Patellar luxation can be a painful condition for your dog, but there are ways to treat it.
Dogs can fall victim to a number of serious orthopedic issues, one of them being patellar luxation. This can be a very painful condition for dogs and should be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. The best thing to do if your dog is in pain is to bring them to your veterinarian for a health check and official diagnosis.
What is it?
Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap. What causes patellar luxation is not fully known outside of cases where it is directly related to a traumatic injury. It is otherwise believed to be genetic and several small breed dogs tend to be predisposed to this condition, but cases involving large breed dogs are on the rise. Patellar luxation can cause lameness, pain, and swelling in dogs that experience it.
How is it diagnosed?
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from patellar luxation, it is important to see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A physical exam will be performed initially, but further testing may be needed such as x-rays, or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. This will help your veterinarian, and a board-certified surgeon, determine what the best course of treatment will be for your dog.
How is it treated?
The severity of your dog’s condition will be the deciding factor on whether or not they need surgical intervention. If the kneecap corrects itself and does not cause symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Surgery is recommended for kneecaps that cannot correct themselves, and are causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and lameness. There are several different methods for surgical intervention, each correcting a different core issue that could be causing the luxation. Through the diagnostics, your board-certified veterinary surgeon will be able to understand your dog’s specific problem and recommend the surgery needed to correct it.
Outcome
Post-surgery results of patellar luxation correction are incredibly favorable, with more than 90% of owners satisfied by the outcome. Your dog is highly likely to improve, and recurrence of patellar luxation is uncommon.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.