A luxating patella is a painful condition that interferes with your dog’s ability to walk normally. Eventually, this condition causes the knee joint to become loose and can be displaced. Once this occurs, your dog will experience significant pain when walking and may fall. At Wisconsin Veterinary Orthopedics in Holmen, WI, we offer treatment options for luxating patella, including dog knee surgery.
Grades of Patella Luxation
The grade of patella luxation has the largest impact on how it’s treated.
When a dog has Grade 1, the patella will move under manual pressure, but go back into place when the pressure is removed. This is usually found during a routine vet exam and doesn’t typically cause symptoms.
Grade 2 means that the kneecap slips out of place with manual pressure and needs to be put back into place manually. This often causes lameness and pain when the patella slips out of place during normal activities.
Grade 3 means that the patella is often dislocated. It can be put back into place with manual adjustment, but it will quickly begin to luxate again. Lameness is more common and frequent with this grade, and the dog will often experience pain with movement.
Grade 4 is the most severe. The kneecap cannot be shifted back into place manually, and is continually in luxation.
Tibial Tuberosity Transposition
Nonsurgical treatments are often the first line of treatment for a luxating patella. These include anti-inflammatory and pain medications, weight loss for overweight dogs, and exercise restriction. Physical therapy can be helpful as well, because it helps your dog to build muscle strength. If your dog has been put on exercise restriction, therapy can help them ease into being active. Dogs with Grade 1 or 2 can often be treated with these noninvasive options.
Tibial Tuberosity Transposition is typically recommended for Grade 3 and 4. If a dog is experiencing significant pain or loss of cartilage, dog knee surgery may be recommended at Grade 2.
Tibial Tuberosity Transposition is the technical name for the orthopedic surgery needed to correct a luxating patella. The surgery is performed at an animal hospital by a certified veterinary surgeon. The surgery uses metal rods and a bone fragment to secure the knee tendons and ligaments in place. It’s often recommended for more severe forms of patella luxation. The age of the dog, the severity of knee displacement, and the dog’s pain will all be taken to account when considering surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs at Wisconsin Veterinary Orthopedics
Orthopedic surgery for dogs offers treatment for severe luxating patella. Knee reconstruction can repair the damage, so your dog can be active and pain-free. At Wisconsin Veterinary Orthopedics we specialize in veterinary orthopedic conditions, and can provide your four-legged family member with the best care for his condition.