Introduction
As a pet science blog author, I often delve into the intricacies of various health conditions affecting our beloved pets. Today, I’m taking a closer look at luxating patellas, a common knee problem in small and toy breeds. This condition can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to long-term mobility issues. Let’s explore what luxating patellas are, how they occur, and the best course of action for treatment and prevention.
A Call for Research Participation
Researchers at Clemson University are currently conducting a study to better understand the genetic factors contributing to luxated patellas in toy and miniature poodles. If you own an affected dog and are willing to contribute a blood sample, you can find more information on their website: www.genome.clemson.edu/poodle.
When a Playful Romp Turns Painful
Picture this: a small breed dog, full of energy, chasing a ball across the yard. Suddenly, a yelp of pain and a limp. Moments later, the dog resumes its playful chase, seemingly unfazed by the brief episode. This might be a familiar sight if you own a Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle, or Boston Bull. However, in some cases, the discomfort can be more severe, leading to prolonged lameness or even a change in the dog’s posture and gait.
Understanding Normal Knee Anatomy
The patella, or kneecap, is a crucial component of a dog’s knee joint. It glides up and down a groove in the femur, guided by the quadriceps muscle. In a healthy knee, two bony ridges on the femur form a deep groove, ensuring the patella’s movement is restricted and controlled. This well-lubricated system allows for smooth, pain-free motion.
What Happens When the Patella Luxates?
In some dogs, the patellar groove may be too shallow due to malformation or trauma. This can cause the patella to luxate, or slip out of the groove, often towards the inside. The leg may lock up, with the foot held off the ground. The patella can only return to its normal position once the quadriceps muscle relaxes. This explains why a dog might hold its leg up for a few minutes after the initial incident, experiencing pain as the knee cap slides across the femur’s bony ridges.
Which Dogs Are at Risk?
Smaller breeds, particularly Miniature and Toy Poodles, are most susceptible to patella luxation, with genetics playing a significant role. Breeds with short legs, like Basset Hounds or Dachshunds, may also be at risk due to the abnormal shape of their femur and tibia. It’s important to note that not all dogs of these breeds will be affected, but a small percentage may experience this condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Dogs typically show symptoms in middle age, with a history of intermittent lameness in the affected leg(s). They may cry out in pain while running, with the affected leg extended rearward and temporarily unable to flex back into a normal position.
Risks and Complications
If left uncorrected, the patellar ridges can wear down, leading to increased lameness and premature arthritis. This can result in a permanently swollen knee and reduced mobility. Early evaluation by a veterinarian is crucial to prevent long-term damage and maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Treatment Options for Luxating Patellas
Medical therapy has limited effectiveness in treating luxating patellas, making surgery the preferred treatment option. Not every dog with this condition will require surgery, but for those who do, the procedures can be quite successful. Surgical treatments may include deepening the femoral groove to better contain the knee cap (trochlear modification), securing the knee cap laterally to prevent medial deviation (lateral imbrication), or