Patella prolapse in dogs treatment. Treatment of a luxated patella in a dog (medial luxations)
Quite often, dog owners encounter joint problems in their pets. Among such ailments, dislocation has extremely unpleasant consequences. kneecap, scientifically called patella. The disease causes serious problems in the functioning of the pet’s musculoskeletal system, up to the inability to move in case of severe disease.
Treatment of the disease late stages is associated with great inconvenience for the dog, so preventing the disease and timely contacting a veterinarian in the event of the first symptoms will avoid many problems. Dogs are especially susceptible to this disease. ornamental breeds– Yorkies, Spitz, poodles, miniature terriers, Chihuahuas. In bitches, patella luxation is more common, and the risk of the disease increases during estrus, when due to hormonal changes joints become softer.
Kinds
The patella is located in the area of the femur, on the hind legs of the dog. Ideally, the patella should serve as a cushion between the tendon and the femoral trochlear groove in order to prevent direct contact of the tendon and bone. As a result negative impact factors such as hereditary predisposition, injuries, age-related changes the patella becomes displaced, causing the joint to be unable to perform its tasks. There are two types of patella dislocation - medial and lateral. The first form is characterized by the fact that the joint moves to the side inner surface paw Dogs are more likely to suffer from this disorder. small breeds. With the second type of bone dislocation hind legs turn outward. The likelihood of such a development is higher in large dogs.
Stages
IN veterinary practice It is customary to divide patella dislocation into four stages depending on the severity of the disease. If a dog has the first degree, then the kneecap flies out of its groove at a time when the animal is resting and does not put any weight on the sore paw. Therefore, during the first movements after getting up, the dog limps on one of the hind limbs, leaning on three paws. After some time, the joint returns to its normal position, and the dog moves as if everything is fine with it. In the second stage of patella most time is in the wrong position, hip bone rotates a maximum of 30 degrees, a medial shift of the patella occurs, the femoral joint moves in an external direction. This dysfunction of the hind limb leads to the fact that the dog does not step on the unhealthy paw, and if the cup can be straightened, a characteristic click is heard caused by the friction of the patella on the knee joint, which in the future can lead to the final wear of the bones.
The third stage is characterized by permanent displacement of the dog's kneecap. At the same time, the hip bone rotates 30–50 degrees, the hock joint leaves the vertical trajectory and begins to be located to the right or left relative to the knee joint. The groove that accommodates the kneecap narrows, acquiring a flat shape. The dog limps, avoiding support on the problematic paw. In the case of fourth degree dislocation of the patella, the hip bone is rotated in inner side and deviates 50 - 90 degrees from the normal vertical position, the patella is located from the inside of the knee joint, the groove of the patella is covered bone tissue, losing its functions. At this stage of dislocation, the dog can no longer lean on the affected limb.
Diagnostics
The dog owner can detect the first signs of patella dislocation by paying attention to the asymmetrical position of the hind legs, often with the pet jumping on three limbs for the first time after assuming a vertical position, and after a few steps realigning the protruding joint. If you feel the knee at this moment, you will notice its swelling and the release of the kneecap from the groove. Staging more accurate diagnosis will require macroscopic and microscopic analyzes of the knee and hip joints, as well as x-ray examination in the lateral and straight surfaces.
Treatment
Treatment of patella dislocation in dogs can be carried out using both conservative and surgical methods. If the disease is at the first or second stage, it is recommended to limit general therapy. The greatest effectiveness in this situation should be demonstrated by anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective drugs that help prevent further wear and tear of the knee joint. It is worth noting, however, that the data contained medicines pain-relieving components can create a misleading picture of the dog’s recovery, which will temporarily stop limping. However, the patella will continue to deteriorate during this time, so after using these drugs, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary. A diet that reduces the consumption of carbohydrates that cause inflammatory processes in dogs and promote weight gain.
