Patellar Luxation in Dogs

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Wow so Glad this popped up in my feed. I been Asking you Questions about Luxating Patella and you Never Answered. 😊 Now I finally Found this. Thanks

[@tlaa998]

Thank you so much for providing information for dog owners! This is a much needed service! So, my chihuahua is limping, vet took an X-Ray, they said to get a surgical consult because the patella has luxated and a ligament is torn. I've had other vets tell me the patella is vulnerable and they could tell by feel. I wondered 1, how come the vet didn't just feel it and tell me, and 2, how can they tell a ligament is torn by an X-Ray? I know the surgery is about $6,000, and I cannot even come near to affording that. I have pet insurance, but it only covers preventative. She doesn't appear to be suffering, she just limps, and is slower and unable to jump like she used to. She is around 11 years old and in great health otherwise.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

I would be inclined to leave this if I were to have a small dog. Treat conservatively, good pain controla and time

[@tlaa998]

@@VeterinarySecrets Thank you. We need healthcare for all dogs after we get it for humans! :)

[@naiarerich2926]

These kind of videos are really heaven sent, thank you Doctor.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks

[@Eternal_11_Sasha]

Dr. Jones congrats on 1M subs! You deserve it!! Watching you ask the dog to sit is priceless. Choco challenged you on the second sit. I imagine he said, "well where's my pay check for the first one?" What a cutie! Thank you for this video! I have a 10 year old schnauzer, chi, yorkie, aus. terrier, dachsund mix that has recently started taking weight off her right leg. I am doing research to see whether it seems more like PL or IVDD. I had done a dna test on her to see her breeds which came with a health screening. It did put her at risk for chondrodystrophy/IVDD. She has one copy of the gene for those traits. I have an integrative vet appointment for her for a diagnosis. Wish us luck! This girl means the world to me and I want to find her some relief from the discomfort she is experiencing. Edit: For physiotherapy, another one that has popped up on my research is lateral steps. Have a small platform for the dog to place the front paws on to give a slight incline (think plastic underbed tote for example) and ask the dog (typically lure with treat) to each side slowly. As they move to the right, they should be moving the right arm then the right leg. Same for the left, using the left limbs. This exercise can also strengthen the quads.

[@SuperJoSouthgate]

Great video Dr Jones. Can you tell from how the dog moves if the patella is luxating medially or laterally?

[@chinookvalley]

My 100lb Lab had TPLO surgery and it made him into a new dog! He was 6 years old and in his prime, so it was easy to heal. I followed w/ a lifetime regimen of Hyaluronic Acid. I suggest finding a specialist (even if it means a long drive) to make sure it is done right!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi, Fully agree IF surgery is needed.

[@stefgreen5237]

I did hydro/physiotherapy and supplements since I found this on my puppy. It still progressed to grade 3 in a year. Just had surgery. I am sad for him, I hope surgery will stop anything worse

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Wishing your pet a smooth recovery and sending positive thoughts your way! 💙🐾

[@stefgreen5237]

@ thank you! He is doing well so far :)

[@debw7120]

Thank you so much Dr Jones!! I've subscribed to your channel for several years, since I got my precious Pom and I have your book. My fur baby was just diagnosed last week with grade 1 luxating patella in both back knees, but since then the left one has progressed to grade 2 (I think she injured it army crawling in and out from under a very low bed). It's heartbreaking to see her hop around until it goes back in, and she now has a tendency to just lay around more and not be as active or energetic. So I've started researching for anything I can do to help her, and of course I went to your channel. You answered all but one of my questions, which I THANK YOU!!!, and I'm going to follow your advice religiously! But my one question I'm hoping you can answer is about getting a brace for supporting her grade 2 knee, especially for going upstairs at night and downstairs in the morning, which seems to aggravate the knee. My house is dated 1880 and has 12 foot ceilings, which means there are many more steps to get upstairs to the second floor. I know you suggested stairs as a strengthening exercise, but I thought it might help her short term to rest the joint until the manipulative exercises and supplements help to strengthen it? Please can you advise about the brace, and which of the many braces available would you recommend? Thank you again! I love your channel!! BTW, how's your shoulder?

