luxating patellas - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yizzl · 10-02-2004, 08:43 AM

Tish was born with luxating patellas. Does anyone else have this problem? She loves jumping and going for walks but I am worried that this could get worse with to much activity. She is very active.

fasteddie · 10-02-2004, 06:41 PM

The best bet is to limit or watch when she does big jumps and try to avoid it if possible. Perhaps make some stairs or ramps from high places that she may jump from.

Here's some information I found:

What is a luxating patella?

The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the center of the knee joint. The term "luxating" means out of place or dislocated. Therefore, a luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location.

What causes this to occur?

The muscles of the thigh attach directly or indirectly to the top of the knee cap. There is a ligament, called the patellar ligament, which runs from the bottom of the knee cap to a point on the tibia (shin bone) just below the knee joint. When the thigh muscles contract, the force is transmitted through the patella and through the patellar ligament and results in extension (straightening) of the knee joint. The patella stays in the center of the leg because the point of attachment of the patellar ligament is on the midline and because the patella slides in a groove on the lower end of the femur (the thigh bone).

The patella luxates because the point of attachment of the patellar ligament is not on the midline of the tibia. It is almost always located too far medial (toward the middle of the body). As the thigh muscles contract, the force is pulled against the groove on the inner side of the femur. After several months or years of this abnormal movement, the inner side of the groove wears down and the patella is free to move out of the groove or dislocate. When this occurs, the dog has difficulty bearing weight on the leg. It may learn how to kick the leg and snap the patella back into its normal location. However, because the side of the groove is gone, it dislocates again easily.

Does a luxating patella cause any long-term problems for my dog?

Some dogs can tolerate this problem for many years, some for all of their lives. Since the joint surfaces are very slick and bathed in a slippery joint fluid, there is usually little or no discomfort early in the process. However, this abnormality predisposes the knee to other injuries, especially torn cruciate ligaments. Also, with advancing age, the joint may become arthritic and painful. The bones may actually curve in response to the abnormal location of the kneecap..

Can a luxating patella be corrected?

Surgery should be performed if your dog has a persistent lameness or if other knee injuries occur secondary to the luxation.

The methods used for surgical repair depend on how far the process has gone before intervention. Surgical repair may include any or all of the following:

1) The point of attachment of the patellar ligament is cut from the tibia and transplanted to its proper location to correct the in correct alignment.
2) The groove in the femur is deepened so the patella will stay in place.
3) The capsule around the joint is tightened. This last step is important because the joint capsule will have stretched during the period of luxation.
If the surgery is performed before arthritis occurs, the prognosis is excellent. Your dog should regain full use of its leg. However, if arthritis has already occurred, the joint will still be somewhat painful, especially in cold weather.

Cru's mom · 12-05-2005, 07:51 PM

Cruella, my Yorkie has this in both her knees, and also needs surgery for her cruciate. The vet tells me that they learn to live with the knees popping in and out. I noticed that she can't walk for a long time where she used to walk forever. Good Luck!!

Julz · 12-05-2005, 08:06 PM

There are, I believe 5 levels of LP. Being born with it is considered Level I and is the lowest level. Yorkies are prone to LP as are a number of other small breeds, even the Boston Terrier. However, if they are born with it, they may never experience trouble from it. You do need to deter them from jumping, just as you do one without LP. If LP is caused by an injury, then it is an immediate problem. I researched LP because Mavrick has it in his left leg (Mercedes doesn't have it). The vet said it has tightened up, but she can still feel it a little. He shows no signs of pain and never favors the leg. If your Yorkie starts to lift that leg then it is feeling pain from it and it would need to be treated. You can research more on the Levels of LP by going online. Also, ask your vet the prognosis and what to expect and what you should avoid.

YorkieRini · 12-06-2005, 04:04 AM

I am aware of 4 grades of LP and grade 4 being the worst. Fast Eddie posted good info on it!

JCarlson2004 · 12-06-2005, 07:17 AM

My Maltese Codie has a luxated patella (dislocating knee cap) in his rear left leg. I had it operated on and I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the quality of his life. He is even more happier now because he can ejoy longer walks and runs.