The third and fourth stages of patella luxation in dogs will require surgical intervention. There are two types of operations to correct the knee joint – trochleoplasty and trochlear chondroplasty. In the first case, the groove into which the patella fits is deepened. During the operation, the area is scraped off spongy bone, and then the fibrocartilage is restored and fills femur. With trochlear chondroplasty, the cartilage tissue, expand the subchondral portion of the bone and then transplant cartilaginous tissue into the resulting groove. This operation is usually performed on young animals no older than 6 months. However, surgery should be considered as a last resort, since postoperative period It is very difficult for the dog - he is forced to spend several weeks, or even months, in a cage, avoiding physical activity that could provoke a relapse of the disease.
Prevention
Prevention of patella luxation includes several areas. Firstly, it is necessary to regularly test the dog’s joints, secondly, to control the pet’s weight, since obesity increases the load on the knees, and thirdly, frequent and long walks will allow the dog to form a muscle corset that strengthens the stable position of the kneecap. At the same time, try to control the dog, as an unsuccessful movement may well lead to a dislocation of the patella. Finally, fourthly, it is necessary to limit the participation in breeding of dogs in which a similar anomaly has been noticed.
Dogs may occasionally have joint problems. Among these types of diseases, luxation of the kneecap, which is called patella, stands out unpleasantly. The disease provokes significant problems in the activity of the animal’s musculoskeletal system, sometimes reaching complete absence ability to move during severe disease.
Veterinary medicine divides patella dislocation into four degrees, based on the complexity of the disease. When a dog is diagnosed with the first degree, the kneecap comes out of its own groove during the animal's rest period, without putting stress on the sore paw. So the dog makes its first movements after waking up, limping on one of its hind legs, resting on three limbs. After a short period of time the joint takes its usual position, and the dog walks as if everything is fine with him. In the second degree, most of the time the patella is in the wrong position, the hip bone turns into best case scenario by 30 degrees, there is a medial shift of the knee cup, the femoral joint moves off its axis outside. Such a disruption in the functioning of the hind paw causes the dog to not stand on the affected paw, and when the cup can be adjusted, a specific click is observed, which causes friction of the patella on the knee joint, which in the future can cause the final wear of the bone.
The third stage is characterized by regular displacement of the cup. In this case, the hip bone is turned out only 30 - 50 degrees, the hock joint leaves the vertical trajectory and is located to the right or left in relation to the knee joint. The groove containing the kneecap narrows slightly, becoming flat. The dog begins to limp, avoiding resting on the sore paw. In the fourth stage of luxation of the patella, the entire hip bone becomes rotated inland direction and moves 50-90 degrees from the usual vertical state, the patella is placed from the inside of the joint, the groove of the cup is covered with bone tissue, losing its own functions. At this degree of dislocation, the dog cannot lean on the affected paw at all.
Diagnosis of the disease
The dog owner is able to recognize the first signs of patella dislocation by looking at the asymmetrical state of the hind legs, often in this case the pet immediately after becoming vertical position jumps only on three legs, after a few steps restoring the deformed joint. By feeling the knee at this time, you can feel its swelling and the release of the knee cup from its groove. Establishing a more detailed diagnosis requires macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the affected joints, as well as x-ray examination of the direct and lateral surfaces.
Patella treatment
Patella dislocation in dogs can be treated with conservative and operational methods. When the disease is in the first or second degree, you can limit yourself only to general therapy. The most effective in this situation may be anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective agents, which help prevent future wear and tear of the knee joint. At the same time, it should be noted that those who are in these medicines pain-relieving ingredients can show a false picture of the recovery of an animal that does not limp for a certain period of time. At the same time, the patella will continue to wear out all this time, so after using such products you should definitely consult a veterinarian. Some hope for relief can be brought by a diet that reduces the feeding of carbohydrates, which provoke inflammatory processes in the pet.
