What Is Patellar Luxation In Dogs?

Patellar Luxation for Dogs Could Cause Knee Pain When thinking of keeping your pet healthy, 

chances are you think of diseases to which your pet could be exposed through food poisoning or interactions with other species. But less frequently do people consider the risks posed by orthopedic and congenital diseases that your pet could be genetically predisposed. One such disorder seen among dogs is called patellar luxation; let's review its basics as well as potential signs and treatments options available for it.

What Is Patellar Luxation (PLX)?

Patellar Luxation of Dogs can be described as an orthopedic condition which affects their patella, or kneecap. When healthy, this part rests within its groove on the femur within their knee joint and held tight by its tendon. Patellar luxation and dislocation occurs when the patella displaces itself from its position within its femoral groove as the knee bends, often found among miniature and toy breeds of dogs. It affects roughly 7 percent of puppies born worldwide each year. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers Boston Terriers Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are particularly susceptible to this disease; larger breeds affected include Labrador Retrievers Akitas as well as Great Pyrenees.

Causes and Symptoms

Patellar luxation can occur as the result of injury to the knee joint, leading to sudden weakness of one limb or more. But more often than not its cause remains unknown; non-traumatic patellar luxation cases typically exhibit narrow femoral grooves; in rare instances no groove exists at all; these symptoms are easily detectable which suggests this condition could have arisen congenitally or as part of misalignments within their development mechanism within their knee joint.

Patellar deluxation's symptoms vary depending on its severity. At its infancy and mild stages, you might only notice occasional limping and shaking the leg before using. As soon as weakness in one area becomes noticeable and frequent it eventually becomes permanent; with young puppies suffering bow-legged look which becomes worse over time as they age; in large breed dogs this condition often manifests itself with knocked knees.

Treatment Options

Diagnosing patellar luxation usually requires X-rays of the affected limb. Fluid samples from within the joint could also be taken in order to assess any changes such as increased mononuclear cells. Physical exams will also be necessary in order to accurately diagnose knee movement issues. Unfortunately, no proven medical solution exists to address such an issue - depending on its severity it could require surgery as the only effective treatment option. In 90% of situations, surgery may be required to improve both the knee structure mechanism and kneecap movement to free your dog of future issues and lameness. Surgery corrections for patellar laxation could involve fixing your kneecap onto bone to stop slippage; deepening femoral groove may be required so as to keep patella from falling out of joint.

Patellar luxation in dogs can be an acute medical condition that, left untreated, may lead to discomfort and lameness in their joint. If your pup appears at risk for patellar luxation or shows any symptoms of it, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible; sooner treatment can start the higher your pet's chance of recovering fully.