recovery, increasing blood flow to the injured knee, and reducing stress.
Consult a vet or other animal health professional for advice on how to massage a dog’s luxating patella.
Luxating Patella Dog Massage
A luxated joint is one that has been dislocated or displaced. To dislocate the patella, or kneecap, from its usual position is known as luxating patella.
The kneecap, or patella, is a tiny bone that sits within the tendon that attaches the quadriceps to the thigh. The patellar tendon, also known as the patellar ligament, connects the underside of the patella to the tibia (shin bone). The quadriceps tendon binds the patella to the quadriceps (thigh muscles).
The patella serves a crucial role in knee extension and flexion, but only if it maintains its natural position.
The trochlea groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone) provides a smooth path for the patella to glide when the knee is in its natural position. It is considered luxated when it is displaced from its normal groove.
To luxate the patella medially means it moves in toward the body, while luxating it laterally means it moves out from the body (to the outside). For some reason, smaller to medium-sized dogs seem to be more prone to suffering from medial dislocation than larger dogs. Dislocations on the side are more common in larger dogs.
Diagnosis
Initially, a veterinary surgeon will evaluate and modify your dog’s afflicted limb or limbs while keeping a close eye on how your dog moves around. If you have a video of your dog’s gait, show it to your vet. This is especially important if your dog does not always exhibit symptoms. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed by your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis, determine the underlying cause, and evaluate the extent of the luxation.
4 Grades of Luxating Patella in Dogs
Grade 1:
When the patella dislocates and repositions itself rapidly or with minimal manual pressure, it is classified as a grade 1 dislocation.
Grade 2:
When the knee is flexed, the patella dislocates and stays out of place until the leg is extended.
Grade 3:
The patella becomes almost permanently dislocated, and even when it is corrected, it dislocates again very fast.
Grade 4:
This is the worst possible dislocation of the patella, as it cannot be fixed after being moved.
How To Give Your Dog A Luxating Patella Massage
In most cases, surgery is the best course of action if your dog has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 or 4 luxating patella.
It is especially important to treat serious instances in younger canines. A conservative approach is suitable for treating luxating patella of Grade 1 and Grade 2. One or more of the following may be used in conjunction to significantly reduce or eliminate the requirement for surgical intervention:
- Medication (anti-inflammatory)
- Clinical Canine Massage with your local Canine Massage Guild Therapist
- Hydrotherapy
- Joint Supplements
- Modified exercise and ADL’s
- Physiotherapy
- Weight Management
- Acupuncture
- The use of a specifically designed stifle brace
If you and your veterinarian decide that surgical intervention is in your dog’s best interest, a variety of surgical procedures are at your disposal. Any treatment should work on restoring proper quadriceps positioning in relation to the hind limb.
Recovery from Trochlea Deepening (Recession Sulcoplasty) Procedure.
The trochlea groove is widened by removing a wedge-shaped piece of bone or cartilage from the bottom of the groove and replacing it afterwards. In this way, the patella can rest securely in the widened trochlea groove, avoiding luxation.
Varus femoral osteotomy.
The femur (thigh bone) is realigned and stabilized in its new position with screws and plates. Now that the leg is in the correct position, the patella can move freely within the trochlea groove. When dealing with a severe instance of luxating patella or a larger dog, this is typically the operation of choice.
Surgery involving the transposition of the tibial tuberosity and realignment of the quadriceps.
As the patella tendon is cut away from the tibia, a small chunk of bone is also removed. This bone fragment is then reattached to another area of the tibia, realigning the entire tendon in the process.
By bringing the patella back into position over the trochlea groove, we can avoid luxation of the kneecap.
Mend Broken Soft Tissues.
After the patella luxates, the tissues on either side of the stifle joint may become abnormally tight or lax. It is possible to permanently fix misalignment by surgically tightening or releasing these tissues.
Depending on the degree, the etiology, the associated concerns, and the early identification and treatment, the prognosis for luxating patella can be extremely excellent. Osteoarthritis is likely to develop with age, however, the prognosis improves if caught and treated early.
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How To Treat Luxating Patella In Dogs
During the checkup, your veterinarian may demonstrate how to realign your dog’s kneecap if the trick knee is minor. Assuming your dog is comfortable and in no discomfort, this should be a breeze.
Straightening the leg, rubbing softly, and moving the knee while massaging are all that are needed to realign the knee. I’ve found that talking to the dog and distracting him makes him even more docile during this process.
But for longer-lasting effects, think about these other options as well:
You need to put your dog on a strict diet to prevent him from becoming overweight or even obese. His joints will suffer from the added weight, and he will have a lower life expectancy as a result.
It’s likely that overweight dogs with trick knees will have a harder time getting around and will develop arthritis in those joints much more quickly.
Put your dog on brief, daily walks: Dogs with behavioral issues can benefit from exercise, which will also improve his or her health in the long run.
