Dr. Becker Discusses Patellar Luxation

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, talks about patellar luxation, also called luxating patella and floating kneecap. To know more, visit HealthyPets.Mercola.com.
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[@mattychambers9811]

This should be the standard for explanation videos, well orchestrated, incredibly detailed and wholly explained.

[@07edmo]

Here I was with my 4 year old chihuahua and her sudden rear leg limping and found your video. Thanks very much for all the great information!

[@fredism1515]

Great job on this video. Unusual, in that it was quick, full of information, and concise. Thanks for posting this.

[@benbethel5349]

Such an amazing video, thanks so much!

[@gregoryfortner6038]

Thanks for the awesome information Dr. Becker.

[@aprilparker7753]

Thank you so much for this explanation!

[@jarodwhittington52]

This video is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@gorsneg]

Great help, thank you!

[@jgio832]

This perfect explanation of the issue and the good tips on the top of the good info, make this video just essential for all the dog owners. Knowledge is not easy to get, finally I know what I need. Thanks for that! Subscribed!!

[@BulliesofNC]

Excellent definition and detailed explanation of Patellar Luxation.

[@myema5694]

Excellent video. Very thorough overview. Thanks.

[@natashaj9169]

Omg this video was so good thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!!!!

[@lynnejulius3082]

This was so informative and easy to understand. My dog and I thank you!

[@stevenlavimoniere]

she is great .thank you

[@lexdee523]

I haven't noticed my dog skipping on her hind legs and I do watch her closely. But what is noticed is her sometimes falling up the stairs or taking her time going up. Outside of that, she appears normal when she walks or run. Took her to the vet and had X-rays done and was told she has this Luxiation patella and he immediately recommended surgery. Didn't explain any other options like what I'm hearing on this video. I'm thinking it's a money thing with him. I'm not going to subject my baby to surgery just so he can bag some money as I'm feeling like he's doing off many dogs. My Yorkie is only 4 yrs old so I have time to work with her while she's in the early stage of her knee issues before I would consider any form of surgery. Glad I came across this video, it definitely gives me hope.

[@mattyg337ify]

Awesome explanation and breakdown

[@henrybroger]

OMG! Amazing info. Thank you!!

[@jasminer8455]

Thank you sooo much for this info

[@amielchen9205]

Thank you so much for this!!!!!!!

[@Nanzanita]

Really helpful explanation. Thanks!

[@rich24life]

Thank you Dr. Becker my fur buddy on way to Vets!!!!!

[@junkintwin]

Thank you!!

[@solytasi5777]

Great video very informative !!!

[@joec1895]

So glad i found this channel. Thank you for the great explanation!

[@salarymanintokyo5784]

Amazing video, very informative

[@musicalmedicinearrayartist764]

Thank you! We have adopted two little Chihuahua girls. A mother/daughter. The mom is at 2 and the daughter is at 4. The mom is 5 yrs old and daughter is 2 1/2 yrs old. This was so informative! I look forward to seeing how we can help improve their condition. We have a pool! And I can imagine that water therapy will be wonderful for them. Already have their life vests in my Amazon cart! A lot more research on my part to determine the best methods forward. Again, wonderful video!

[@dr.bhaijaan3019]

great explaination

[@CarriePetersonnet]

Great video!

[@marshajones8685]

Thank you

[@meganjohnson6601]

Such great information. I brought my dog to an orthopedic specialist 2yrs ago and wasn't given HALF of this information. Now, it's worse. Probably a grade 4 if I had to guess and we're going back for a re-evaluation, as well as a 2nd opinion elsewhere this time. I sure wish I'd found this video sooner and/or that the first specialist would have told me this so I could have given her supplements as well as strength building exercises in the interim. Thank you for this information!

[@vanessalambert7432]

My staff x American bulldog is being tested for this next week this video has helped massively!!!! Xx

[@Jenny-bo4bb]

Ty you are amazing

[@myema5694]

I wish you were my dogs vet! Excellent video. Informative and thorough. Thanks.

[@dbhawth5]

Thx I'm happy to know that😁

[@tamarapetrie9494]

So helpful. Thank-you. My chihuahua is very small and she lifts her back right leg regularly on walks. I am taking her to the vet to assess the leg. I don’t want her to go through surgery unless it is necessary so am trying to find alternative treatments. But obviously if she is a stage 3 or 4 I will consider surgery. She is only 1 year old so this is very stressful.