[@debw7120]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that one of my concerns with the stairs is that she may fall down if the joint luxates when she's going up or down. (I tried to edit instead of adding another reply, but for some reason the edit function didn't work) That's why I feel safer about using a brace for the stairs. Please advise!!!! Thanks again!!

[@myema5694]

Great info. Thanks for the video. Id like to know the correlation to tears in the cruciate ligament. Does a partial CL tear predispose a dog to patella luxation?

[@janwainright8437]

Does the ultimate canine contain all the supplements you mentioned in your video? Glusomine,Chondroitin, MSM, Curcumin, and Boswellia? Thank you for the time you take to make these videos you are very dedicated and so many of us appreciate it so much. This video has really enlightened me and I will start the exercise and start on the supplement. Just need to know if I will need additional supplements along with the Ultimate Canine.

[@shrutiitnal5962]

thank you doc, my dog had this and I couldn't find out what it was.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

You are welcome

[@carpdirector6836]

Thank you for the detailed information! My Cavalier was diagnosed a few months ago (he was 9 months) and based on what I learned in your video, his vet is treating him appropriately (supplements and walking). I will add the sit/stand exercise to his day (he already does stairs) and the passive motion exercise as well. It looks like he is at the same stage as Choco; would you say that is Stage 2?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Yes that seems correct

[@Hayilkasdorf]

Wow, your information is such a blessing. I had no idea there were realistic individuals that consider possible alternatives or at least don’t just solve everything with a scalpel. When my 7yr old Maltese began limping we were scared. Her L hind leg was being favored. She was one year post surgical repair for a fracture of her R hind femur. It was a difficult repair because of how close to the joint it was. But it was successful with retained hardware. She needs to lose about 5 lbs and that is the pre-op goal. So here’s the situation, after that initial evaluation her bouts of lameness have been far and few between. She loves walks and is hard to restrain on a walk, she just pulls and wants to run. So Dr. I am going to follow your methods of acupressure, physical therapy and start her on supplements. I will do what is best for her based on her response to this therapy. Thank you for sharing and providing the possibility of a better alternative. Julie PS is there a patellar stabilizing brace available? Thank you!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks, Dr Andrew Jones My Free Book www.veterinarysecrets.com

[@Hayilkasdorf]

Thank you!!!!

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

How's your pup doing now?

[@Hayilkasdorf]

@@AKIYIAKELLY my sweet precious baby crossed the rainbow bridge after a brave struggle with an illness that caused symptoms like cushings disease. She tried so hard to hide her discomfort. I was going to help her across the bridge but The Lord blessed her and took her sweet spirit while I held her on my bed. It's been 3 months and I still cry nearly every day. I miss her desperately. She was my life, she helped me survive the death of my husband which was awful but losing her was far worse. Weird huh. I miss my husband but I miss my baby girl a lot more.

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

@@Hayilkasdorf Wow I am so Sorry to hear this. I know it can be so hard. Praying for you. Do you think you will get another Pup to love?

[@badjimmy2561]

Loved your content and your dogs. Choco is adorable and all little dog lol. I have 3 little ones ♥️ I would love to see palpating subluxation of the spinal column? Thank you.

[@TerriInBC]

Thank you for your time in doing these videos! i month ago my 12.5 year old Pinchaua was playing on a wood pile, must of fallen through and I heard a yelp. Since then he is barely able to use his left leg, he is dripping urine constantly and is very sore around the base of his tail and the penis. The vet said he has a grade 4 medial luxating patella, a grade 5 hear murmor and didn't seem to spend much time of the dripping urine issue. She prescribed Gabapentin, Onisor tabs, Claveseptin, Cartrophen injections, CBD oil with salmon oil/pumpkin seed oil and Fortiflora on his food daily. The vet said he cannot have surgery due to the heart murmor. He has not improved in a month, he cannot make it up the stairs anymore, Please help?

[@anitahardesty2163]

Wilson is an absolutely beautiful dog!! You are an amazing veterinarian! Thank you for your channel and all the excellent information. I am grateful!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thank you, so glad you enjoy my videos!