The muscles supporting his knee will be in better shape if he maintains a healthy weight.
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A better diet:
It has been suggested that eating a raw or home-prepared organic diet can improve the health of cartilage and other joint tissues. Beef trachea and chicken legs are two examples of raw meat that can be used to supplement a diet with glucosamine and enhance joint health.
Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin should be administered. Intake of these aids results in better joint health. They help with cartilage and may even help with fluid in the knee.
Many diets boast of including chondroitin, but only well-balanced raw diets provide sufficient levels.
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Increase Your dog’s Vitamin C intake:
There is a severe lack of evidence supporting the claim that Vitamin C supplementation is beneficial. While your dog may be producing some vitamin C, it likely won’t be enough to help strengthen the ligament in a trick knee. Although exact dosages have not been determined, it is safe to offer your dog 1,000 mg per day (or 500 mg if your dog is on the smaller size), and you should stick with all-natural options like acerola.
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Acupuncture
Talk to a vet who is an expert at treating knee problems.
Should You Walk A Dog With Luxating Patella?
Dogs with luxating patellas should avoid vigorous activity, although regular walks are still important. Your dog needs regular walks to maintain a healthy weight, keep his or her muscles in shape, and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Luxating Patella Dog Brace
For canine knee ailments including torn ACLs and luxating patellas, there is the MuttKnee brace, an adjustable dog knee brace that provides support strengthens the knee, and aids in the healing process. Your dog can get some relief from any pain or discomfort they’re feeling while wearing the dog knee brace, and it will also help stabilize their knees so they can recuperate.
Luxating Patella Dog Signs
Symptoms of luxating patella typically appear in puppies after 4 months of age, though if the condition is the result of an injury, it can manifest at any time. In some cases, only one of the hind legs is affected, while in others, both may be.
The dog may appear to be hopping or skipping on the hind limb that is damaged, which is one of the initial symptoms of the illness. At this point, you might not feel any pain, and you’ll probably be back to normal in no time.
It’s possible that this skipping or hopping occurs on a frequent basis. Your dog may yelp briefly as the patella dislocates but then show no further signs of pain, and there may be a clicking sound as the patella travels in and out of the trochlea groove.
A relaxed patella will automatically go into the trochlea groove, but your dog may keep its leg up to help the process along.
They may also be unable to stretch their leg back into its usual position if they allow it to extend backward.
The patella’s cartilage and bones within the stifle joint can be damaged from repeated dislocation and affixation, which in turn increases the likelihood of future dislocations.
As time passes without the patella engaging the trochlea groove, the depth of the groove gradually decreases. There is a risk of osteoarthritis and further strain on other ligaments in the knee, including the cranial cruciate ligament, if the knee is overextended.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, joint injury such as osteoarthritis or a torn cranial essential ligament can cause swelling, lameness, immobility, and pain.
Causes of Luxating Patella in Canines
A common cause of patellar luxation is an insufficiently deep or otherwise damaged trochlear groove. The cause of a trochlea groove that is too shallow is often inherited.
Injuries or hereditary factors can also lead to misalignment of the hind limb. The femur and tibia of bowlegged dogs like the Dachshund and the Bassett Hound are formed incorrectly, leading to a misalignment of the limb’s components.
The patella is pulled out of the trochlea groove by the quadriceps on a regular basis when the bones are improperly formed, leading in luxating patella.
Injuries to the stifle, such as a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, can sometimes cause the patella to luxate because of the redistribution of forces through the knee, and vice versa.
Walking on slippery floors (like laminate) or having a dog that stands on its hind legs all the time are also ADLs that can cause the quadriceps to tighten and shorten, which in turn causes an unwanted pull on the patella and ultimately luxation.
Misalignment within the hind limb, which may result in luxation of the patella, can also be caused by problems or preexisting conditions with the hip joint or the hock joint.
Best Luxating Patella Dog Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin, two common joint supplements, play an important part in preserving your dog’s bone and joint health by stimulating the production of healthy collagen within the cartilage.
Luxating Patella Surgery Cost
Costs for the operation might range from $1,000 to $5,000. Rehab is an alternative to surgery if you can’t afford it. The cost ranges from $40 to $100 per session and is comparable to what a dog would pay for physical treatment. Through rehabilitation, your dog’s muscles can be strengthened to better support the knee joint and keep the kneecap in its right place.
Luxating Patella Surgery Success Rate
For canine patients, the success rate of this procedure is 90%. The vast majority of animals will bounce back quickly and resume normal function. The luxation will return in about 10% of instances.
Pros And Cons Of Luxating Patella Surgery
The pros of the surgery are that your dogs will get attention quickly and will heal up speedily without causing stress or longer pains in the dog which may result in another sickness in the dog.
The cons are that it is way expensive.
