Grade 3 – The patella is permanently luxated, but can be reduced manually. After manual reduction, the patella immedi- ately luxates again once released. Grade 4 – The patella is permanently luxated and cannot be manually replaced in the groove. Dogs with Grade 3 and 4 may have persistent lameness and
a crouching gait when walking. There may be a crackling or rattling sound with palpation of the knee during flexion. It is quite common, as in Squirt’s case (he was a Grade 2),
for a dog to be fine during normal activity and then suddenly yelp and hold up the leg or become suddenly lame. Skipping and extending the leg backwards (to flex the knee joint) in attempt to return the patella to its normal location is quite commonly seen. HOW IS PATELLA LUXATION DIAGNOSED? Since patella
luxation is a dynamic disease, the patella may not be luxated at all times. Thus, the physical exam and palpation of the knee and patella is the best and most common means of diagnosis. Radiographs (x-rays) can and should be performed to see if the luxation is visible and to rule out other bony or joint disorders. TREATMENT AND THERAPY: This is dependent on the
clinical signs, severity of luxation and other skeletal deformities, and age of the pet. Mild to moderate patella luxations with some pain can be treated conservatively with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), Laser therapy, Targeted Pulse Electromagnetic Therapy, Herbal Therapy, and essential oil treat- ments (with appropriate knowledge). The use of Adequan to prevent cartilage breakdown may be beneficial.
Glucosamine and chondrotin supplements may be used long
term for secondary arthritis. Corrective surgery should be con- sidered for dogs that have lameness that lasts longer than 3 weeks, experience multiple episodes of lameness or that have Grade 3-4 luxations. Squirt’s condition was very frequent and painful and surgery was elected to treat his Grade 2 MPL. There are varied surgical options and that discussion is
beyond the scope of this article. Specific questions regarding surgery and type of procedure should be directed to your primary veterinarian or surgeon. The prognosis for dogs with Grade 1 is good, since many of
them are not clinical and the findings are incidental. Prognosis for dogs with Grade 2 and 3 is also good for return to normal function (especially if surgery is needed). Prognosis is poorer for dogs with Grade 4 or chronic luxations in older, mature dogs. Lastly, it is recommended that dogs with patella luxations not be used for breeding due to the congenital and hereditary nature.U
Y
Dr. Timothy Hodge is the owner/practitioner of Harbourside Animal Hospital in the Channelside District of Tampa,
813.229.3322, and Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in North Tampa, 813.994.6929. Dr. Hodge has a special interest in internal med- icine, dermatology and holistic care. He has completed his training at the Chi Institute and provides acupuncture and herbal therapies in addition to traditional medical care.
ESSENTIAL OILS are both ex citing and promising when it comes t o taking care of your dog’s health. Our certified pure therapeutic grade oils are won- derful natural solutions for tr eating dogs suffering from anxiety, str ess, allergies, car sickness, colds and respiratory issues, upset st omach, or al health, arthritis and seizures.
, st , We balance traditional W ditional W Weste rn medical care and surgery with Eastern approaches .
more about what these wonderful you are inter ested in learning
If HElp heAl youR DOg witH ESseNtiAl oilS. gifts off e
please contact Dr. Timothy D . Hodge nature can do for your pets,
e
via email at
EOdvm@icloud.com Dr. Hodge with two
happ py clie li nts. g
Harbourside Animal Hospital
1112 Channelside Drive, Suite #4, Tampa 813.229.3322 |
HarbourSideVet.com
Cros s Creek Animal Medical Centre 10323 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite H, Tampa 813.994.6929 |
CrossCreekVet.com
www.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 73
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