[@anitahardesty2163]

My 5 year old mini Australian shepherd has just been diagnosed with this in both knees in his back legs. Its a grade 4 in the left back and grade 3 in the right. He was given tramadol for pain and after one pill he has severe diahrea. I have not and will not give him anymore pills. Hes in so much pain he walks a few steps and sits. Its getting worse and worse. The surgeon i was recommended to by my excellent veterinarian dosent have anything available until the 22nd of this month. I can hardly clean his behind because he cant stand for long and cries out in pain. He cries out in pain so much. My heart is broken watching this. Im crying for for him all the time. I cant eat or sleep. All my poor baby does is lay and sleep. He hasnt eaten much of anything in a week and has lost over 7 pounds. If he was old and was at the end of his life it would be different but hes only 5 years old!! 😪😔

[@debw7120]

My heart is breaking for you!! 😢I will keep you and your poor little guy in my prayers!! 🙏💕

[@DiepNguyen-of4hs]

Thank you for sharing this informational video. Hope you have a marvelous day!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

You're welcome! Hope you're having a great day too.

[@JMac-27]

my vet just barely mentioned this at my exam the other day I just happened to catch on my receipt it says he diagnosed a patella luxation but he did not tell me anything about which leg or to what degree why would he not make a bigger deal of this. Choco seems super sweet lol

[@VeterinarySecrets]

wouldn't hurt if you ask him about it in your next visit. ;-) Thank you for sharing!

[@silviabodea9661]

I have a Yorkshire 2 years old with patellar luxation and every one recommends surgery. She is not lumping. I just saw that the foot slides inside for several seconds but then she walks normal again. I have her X-Rays and doctors say is grade 3 bilateral patellar luxation. On long term which are the health problems that may appeare? Can the vertebral structure suffer modifications? Can she go paralyzed? Thank you.

[@joannaarvizuful]

My 5 month pomorenian just got diagnosed with this they put him in a cast to hopefully strengthen his leg cause it was so swollen surgery was mentioned to do on him but rn can’t afford it sadly just going to followed this tips n hopefully helps him

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Generally casts are a poor idea. Here is more info on that condition..veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952566

[@christinak2840]

What did you end up doing?

[@laceyvictoria8139]

Can pregnancy cause this? My chihuahua has NEVER limped. She became pregnant and she is very far along and just stared limping. It breaks my heart. Most of the time she is limping, sometimes not but a lot. Will this limp go away after she gives birth?

[@ericstewart3000]

Thank you doc for these videos. Does this condition become much more serious in large dogs. I ask because my 3yr old 57lb Border Collie mix was diagnosed with this on her left hind leg today and our vet wants to do surgery on it. I’m going with the surgery option, but I am concerned on strengthening her non-injured leg. Does a brace help distribute the weight and limit the damage to cause a Phase 3 or 4? I want to combine the exercises with supplements as well to help her.

[@JessicaNorman-o4p]

This is what my dog had , he had his surgery. 2 different vets said it was ACL half torn so I thought he was healing. 😒

[@ceciliah.8893]

Okay, I don’t see it. So I’m pasting... Can you write the directions in this threat or description? Going to check first.

[@mialiana5976]

My Boston terrier had surgery done for her luxating patella but shortly after the surgery it ended up the way it was before (even with the daily stretches of the leg), it has gotten to the point where she just carries her leg wherever she goes and I was wondering if you had any advice on what I should do. Oh & great video wish I had found it sooner!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks- a second opinion with a Board Certified Surgeon would be best

[@christinak2840]

What stage was your Boston? Also how is he now??

[@TheFREDCAROLE]

Hello, thank you very much for your video. Your dogs are so cute ! My cavalier king charles has a luxating patella level 2 for a month and a half. I give her glucosamine 330mg, chondroitin 300 g and MSM 200mg. And also 400mg of devil's claw that I will stop after 7 weeks. She is doing much better with this treatment. She no longer limps and starts running again. Is it necessary to give her this treatment for life please?

[@siucruz7004]

Thanks for your vid!! My dog has luxation in both legs. One is level 4 and the other one level 1. I decided not to have a surgery. Will these advises like suplements and massages help her to live without so much pain and be able to walk around?? Btw sorry my english, I' m from Ecuador.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks Siu

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Yes the supplements can help, and you may be able to avoid surgery

[@hamiltonhomefarms8712]

My dog had luxating patella due to a accident we got surgery on his worse one and treatment for the other physical therapy vitamins etc for the other but it got to last stage and was scheduled for surgery a month out i just happened to buy some cheap ole roy puppy food as i was out and thats all the store had.... i fed it to him and three weeks later he is back to stage one and doesnt need the surgery.... he went from not being able to walk on it at all to running and playing with only a slight limp.... surgeon was shocked at his improvement and we have put off surgery to see if he continues to improve. Dont know what was in dog food that helped but will continue using it mixed with his normal dog food

[@christinak2840]

What food was it?