[@shamachoklingo5208]

Thank U so much for your advise. We started underwater treadmill and with 5 sessions my 2 year old isn't skipping anymore. We do a 20 minute motion control walk at least 6 times a week. We also build him a ramp which we do about 10 minutes a day. We were also given notes on how to massage his back legs but he doesn't like that. We were taught exercises to strengthen his core muscles as well. This is all so 👍 great.

[@anthonywild8412]

SUPERB!

[@carlm4628]

I took my dog to the vet he said it's grade 3 he never said anything what she said. He want 's to operate but I'm gonna try all her things first. The operation is £1000 and my dogs not insured. So I'm definitely trying everything she just said thank you DR

[@sabrinakindle8920]

This is by far he most helpful explanation! Lots of great info, thank you. Question: Are there any braces that would help keep the patella of a dog in place while still allowing the dog to be active and build muscle to stabilize the patella? More of a early stage fix and prevention of the condition from getting worse.

[@25cooperst]

Google a company called Kruuse. I’m in Western Australia. Not sure where you are...

[@dr.bhaijaan3019]

I am from India

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

This is my exact question…. I’m panicking… I don’t want my dog in pain… idk what to do!!!

[@Lucky-wt6fg]

My dog also enjoyed body massage……really relaxing and he enjoyed the therapy a lot. I would say no carbs is best.

[@isabelsalas7124]

Great information and suggestions!! I have seen videos where yes, the orthopedic specialists just recommends surgery and non of the above as you mentioned. Which tells me, there just looking to make money and not really inform you of preventive and alternative options. ☹️

[@user-me3cr9bb4d]

Thank you thank you thank you! I've had so many visits, x rays. And No answer!

[@MarMar2020Z]

@ @UC05rmPFOxaUfWAWgJ0P-d-w , thanks for your wondeful vids. I'm so happy to find you on youtube. my chi has never shown any signs of this condition. i took him to vet a few days ago and after very specific examination she said my chi possibly have had Medial Patellar Luxation since he was born. Does it make him stage 4 ? should i worry or should i wait to see signs ??? Chiquito runs without hopping, no sign of lameness and no sign of pain so far. He is 4.5 years old and his weight is great, he is not de-sexed :D i feed him only homemade food and raw lamb ribs bone (after trimming the fat) he LOVEs lamb rib. I 'm going to watch your vids and learn more and more. God Bless you Dr. Becker, you are a breath of fresh air. We appreciate your hardwork

[@ChristineBeeeeee]

Very informative. What about splints/braces for support?

[@orkunyoutube]

my daughter sophie (9 m.o toy poodle) is super grateful for your great video.. but she keeps asking about which exercises are great for her grade 1-2 floating kneecap?? on utube, there are some videos about it but they look sooo light for building a really storng muscle.. (the ones which the dogs stay on a unstable disc for 10-30 seconds).. they are for avoiding surgery but they look like post-op exercises.. (they look like physyothearpy than building muscle).. long story shot.. we are soo happy to find your great video, but we wiil be soooooooooo happy if u make a video about exercises.. high five !

[@boblahmeyer6738]

Great video. We have a 50lb English shepherd with the Level II luxation. She is 1 1/2 years old and first appearence of problem about a month ago. Been giving her doggy Profen. Condition is improving from several limping epesodes a day to some days none detected. Can you recomend a joint suppliment. We would like to monitor this a bit longer. Local vet wants to do surgery. We will likely pospone this if she continues to improve.

[@deekayvixen]

My tiny Maltese was diagnosed with grade 3-4 luxating patella when she was a pup. The vet said it was in both knees, but I have only noticed it in the right. She doesn't have the typical skipping on walks you mentioned, but gets rare attacks where I need to help (the veterinarian taught me how to do it properly). I make sure she stays active, but this winter has been so severe that we haven't been able to do much walking. She's had several attacks in the last 3 months and they are terrifying. She suddenly starts to scurry towards me and falling on her way over, panting and really stiff, with the knee completely pressed into her belly. I have to relax her first, then try to pop the patella back :-( I don't know if it's age (she's 7) or the temporary decrease in exercise. Thank you for this video, I will talk to her veterinarian about the options you mentioned.

[@hopiechi1]

Dorota K do you give her any pain meds or anti inflammation meds? Would that help?