Problems After Luxating Patella Surgery
Patella reluxation and issues related to tibial tuberosity transposition, including as loose or fractured implants, tuberosity fracture or displacement, and fracture of the proximal tibia, is the most often reported significant complications after patella luxation surgery.
My Dog has Luxating Patella, I Can’t Afford Surgery [What to do]
Straightening the leg, rubbing softly, and moving the knee while massaging are all that is needed to realign the knee. I’ve found that talking to the dog and distracting him makes him even more docile during this process.
But for longer-lasting effects, think about these other options as well:
You need to put your dog on a strict diet to prevent him from becoming overweight or even obese. His joints will suffer from the added weight, and he will have a lower life expectancy as a result.
It’s likely that overweight dogs with trick knees will have a harder time getting around and will develop arthritis in those joints much more quickly.
Put your dog on brief, daily walks: Dogs with behavioral issues can benefit from exercise, which will also improve his or her health in the long run.
The muscles supporting his knee will be in better shape if he maintains a healthy weight.
A better diet: It has been suggested that eating a raw or home-prepared organic diet can improve the health of cartilage and other joint tissues. Beef trachea and chicken legs are two examples of raw meat that can be used to supplement a diet with glucosamine and enhance joint health.
Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin should be administered. Intake of these aids results in better joint health. They help with cartilage and may even help with fluid in the knee.
Many diets boast of including chondroitin, but only well-balanced raw diets provide sufficient levels.
Increase Your dog’s Vitamin C intake:
There is a severe lack of evidence supporting the claim that Vitamin C supplementation is beneficial. While your dog may be producing some vitamin C, it likely won’t be enough to help strengthen the ligament in a trick knee. Although exact dosages have not been determined, it is safe to offer your dog 1,000 mg per day (or 500 mg if your dog is on the smaller size), and you should stick with all-natural options like acerola.
Acupuncture: Talk to a vet who is an expert at treating knee problems.
Which Dogs Are Prone to develop Luxating Patellas?
When a dog’s kneecap displaces itself from its usual position, a condition known as luxating patella, it is extremely frequent. Despite the fact that toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and Pomeranians are more likely to suffer from luxated patella, any dog can get this orthopedic issue.
Can a Dog Live With Luxating Patella?
Dogs with mild cases of luxating patellas can lead normal lives. A dog may experience pain and discomfort if the problem progresses to a grade 3 or 4 and is not treated. Restoring the patella to its natural position is possible through treatment, and it is usually effective.
Can a Luxating Patella Correct Itself?
Patella luxation grades 1 and 2 are the most treatable without surgical intervention. The muscles around the leg can be strengthened by physiotherapy and regulated exercise to prevent the kneecap from slipping. Surgery. In extreme cases of patella luxation in dogs, surgery is required (grade 3&4)
Is Luxating Patella Painful in Dogs?
There are cases in which a luxating patella doesn’t cause any discomfort for your dog. Mild cases of luxating patella (grade I) rarely cause discomfort. Also, if you keep your dog’s Grade I condition under control with dietary changes and regular exercise, it may never progress to the more severe, painful stages. Extreme cases of luxating patellas cause discomfort because the kneecap slips out of the groove.
Should I Fix my Dogs Luxating Patella?
If your dog has recurring or prolonged lameness, or if other knee ailments develop as a result of the luxating patella, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical repair is the standard treatment for grades II–IV patellar luxations, but not for grade I luxations.
Can a Puppy Outgrow Luxating Patella?
Bone on bone rubbing can eventually destroy the protective cartilage in his patellas. It is possible for a dog to outgrow some developmental issues, but luxating patellas is not one of them.
Healing After Patellar Luxation Surgery
The typical dog with luxating patella will need six to eight weeks of rehabilitation time after surgery. If the surgeon employed a lateral imbrication technique, this time frame may be reduced. If the dog additionally need physical therapy, however, the healing process may take even longer.
After around two weeks, a dog should be able to put weight on the limb again. After a month, physical treatment should be considered if the Dog is still having trouble moving or utilizing the affected limb. However, this varies from procedure to procedure. You should inquire as to the specifics of your dog’s condition with the surgeon.
Immediately after surgery, the dog must be kept in a crate or a large pen for rest and recuperation. It’s possible that your dog’s surgeon will use a cast or bandage to keep him or her from moving about too much after surgery.
Even after the first two weeks, dogs shouldn’t be allowed to walk without a leash, and even then, only on short distances. It’s also against the rules to run or jump around. Exercise recommendations will be specific to your dog’s condition, so it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice.
Luxating patella surgery in dogs has a good success rate when proper surgical aftercare is used. More than 90% of dog owners are satisfied with their dog’s mobility after surgery, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
For large-breed dogs, this number drops significantly since they often suffer from multifactorial lameness. In most dogs, the risk of infection is small, and the risks of implant failure or reinstitution of joint instability are even smaller.