[@hamiltonhomefarms8712]

@@christinak2840 old Roy puppy.... people say it’s not a good dog food but it had something in it that he was lacking that helped his joint... he hasn’t had to have surgery and it has healed

[@anndupont9151]

I'm terribly concerned about my 3.4 lb. rescue chihuahua. I've had Pita 18 months, nothing in her paperwork mentioned luxating patella. Her back legs are slender and have seemed occasionally very mildly "wobbly" but our veterinarian didn't see a problem. So, ten days ago Pita and I were crossing a quiet residential street, taking one of our two daily walks (which she lives for) and halfway across the street suddenly she couldn't put weight on her back left leg. She'd use her leg transiently, but I took her to the veterinarian who diagnosed luxating patella...using a manual examination that was so rough I believe it made whatever was going on worse. Pita has been on oral Mobisyl ever since but isn't improving one iota. She carries her back left leg at all times. The question I cannot find an answer for is can this SUDDEN degree of total lameness happen with luxating patella? No little dog has ever enjoyed walks on leash so much, now I'm worried just brief outings to pee/poop will cause the same problem in her other leg...it doesn't seem reasonable that the other leg, which our vet said also has luxating patella, probably from birth, can bear the strain of any major walking,

[@hockey_hungry]

Great video. Thank you

[@MarkR973]

How do you reset the patella on a small dog if it moves inward?

[@jaguar8706204]

Found your video very interesting and helpful but could you clarify one point for me my dog is 8 years old and has this condition but he has grade 4 always out and not going back by itself so would the stairs etc help his condition or make it worse as my vet seems to think the only solution is surgery and has said then the other leg is likely to go as well. Thank you

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi Steve - depends on the extent of the lameness. Some dogs can be fine with it, only occasionally lame- if this is the case you may not need surgery

[@chainsawkitten3766]

My vet has told me in the past that my 5 lb chi has this, but he never showed any signs until yesterday, when he woke up screaming in pain. He went to the vet last night, of course he was fine during the appointment, and she prescribed the NSAID Metcam. I gave it to him, but he still had me up half the night, screaming and whining with pain. It’s killing me to see him hurting so much, and I’m wondering if he has a tear, or something more serious.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi- sounds more like a back injury- OK now?

[@chainsawkitten3766]

That’s what I was wondering, because my other chi has had lux. patella since I got him, and although he limps or holds that leg up when he runs, he never cries, or seems too uncomfortable. The one who’s in pain now was also sleeping straight, not curled - he lays on his stomach with his neck and head straight out. He is still whimpering a few times a day, usually after he wakes up, but he seems much better. Giving him 5mg Metcam a day. Should I get him X-rays?

[@Blondehairedwarrior]

Hello 🙂Can you please make some suggestions for brands I can look for ...for the dog I ended up buying that Samee but it’s for humans and I would have to split it up in fourths for my 6 pound dog...Just some suggestions I give Him some chewies but I don’t really think they’re going to be strong enough to make a difference. Thanks!!!

[@MusikNLyfe]

Within a year, my 11 year old maltese/mix has jumped from having stage one to stage 3/4 in her left leg.All my vet told me was to give her rimadyll for the pain and she wouldnt get worst.But she has ...Surgery isnt much of an option because of her age and size. Im not sure how well a brace (maybe to give her a bit of stability in the leg...would do since she basically has no groove to hold her petella in place.Thank you for the info.Ill at least try some of these to help her cope.Thanks!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi, Sorry to hear that. Surgery should be considered now iif she is in pain.