[@deekayvixen]

gloria m Since commenting on the video, I learned that the patellas are not the issue after I brought it up with the vet. I got it all wrong and misinterpreted what was happening. She has seizures 🙁

[@Eddie_the_Husky]

@@deekayvixen my dog had both the patella issues and seizures. The patella was genetic (and cost a couple grand to fix) and the seizures were - I think - from flea medicine. I've never given it to any of my dogs since because of this. It's a known cause yet they promote the drops like frontline as safe. 😐

[@bosslady1914]

@@Eddie_the_Husky Oh gosh, do you know what kind of flea medicine? topical or internal? Yikes.. I mean if it's bad for pests it might be bad for small little toy breed dogs too

[@annaswanson5903]

I took my dog right away. He’s 5 and the vet gave me very little advice, basically just said to go to a vet that specializes in surgery and get double knee surgery when it’s a level one with no arthritis or bone deterioration

[@vanity68]

Thank you so much dr!!! Orthodog has a cruciate care brace. Can you tell me if it would be good for preventing further damage while exercising? My 70 pound boxer has this but no xrays were done cause he’s epileptic and they would need to sedate him.

[@sahhull]

Ive got a 2 year old Jack Russel. She has always skipped on a walk with her right leg. The vet said dont worry about it. She has just hurt her left leg now hence why Im here. A good leg massage gets her back on her feel again but whenever she chases a ball. It happens again. (Ball chase is everything, she would happily chase the ball 8 hours per day) I feel a visit to the vet will be happening v. soon.

[@NPC.6]

I had a small breed dog that had a hitch in her gait and would sometimes skip a beat or 2 in one rear leg while gaiting. She passed her OFA patella exam with flying colors. Ive always wondered what could cause this, when the patellas are normal.

[@EC2019]

Growing pains (panosteitis), stepping on sharp things on the ground, overgrown or over-trimmed nails causing pain, interdigital cysts, hip problems, unbalanced growth pattern leaving her gait off kilter until her front and rear ends balanced out in structure, just a few things off the top of my head that could cause it. Puppies can also have a soft patella during the growth phases and it can firm up with maturity. That's why exams like OFA aren't final until after a certain age. Beware also that bitches' joints can loosen up slightly during their seasons and pregnancies, and will firm up again in the off-seasons, which is why most breeders recommend doing OFA type exams when the bitch is not in season or anywhere near it. And some dogs can tense up their hind leg when stressed during a patella exam, potentially giving a better result than you would have got when the dog was at rest. These are all possible complicating factors, as well as varying opinions from different vets.

[@Jamie-mm8cj]

Will a knee brace help it heal ? My dog is on stage 2

[@celaena7876]

Do you have a recommendation for the GAGS? Where can I buy them?

[@kianaarabpour]

The ONLY vet I trust.

[@hadynajem9090]

Hello Dr my dog american akita was running and he shouts and lrft his leg up for 1 day and then lift his leg a little bit when he stands and i started to walk him after the wlk he loft his leg now the dr said you must do surgery or the knee will destroy is it correct does it shown on x rays bedore surgery?

[@chrisw3904]

What's the 1 hour of quadriceps training involve? Is a daily walk enough, or does it require intense sprinting?

[@BellaLee-nt5de]

How can we feed human glucosamine msm to dog? What’s the correct dosage for a Pomeranian?

[@evelyngoodshot-segovia4978]

So what can do to help my Chihuahua?

[@oscarewardo90]

Can an 8 old months chihuahua with grade 4 go through surgery? We are still waiting for an appointment with the specialist in 10 days, but our vet mentioned after looking at the x rays that we may need to wait it out as there are some bones sorrounding the knee that are not fully developed. Wondering if this still applies for a grade 4 PL.

[@fbs1917]

After the first limp would they drag both back legs and the next day everyday all is okay. How is this diagnosis should they have an XRay with anesthesia?

[@motmot2694]

Where’s the animation?

[@HappyLife-vh2ey]

My blind , diabetic sog , fell off the recliner and vet has she has this . She put her on carafen twice a day . vet did not mention ice or heat . What is best.

[@pegbutwin7189]

My 3yo lab was just diagnosed with this…

[@ABARONad]

HI Dr. Becker. Beautiful video. Wow. So detailed. Thank you. Dr. our 6 month old just started (2 weeks). I chatted to our VET this morning after buy her Royal Canin Yourkshie Terrier food, and after watching your video aswell as many others I've diagnosed her as Medial (insode) Luxating Patella Grade 2 (could move to 3). My question is, should she go for surgery now or should we be waiting till she's 12 months old at least?

[@hannahlang9412]

Hi, my yorkie is in surgery right now for this. He is 2 years old with grade 3. I have heard doing it sooner than later is better. Obviously consult your vet and get multiple opinions. I am glad I am doing now because younger dogs can heal faster!

