Below is an article I wrote about 10 or 11 years ago. If you are interested in learning ways to help locating Patellas NATURALLY, let me know.
"Luxating" is a fancy word for dislocating. Patella is your dog's "knee", the joint on the front of her/his hind leg. So a luxating patella is a dislocating knee or as some have nick named it; trick knee, a knee that keeps slipping out of its socket. This can happen in Boston Terriers and certain toy breeds with weak ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles. It can also happen other breeds in pups whose kneecap groove is too narrow or shallow. The knee usually slips inwardly, toward the body, and locks so that your dog can't bend her/his leg.
Does My Dog Have a Luxating Patella?
You might suspect a luxating patella if your dog sometimes lifts one hind leg while running, or if she/he often moves both rear legs at the same time, like a hopping bunny. Sometimes the knee slips only for a few moments and then slides back into place. Sometimes the knee slips out and stays out, and your Boston will hold her/his leg off the ground and limp, perhaps tucking the thigh into her/his body.
Luxation may occur in one knee, or in both. It is seen in many small breeds, and in both sexes. Even if the knees seem to be firm as puppies, it is not a bad idea to have have your dog's patellas checked every two years by your veterinarian.
Is luxation serious?
There are four degrees (grades) of luxation:
Grade I. The knee only slips out when the vet manipulates it.
Grade II. The knee luxates occasionally when the dog is walking or running. He/she may not seem to mind much, or they may shriek, but it usually slides back by itself as they continues moving. Or you can slip it back manually (ask the vet to show you how).
Grade III. The knee luxates frequently and causes chronic lameness. Even when you put it back manually, it doesn't seem to last long.
Grade IV. The knee luxates, stays that way, and you can't put it back into its socket. This grade is very rare but happens.
How is luxation treated?
* The first treatment should be to crate or keep the dog in a small area for a week or two and supervise all activity - no jumping or running.
* Most veterinarians will prescribe a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (like Rimadyl or another NSAID). However, these will only hide the symptoms and may reduce some of the inflammation, but do absolutely
nothing to strengthen or correct the condition.
* Some veterinarians will prescribe Steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These have proven to be
extremely damaging to the immune system, have awful side effects (short and long term), and in my opinion, should never be used.
*Surgery is seldom the answer and if needed, should only be done by an orthopedic surgeon if the dog is in chronic pain.
If you decide on surgery, please call the American College of Veterinary Surgeons at (301) 718-6504 and ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist or college of veterinary medicine in your state.
If surgery is your choice, be aware that the dog may very likely have problems down the road with arthritis from the surgery. In the opinion of most veterinarians, surgery is overkill for Grade I or II luxating patella. I personally would only go with surgery on a Grade IV luxation, or on a Grade III that did not respond to natural treatment and the dog was in constant pain. Surgery costs around a thousand dollars per patella, it is uncomfortable for your dog, and there is a 50% chance that some degree of luxation will return at some point in time.
Dr. Jeannie Thomason, animal naturopath The Whole Dog.
I have shared before on my pups patella problems. Sure would like to connect with someone who has been through this and has gone forward with surgery. Need someone to give me ideas on the do's and dont's. Anyone open to phone conversation to give some advice? Sure would help
you can messaged me.
