What is
patellar luxation?
The patella or kneecap sits in a grove
at the end of the femur and keeps the leg in a straight line as it bends and
straightens. It is held in place by the patellar ligament which attaches to the
tibia at the tibial crest.
If the knee joint is not formed
correctly the patella can slip out of its groove. This happens because the
groove is too shallow or because the tibial crest is not in a straight line
with the groove.
A luxating patella causes a hopping
lameness, osteoarthritis and in severe cases deformity of the limb.
Grade I
At this stage the patella can be
manually popped in and out of position and lameness if present is very mild -
the dog hops for a few steps the returns to normal.
No treatment
is necessary at this stage
Grade II
At this stage you can feel the patella
popping out as you bend the leg and it pops back in to a normal position easily
when the leg is straightened. Lameness is intermittent but can be painful at
times as arthritis develops.
Surgery may
be required if the joint is painful to prevent the condition getting worse and
arthritis from developing. Monitor joint function every 6 months.
Grade III
At this stage the patella is luxated
most of the time but it can be manually reduced when the stifle is flexed. Lameness
is frequent and the joint is painful.
Surgery is
required to cure the lameness and prevent osteoarthritis.
Grade IV
By this stage the patella is
permanently out of joint and the leg is starting to twist. Lameness is severe.
Surgery is
required to restore normal limb function
What does the
surgery involve?
Your pet will require an overnight
stay at Veterinary Wellness Center In Texas.
The surgery to correct the problem is tailed to each individual but involves a
combination of deepening the groove, moving the tibial crest and tightening the
joint capsule. Contact League City Veterinarian for more information.
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