Stages three and four of patella in dogs require surgical intervention. There are two options for operations to restore the knee joint - trochleoplasty and trochlear chondroplasty. However, surgical intervention must be considered as last resort, since post-operative life is very difficult for a dog to endure - it needs several weeks, or even months, to remain in a cage all the time, avoiding any physical activity that could affect the recurrence of the disease.
The beautiful, euphonious name patella in dogs implies a not at all rosy situation - a dislocated kneecap. In other words, the displacement of the kneecap relative to its normal location. Patella's condition is not very pleasant, but in the case proper treatment not dangerous at all. The kneecap is called patella in Latin, which is why the disease has the same name.
Why does it occur?
There are quite a few reasons for the appearance of patella. The most common is injury. The dog landed unsuccessfully after a jump, became very angry, and was hit during a fight. It is quite easy to dislodge the kneecap, which is why luxation is a common problem.
Genetics. Many dog breeds, especially small ones, are predisposed to this disease. That is, the puppy itself was not injured anywhere, but there is a dislocation. The task of breeders, knowing this feature of the manufacturer, is to prevent bitches from reproducing. Which breeds are most susceptible to patella? Small terriers, such as Yorkies, Jack Russells, small decorative ones, dachshunds, lapdogs, spitz dogs, poodles.
In the normal position, the patella is securely fixed above the knee joint. Ligamentous apparatus well developed, bones have proper roughness, calyx holds well. In older dogs, bones become thinner, ligaments weaken, and the risk of dislocation increases. Exactly the same situation is observed in the breeds described above. Simply due to breed characteristics, this part of the body does not have the necessary building material for high-quality joint function.
Manifestation of patella
Experts distinguish several stages in the course of the disease. The first stage practically does not manifest itself. The kneecap periodically moves beyond the knee joint and returns to its original position. Outwardly manifested by sudden lameness. In puppies problem breeds a similar symptom becomes visible almost immediately after the puppies learn to walk. A caring owner should immediately pay attention to such signs of disease. Early action helps eliminate the disease, the dog will again run on four legs.
The second stage of patella involves almost permanent lameness of the dog. Owner or veterinarian maybe on a short time return the joint to its original position. The next stage is characterized by a permanently displaced position of the kneecap. The dog raises its paw and limps whenever it moves.
Then comes the turn of the fourth stage - failure of motor activity. The dog cannot use its paw. If this happens on two legs at once, then the animal may remain motionless and refuse to walk.
Small dogs on early stages Patellas usually simply elevate the affected limb. Then the owner may notice a strange, funny movement of the pet - as if the dog is in a hurry and does not have time to use all its paws. However, this condition should be alarming. You can check for joint pain at home - gently bend and straighten the problematic leg. Dogs usually react with a slight yelp.
Large breeds of dogs with patella will have a very severe limp. Sometimes a cowboy gait is observed - the joint turns outward when the kneecap is displaced. By the way, in this regard, veterinarians distinguish two types of dislocation: bilateral, unilateral. The first is manifested by the possibility of displacement of the knee joint with the same frequency to the right and left (outside/inside) relative to its normal location. The second usually looks like a shift in one specific direction.
Some dogs with patella refuse to perform physical exercise- jumping, running. Therefore, the owner, in case of such reluctance of the dog, should think again, perhaps the matter is much more serious than banal disobedience.
Further actions
Some veterinary experts recommend that if patella is detected in a dog, strengthen motor activity dogs, take longer and more frequent walks. Building up muscle mass, constant load on the joint can work wonders without surgical intervention. The joint will gain the necessary elasticity, the ligaments will better support the kneecap.
Of course, before determining how to treat your dog, you should consult with a specialist. Sometimes only an x-ray shows the true damage to the joint. The dog can for a long time hide your condition, and periodic lameness can be caused by completely different reasons.
If the disease is detected and a diagnosis is established, the doctor prescribes medications that promote the production of collagen and the formation of cartilage tissue. Drugs are often prescribed to help people in such situations. You should also take control of your diet.
