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Articulares y huesos

Patellar luxation

The patella (the small kneecap bone) slips out of place. Very common in small-breed dogs. Depending on the grade, it can be mild or require surgery.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Intermittent lameness: the animal "skips" a step and then carries on walking normally
  • • Sometimes it holds the leg up for a few seconds and then puts it down again
  • • In severe cases: constant lameness
  • • May affect one or both knees

Causes

Mostly congenital/genetic, due to an abnormal alignment of the joint. Predisposed breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Pomeranian, Bichon. It can also be traumatic.

Diagnosis

Physical examination (the vet feels how the patella moves and grades it from I to IV) plus X-rays.

Treatment

Mild grades: weight control, appropriate exercise, joint supplements and monitoring. High grades or those with pain: corrective surgery, which has a good prognosis.

Prevention

Buy puppies from responsible breeders, avoid excess weight, and limit jumps from a height in predisposed breeds.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your small dog "skips" steps while walking or intermittently holds a leg up. The sooner it is assessed, the better.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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