Understanding Patella Luxation in Dogs
Patella luxation in dogs, sometimes otherwise known as ‘slipped knee’ is a condition caused when the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of place. It is a common orthopaedic problem in small and toy breeds but can also be seen in larger breeds. This condition typically affects both front and hind legs and can vary in severity from mild to severe pain for your dog.
If you are looking for a veterinary referral for patella luxation in dogs, speak to your primary care vet about being referred to Cave Vets today. We are here to help your dogs find a happier lifestyle once again.
How Patella Luxation Can Affect Dogs
If your dog has suffered a patella luxation, this can have a direct impact on your dog’s mobility and quality of life. If you are noticing changes in your dog’s behaviours, such as intermittent limping or skipping on a specific leg, difficulty running or discomfort, this may be an indication that they are struggling in some way.
In more severe cases of patella luxation, this condition can lead to permanent lameness and arthritis due to constant wear and tear on the joint.
If you are noticing changes in your dog’s behaviour, seek advice from your primary care vet today and ask for a referral to Cave Vets today.
Signs & Symptoms of Patella Luxation in Dogs
Some of the more obvious signs or symptoms of patella luxation in dogs are:
- Skipping on one leg
- Intermittent limping
- Sudden lifting of the leg when walking or running
- Difficulty climbing or jumping stairs
- Signs of pain or discomfort (yelping, licking of the leg etc.
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to play
If you are noticing any of these signs and symptoms, speak to your primary care vet and ask them to call Cave Vets today for specialist care and support for your dog.
Diagnosing Patella Luxation in Dogs
Although a primary care vet may be able to help diagnose a patella luxation in dogs, it is still important to seek a referral to a veterinary specialist for further examination and confirmed diagnosis.
At Cave Vets, our orthopaedics team will conduct a thorough physical examination on your dog. This may include the use of diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the luxation. Our team will assess this on a scale from Grade 1 (mild luxation) to Grade 5 (severe luxation) and then recommend an appropriate treatment plan that is tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
Treatment for Patella Luxation in Dogs
The available treatments for patella luxation in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Mild Cases
When dogs are suffering from mild forms of patella luxation, treatment can be more conservative and include weight management, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. These may help alleviate some of the symptoms and help improve mobility for your dog.
Severe Cases
When the patella luxation is more severe, surgery may be required to correct the alignment of the kneecap and stabilise the joint.
Surgical Interventions
When we see patients with patella luxation, our team is able to recommend the right form of surgery from three options:
- Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT): This is the repositioning of the tibial tuberosity to realign the patella.
- Trochlear Block Recession: This deepens the groove in the femur where the patella sits, preventing it from dislocating in the future.
- Assessment and Treatment of Angular Limb Deformity: Correcting underlying limb deformities can help stabilise the kneecap in some cases.
At Cave Vets, our highly skilled orthopaedics team can ensure that your dog receives the best possible method of treatment that is the right option for their condition. Seek your veterinary referral today and give your dog the best chance at recovery in the future.
The Benefits of Patella Luxation Treatment
There are a number of benefits for your dog in seeking treatment for patella luxation. These can include:
- Improved Mobility and Quality of Life: Correctly patella luxation can help your dog live a mobile and happy life with significantly reduced pain and discomfort. The improvement in mobility can help lead to a reduction in other conditions such as arthritis too.
- Long-Term Health Benefits: When patella luxation in dogs has been correctly addressed, this can help prevent joint damage and reduce the likelihood of chronic conditions into the future. Surgical options can also help promote a more active lifestyle for dogs post-treatment.
Choose Cave Vets for Your Patella Luxation in Dogs Referral
At Cave Vets, we pride ourselves on being a leading veterinary referral hospital in the Southwest of England.
Our team comprises highly skilled veterinarians across orthopaedics, internal medicine, neurology and wider services within veterinary care. We aim to ensure that your pet receives the highest levels of care and treatment, whatever their condition. We work collaboratively with your primary care vet in order to have a full understanding of your pet’s health and well-being.
With state-of-the-art facilities that are complete with CT Scanners, MRI machines, a hospital ward and more, we are able to give every pet the care that they deserve, helping them life a long and healthy life afterwards.
Patella luxation in dogs is a manageable condition when the right veterinary care has been established. With our expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options, Cave Vets is the best place to seek your veterinary referral. Speak to your primary care vet today and ask them for a referral to Cave Vets in Somerset.
In the meantime, why not take some time to look at how the referral process works, how we can help your pet and some of the more frequently asked questions.