[@sjoseph1513]

@@hannahlang9412 what if the dog was 10 years old? I’ve heard vets said it’s not worth it bc there already old. But I dnt agree

[@hannahlang9412]

@@sjoseph1513 I would probably consider doing it anyway because I love my dog but also I wouldn’t want them to suffer so I’m unsure

[@bonnieweiss-mcdonald4558]

My 1 1/2 year old toy poodle sustained a spiral fracture of her left hind tibia at 9 weeks. At 3 1/2 months the orthopedic surgeon wanted to do an amputation. I wanted to wait....She is very tiny and weighs about 8 lbs. Lately she has become less active. She used to fetch and zoom around like crazy. She stretches frequently and is showing signs of pain. During the night she kicks a lot. I hate the idea of amputation but the surgeon said months ago the surgery probably wouldn't work. The original ortho said the fracture didn't need surgery just casts for weeks with a weekly change. She takes galiprant and gabapentin not daily. She is on freeze dried raw food with fish oil. She also throws up bile more frequently and has since I rescued her at 8 weeks. I really worry about her and have approximately $9000 into her. The surgeon said if she were his he'd take the leg....I don't want her to suffer and hear that amputation is a nightmare. What should I do? 🥺

[@antoniacain873]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Get a second opinion. I hope you find a solution that doesn’t involve amputation.

[@rebellucy5610]

I have had 3 x small Poodles that have had this issue. Got the surgery on one of them and it fixed it perfectly. The 2nd dog stayed very slim throughout her life and it never became a problem. The 3rd one is overweight and that made this situation worse. The best option is to keep your dog at a healthy weight. If that does not work the surgery can correct this. It is expensive and stressful for the dog.

[@snowyumi]

hi! i’m thinking of doing surgery for my toy poodle. Do you have any tips on how to prevent your dog from moving too much while recovering?

[@rebellucy5610]

@@snowyumi They place a cast over the leg after the surgery that prevents the dog from doing anything to active to prevent healing. They also offer physical therapy, but I did not do that and my little girl healed quickly. It is not too dramatic in terms of the surgery so the recovery goes by quite smoothly.

[@masterroshi3994]

@@rebellucy5610 I’m taking my dog tomorrow to do surgery wish me luck

[@Sky_line537]

My dogs patella makes a cracking sound sometimes

[@Capslacka]

What kinds of chiropractic motions can we use to reduce the likelihood of the dog's patella popping out? I believe my dog would sit somewhere around stage 1-2.

[@christinak2840]

What did you do??

[@Capslacka]

@@christinak2840 I walk and exercise him regularly and it hasn't been an issue in a long time. Although maybe he just grew out of it...

[@christinak2840]

@@Capslacka what kind of exercise do you do? My 7 month old might have it but we are trying everything to try to heal if it is that since we caught it so young. What else did you do please?

[@Capslacka]

Just kept him active and played fetch etc.. also, I don't let him jump from high off the bed or out of cars just in case.

[@christinak2840]

@@Capslacka thank you ya I’m not letting him jump either. What do you feed your dog?

[@Vietkamikaze]

Thank you for this video! PetMD made me think my dog had Lyme disease

[@patsydettinburn9582]

My 12 year old poodle has luxating patella. He also has CHF with grade 3 murmur. One vet has recommended surgery but another vet says no due to heart. My little guy is carrying his leg all the time. What should I do?

[@EC2019]

If you put a dog like this under anaesthetic he will very likely never wake up. At 12 years old you have to start considering whether euthanasia should now be on the cards, since he's had a good lifespan and he's now suffering.

[@yuliangel4908]

I need help my dogs always in pain I don’t know what to do to help her my vet is bad it’s didn’t give me option.

[@zeus12324]

Can this occur on the forelimb?

[@EC2019]

No. There is no kneecap on the forelimb.

[@thriftyshadesofgreene5266]

My pup does this as she goes down the stairs.runs on every leg except her back right leg.coming back up the stairs she walks uns\comes back normal.😰😨

[@linbeek815]

My dog just got diagnosed with this and it’s super distressing for me. I’m looking for any solutions to help keep it in place without surgery as she has a heart murmur and can’t go under anaesthetic

[@hilarymills2662]

My dog has this, he’s a 50lb Australian Cattle dog. He’s considered a grade 1-2 and here they don’t operate below a grade three as the benefit is minimal for lower grades. Generally they can only improve by a grade or two. We manage with glucosamine supplements, weight management, fitness for the hind end especially, and give Metacam when he seems flared up for three days at a minimum to manage inflammation. If inflammation is left unchecked the risk is a CCL tear. He is almost six and managing quite well and we are training for agility trials! If your dog is not too severe I wouldn’t worry too much and just manage with your vet❤️

[@linbeek815]

Hilary Mills Thankyou!! I will have to look into the glucosmine. She has metacam for any flare ups now and is doing much better

[@hilarymills2662]

Lin Beek we just use alpha omega glucosapet, but the sinew pet is more complete but with that comes more cost. I’ve heard a lot of talk about TriActa HA as well but have never tried!