Surgical intervention can be used if there is clear confidence that the operation will save the situation. It’s worth thinking carefully about whether the game is worth the candle, especially if the dog is small. A luxating kneecap is relatively painless. If you adhere to a number of rules for keeping a dog suffering from patella, you can almost completely eliminate painful manifestations.
Content Rules
The dog should be provided with adequate nutrition physical exercise. Limit movement around the apartment - do not allow jumping, active games. Carefully lift and lower the dog, avoid hitting (even playfully) the injured paw. Monitor the dynamics of deterioration/improvement of the condition. Periodically administer a course of maintenance medications to improve the condition of the joint.
Complications of patella
Lameness is considered a permanent complication, often lifelong. There may also be an inability to fully flex the joint. Older dogs begin to experience pain due to complete abrasion of the articular surfaces, and they stop even stepping on the damaged paw. There may be gradual destruction of the joint and nearby bones.
Patella surgery
Surgical intervention in the treatment of patella shows good results and ensures restoration of the dog's mobility.
What options surgical intervention Can the doctor suggest a way to eliminate a luxated kneecap? Two methods are usually used: strengthening the joint capsule and bone grafting. The joint capsule is sutured in a special way so that the cup no longer moves. Or they carry out a local change in the structure of the bone - they deepen the natural knee socket. Sometimes the cup is secured with metal rods. A temporary cast and tight bandage are applied. The period of forced rest of the paw is prescribed according to the degree of damage to the knee joint.
- this is the view orthopedic pathology knee joint in dogs, caused by incorrect position places of attachment of the patellar ligaments, which, in turn, provokes lameness of the animal. Also, this pathology can be caused by deformation (curvature) of the femur or tibia. Lameness may be periodic, i.e. the animal limps for some time, then the lameness stops and returns again, while pain may not be observed. Unfortunately, patellar luxation is one of those problems that requires surgical treatment to prevent further lameness of the animal.
This pathology most often found in these dwarf breeds dogs like:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Toy Terriers
- Chihuahua
- Spitz
- Toy poodles, etc.
It can also be observed in dogs of large and giant breeds, as well as beagles, miniature schnauzers, and cocker spaniels.
Patella luxation in dogs is mostly a congenital problem, that is, a dog can run without lameness at all, but at the same time have unilateral or bilateral luxation of the patella.
Specialists
Today in Russia there are several doctors who have passed the exam in Europe and can officially test for patellar luxation (patellar luxation, patellar luxation, patella luxation) in dogs.
In our clinic chief physician conducts these tests both at the clinics of the MEDVET Exhibition Center and throughout Russia - at exhibitions, in nurseries, etc.
Testing one dog for the presence of patella takes about 3-10 minutes and is usually carried out without sedation. Next, it is issued, where data about the animal and the degree of dislocation, if any, are recorded. This diagnostic necessary for further breeding work.
In other breeds of dogs and, in particular, cats, patellar dislocations can most often result from trauma.
Classification of patella dislocations
There is a classification of patella dislocations, which defines four degrees:
I - degree. The patella is initially in the intercondylar groove. After manual dislocation, the kneecap returns to its position.
II - degree. The patella is initially in the intercondylar groove. The arm dislocates when bent and sometimes returns to its correct position.
III - degree. The patella is initially outside the intercondylar groove. Flexion and extension leads to dislocation.
IV - degree. The patella is initially outside the intercondylar groove. The kneecap is constantly in a dislocated position and cannot be adjusted.
All degrees are characterized by lameness of the animal. Therefore, if you notice signs of patella dislocation in your dog, you should not postpone your visit to the clinic to be examined by a surgeon.
Treatment
This type is not considered an emergency surgical pathologies, however, you should not delay surgery, since the longer the animal limps, the worse the prognosis for recovery after surgery.