[@kathyhumphrey2950]

My Rico acts just like Choco... but it's my little 2.5lb. dog that has the Luxating Patellar. Chiquita is 10 years old and I am just now finding out about her having this problem... Do you think a dog this small could benefit from the surgery? Chiquita has it in both legs, however, it is worse in the right leg.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Possibly yes, especially if serious luxation

[@miguelcanlas1504]

thx for the video sir,but one question.Will the therapy,heal the luxated patella or prevent it?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

It can heal it

[@mehdighaffari4128]

very interesting Dr ,

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks

[@crissyobrianhodges6903]

I was wondering, my 12.5 month Cavachon, “Bennie” obviously has Patella Luxation, I took him to our vet yesterday and he said that his knee was too inflamed for the knee to go back into place at the moment (he put Bennie on Meloxicam) and he said that he needs to be as calm as possible so the swelling will go down, well Bennie is 1 of 7 animals & seeing that he is essentially a puppy whether or not he has his knee out, he doesn’t care whatsoever he still plays & acts like a madman still!!! So, what are your thoughts, do I need to literally put him in his little kennel-crate for a while bcuz he can’t seem to catch on to the fact that he needs to be calm in order for the swelling to go down and for me to be able to put his knee back into place? If yes, how long do you think he needs to be crated (which btw will be so hard to do, but I’ll figure out a way if it’s the only solution?)? You may be wondering why all of these questions/concerns aren’t being posed to the vet we go to? Well, that’s another story all together, but bcuz I needed to see someone right away I really didn’t have time to seek out another vet that would take the time to address our concerns! But I’m on it! Thank you so much for your videos btw! Crissy

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks. Get the recheck after meds. Then your vet can properly palpate the knee and grade the luxation. Most only get surgery IF this is causing ongoing lameness

[@christinak2840]

I have a puppy and the doctor thinks this is what he has I really don't want him to go through surgery

[@christinahernandez1019]

I ordered ultimate canine from your website. Does it con tain msm, glucosamine and chrondoitin, omega 3?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Yes all 4 of those

[@smurfmama2020]

HI I have a yorkie poo, never saw signs of this before in her. She started hobbling yesterday with her left back leg up. She gets a lot of exercise and stair walking. She loves to jump off and on my bed because she has a mouse she loves to charge at in the middle of the night. Can I do any of the exercises shown in the video while her back foot is lame? She seems in great spirits, eating and barking as usual. What can I do at home to help her? Would heat or ice be advised? Thank you!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi- first think rest, and time. Massage the leg, try some acupressure. Give it 3-5 days to heal.

[@REBELLOGIC]

thank u so much for this.. i will try all of these and by the way.. i subscribed :D

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks Ema

[@diondavoudian3487]

Hey great vid btw. But I have a question. My dog turned one 3 weeks ago and was diagnosed with laxated patella. He got it genetically and I don't know how severe it is. Is there anything I can do now while it's early to prevent surgery later on? Much appreciated, Dion

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi - yes keep the supportive tissues around the knee as strong as possible. Lots of swimming if possible, range of motion exercise and massage/

[@diondavoudian3487]

Veterinary Secrets ok thank you

[@lillyamaya576]

Hi Dr Jones, My chihuahua is a 6 year old, right level 2 left grade 1, but she drag her back legs, week mobility. What are recommendations we thought we could push surgery out of the way; seems like we don’t have an option. Please any advice

[@rapso5]

Can it get worse over time? My dog was a 1 in may and now a 2. It slides out every time she plays... I'm afraid she'll get worse she's not even 2 yet...

[@arkikali5632]

rapso5 This is where our dog is too. Interested to see the answer.

[@chainsawkitten3766]

Yes, it gets worse over time.

[@christinak2840]

@@chainsawkitten3766 why do you say that if it can be supported with supplement.....?

[@christinak2840]

Did it get worse?

[@brendaabcd]

1st vet said luxating patella didn't give a grade. He said weight loss 2nd vet said luxating patella didn't didn't give a grade automatically just said surgery. I plan on getting a 3rd advice

[@debw7120]

I would try to find a holistic or integrative vet, like Dr Jones. I travel 45 minutes to see an integrative vet for my Pom. In the meantime, I would try Dr Jones' recommendations. I've watched his channel for several years, since I got my Pom. I trust his advice,

[@Jennaaa63]

Did he end up getting the surgery I’m in the same boat idk what to do 😞

[@FknNefFy]

You didn’t show where the ki3 point is…

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi it's on the inside of the hock joint. BL 60 on the outside