[@Sinpathie]

great video, thank you! i have two toy poodles, and i've learned to palpate their patella myself. my dog has very nice grooves and his patella stays in place no matter how much i try to move it out. but on my bitch, her patella pops out easily and goes back in almost immediately on its own, so probably a grade 1.

[@Bossmanrocks]

Hi Dr. Becker, my dog is a Beagle. She came in after going out in her yard to relieve herself 3 nights ago and when she came back in her back leg was up. I checked her feet and felt her leg and nothing. I checked her femer and her tibia and it didn't move, so I don't think it is an acl tear. But, when I rub the inside of her thigh, she stretches her leg out and can put her foot on the ground.Could it be a muscle tear or nerve damage? She is in no pain, is even trying to play, and eating like a horse (as usual). but she can only put her foot down for a little while and then she raises her leg again. She has an appointment with her vet tomorrow, but I am just concerned if I should bring her to the emergency clinic instead. Any advice?

[@monamohandhas3855]

Hey same problem with my dog. Can you please help.

[@christinak2840]

Can a puppy grow out of it?

[@desertfish1460]

Could this happen with a cat -pop back? My sister's cat is having this problem.. Surgery is hard to find and so $$$ for a cat.😢

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

I asked my vet questions…. They ‘didn’t know how to tell ME how to help him’ (my 8 yr old Boston Terrier with medial patella luxation that’s a 2-3/5’ I’m panicking!!!! Idk what to do!!!!! Surgery immediately? They’re saying to do it….

[@jfresh2054]

I fed fromm and orijen weight management food but didn't lose weight at all. She actually gained weight. That's even only feeding 1.5 cups total a day for a 110lb dog. My vet insisted on purina weight management food and has lost 5lbs in 15 days. I absolutely hate purina but I guess Ill tough it out and hopefully find a better extremely low calorie food. I would love to try raw but don't have the money to buy it or make it. And yes, thyroid is good

[@EC2019]

Orijen is an outrageously rich food, much too rich for many dogs' systems. You need to feed something with much lower protein and oil content, the protein source being something bland like white fish, bulked out with something like potato, rice or oats (shock horror). Boiled/steamed green beans, white cabbage and carrots can also be useful as fillers for a weight reduction diet. But the real solution is to simply feed less, cut out all treats, let the dog fast a day or two a week, and be strict. You'll feel mean, and it *is* mean, but it's a short term thing for the dog's long term good and he'll get over it.

[@christinak2840]

Would the vet feel this on a orthopedic exam?

[@hickorydragon8114]

Absolutely

[@christinak2840]

@@hickorydragon8114 first time they didn’t feel it weird only second time another doctor did

[@pakko33]

My pomeranian may have it. I have to take him again to his vet.

[@larryjoe1357]

How is your pomeranian , my daughters pomeranian has just showed signs of this took her to the vet and she has it. Now sure what stage yet

[@philippamurphy277]

They may not put the effected fully on the ground they will put it down but not fully rest on it like a horse resting it’s leg

[@gloriac4752]

I wished she used a model to show what she's talking about because I don't get it I guess that explains why"I'm not" a veterinarian🙄

[@ChristianSaveAmerica]

Gee, this is a lot of info to digest. I better get pet insurance in case something happens to my 4 yr old maltese. I’d hate fir her to ever be in any kind of pain.

[@Undead2by4]

Contemplating dog knees

[@drummergirl9481]

Finding a dog chiropractor is difficult.

[@hickorydragon8114]

In my opinion your money is better spent saving up to fix your dog's knee with surgery.

[@hickorydragon8114]

Good video for the most part, but there's a very fine line between avoiding surgery at all costs, and waiting until it's too late when all the cartilage has disappeared. In my experience the vast majority of dogs get along fine without surgery, but it can be a ticking Time bomb situation. The best thing is probably to do a surgery early on if you can afford it.

[@loonylinda]

she talk so fast i cant keep up....had a couple of goes at watching as my lhasa has grade 4 luxation.

[@pleiadesluciernaga8877]

Settings and selecting a slower playback speed helps