Patella Luxation(Patella Luxation) is medical term, which indicates a failure in musculoskeletal system dogs and affects the hind limbs of animals. This functional failure can occur in those dogs whose ligaments, tendons and/or muscles of the upper and lower parts hind limbs are weak. This happens in those dogs too, groove articular surface which are too thin at the knee joint, i.e. in the natural location of the kneecap, or if it is too flat. When driving kneecap slides towards the body and then inwards, then, as a rule, “gets stuck” so that the dog can no longer bend the leg. This disease is typical for small breeds of dogs, although it is recorded in almost all other breeds. This disease is hereditary, although there are cases of patella dislocation as a result of injury to the knee joint.
The severity of the dislocation is expressed by numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in accordance with the degree of the disease.
Assessment of the severity of patellar dislocation according to Putman (1968)
Grade 1: intermittent dislocation. It is possible to perform forced manual displacement of the kneecap with full extension of the knee joint, followed by its spontaneous reposition.
Grade 2: Frequent dislocation of the kneecap during joint flexion or manual manipulation, while spontaneous reduction not happening.
Grade 3: persistent dislocation in which manual reduction is possible, but then spontaneous redislocation occurs.
Grade 4: persistent dislocation in which manual reduction is not possible.
Signs of the disease in animals with to varying degrees the severity is different. Thus, with a mild degree of development of the disease in dogs, lameness is observed, followed by a normal gait. A “bouncing” gait is also characteristic.
In severe cases of the disease, the affected limb can be bent at the knee joint and brought under the stomach. Some dogs with Patella Luxation encourage both hind legs to move in sync when moving; they jump like rabbits. This unusual movement is explained by the fact that one of the kneecaps slips and locks itself so that the corresponding hind leg cannot bend or bear weight (support the weight of the dog).
Painless and necessary
Testing for detection of patella luxation is carried out in animals when they are physiologically mature and the dog’s skeleton is formed. For small dogs it is 6-8 month old, and the representatives large breeds testing is carried out at 12-14 months. As a rule, dogs over 12 months of age are tested before being used for breeding. Preliminary assessment is also possible knee joints at 6-8 weeks of age before handing over the puppy to the new owner.
This test is completely painless for the dog and does not require anesthesia. The veterinarian performs the check manually, feeling the knee joint and the position of the kneecap in it. The doctor also evaluates the animal's gait. If a severe degree of patella luxation is detected, it is also necessary X-ray examination and perhaps even surgery.
Prevention comes first
For those dogs who don't have birth defects knee joints, during heavy physical activity, games with very large four-legged friend or a bad fall, there should be no problems with a dislocated kneecap. A different situation arises for those animals in which, from birth, the patella, due to the congenital depth of the intertrochlear groove, is not where it should be in a normal position. This condition of the knee joint contributes to the occurrence of injuries in the dog in certain situations listed above. Therefore, those owners whose dogs are at risk should be especially careful with their pets. Unfortunately, we cannot influence what the dog has already inherited, but we can create for our pets the maximum favorable conditions life, so as not to provoke injury. As veterinarians advise, owners of dogs with mild degree the disease can be avoided unpleasant consequences for your pets as follows:
1) controlling the weight of your dog, because, as you know, if you are overweight, it is easier to get injured by making an awkward movement;
2) avoiding heavy physical activity, again to prevent injuries.
If the dog has a severe degree of the disease, surgery may be required. During the operation, an artificial intertrochlear groove is created for dogs, that is, the void is filled due to which the kneecap is out of place. However, even after surgery, no surgeon can guarantee that the dog will stop limping. Often, after surgery, dogs’ ability to withstand physical activity is significantly reduced, not to mention the period itself. postoperative recovery rated as very heavy. For dogs, this recovery period means weeks, sometimes even months, spent in a crate. Therefore, checking for patella luxation is very important and simple. necessary event for prevention of this disease. By checking dogs, we can not only avoid unpleasant consequences, but also help improve the health of future livestock.
Today, more and more breeders are performing stifle examinations on their dogs. This hereditary disease It is necessary to monitor both breeders and dog owners in order to start treatment on time, and also to be able to avoid it altogether by eliminating sick animals from breeding work.