Julz · 12-06-2005, 07:33 AM

Yes, there are 4 level, I appologize for my error...I knew it was 4 or 5 and that is why I said "I believe....". You can "google" LP to read up on it more and I would suggest talking to your vet more thoroughly about it.

bobanddebsyorki · 07-28-2008, 02:04 PM

we just got the diagnosis. Rockett is 9 years old. she is sore big time after a walk, run or pool swimming

mscat · 07-28-2008, 02:08 PM

It seems so painful for a dog to have this. However, depending on the level of the LP, a dog can function ok with this condition.

pea496 · 07-28-2008, 02:12 PM

Conner is having surgery on his a week from tomorrow. He is 2 1/2 years old, and the vet said he will be good as new. He was supposed to have the surgery in January, but his tests before surgery showed elevated liver numbers. Now that is cleared up and he will have the surgery. I will let you know when he comes home.

nikkinack · 07-28-2008, 02:25 PM

Yes Lily was born with LP, here is her story if you want to know what all happened.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...-lily-msu.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...k-you-all.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...=1#post1782724

marcerella02 · 07-28-2008, 02:45 PM

Layla has stage 2 in her back right leg. We go on lots of long walks and do hydrotherapy... trying VERY hard to avoid surgery.

Shelby&Seymour · 07-28-2008, 03:41 PM

Shelby has had surgery on BOTH back legs. She had 3 different procedures on each. I DO highly recommend that you see an ORTHOPEDIC vet that is familiar with LP surgery. It IS worth the peace of mind having someone that specializes....... our reg vet said that he would do it...but he had only done a few of these surgeries....... and we opted to go to a specialist.
It is a LONG recovery, and very tough for a few days. I recommend that someone be home with the "patient" for a few days after surgery. Shelby needed Help with everything AND think of how difficult it would be to squat and pee when you have TWO cast-like bandages on both back legs.

But after some TLC and physical therapy....... OH my...... she is SO MUCH BETTER!!! (She had grade 3-4 and walked a bit "bow-legged" before surgery)

You can do a search and read more about Shelby's surgery....... just look back at our threads!

Good Luck to you!

AVERYxo · 07-28-2008, 03:50 PM

Avery has this.. we actually need to go in for a checkup soon!

We currently have her on Gycoflex for it!! You should do a search on here, take her to your vet, and get some more help on what to put your baby on for this(gycoflex, cosequin, etc.) You will find alot of info online.. there are quite a few people who's yorkies have this.. many have had surgery!! Everyone posted lots of great info on this thread!!

you should also look into getting some pet stairs, etc. so your baby doesn't jump!

good luck!!

harleysmama · 09-04-2008, 02:39 PM

so i took my harley to the vet today and the doc said his knee caps sit crooked on his legs and if he starts limping he will need surgery. so when i asked him if theres anything i should or shouldnt do in the meantime (like if he should still be able to jump off of the couch or bed) and he said no that its hereditary and goes with the breed and there isnt anything i can do to help it. has anybody else been told that or should i get a second opinion?

10-02-2004, 08:43 AM	#1
yizzl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: winnipeg,mb.canada Posts: 96	luxating patellas Tish was born with luxating patellas. Does anyone else have this problem? She loves jumping and going for walks but I am worried that this could get worse with to much activity. She is very active.

12-06-2005, 07:17 AM	#6
JCarlson2004 Mommy To 3 Poochies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York Posts: 8,287	My Maltese Codie has a luxated patella (dislocating knee cap) in his rear left leg. I had it operated on and I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the quality of his life. He is even more happier now because he can ejoy longer walks and runs. __________________ Mommy Loves Codie, Tia & Baby Cali RIP My Precious Katie - I Love You

07-28-2008, 02:04 PM	#8
bobanddebsyorki YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: rhode island Posts: 1	dislocated knee caps we just got the diagnosis. Rockett is 9 years old. she is sore big time after a walk, run or pool swimming

07-28-2008, 02:08 PM	#9
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	It seems so painful for a dog to have this. However, depending on the level of the LP, a dog can function ok with this condition. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

07-28-2008, 02:12 PM	#10
pea496 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,511	Conner is having surgery on his a week from tomorrow. He is 2 1/2 years old, and the vet said he will be good as new. He was supposed to have the surgery in January, but his tests before surgery showed elevated liver numbers. Now that is cleared up and he will have the surgery. I will let you know when he comes home. __________________ Conner - my best buddy

10-02-2004, 06:41 PM	#2
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	The best bet is to limit or watch when she does big jumps and try to avoid it if possible. Perhaps make some stairs or ramps from high places that she may jump from. Here's some information I found: What is a luxating patella? The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the center of the knee joint. The term "luxating" means out of place or dislocated. Therefore, a luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location. What causes this to occur? The muscles of the thigh attach directly or indirectly to the top of the knee cap. There is a ligament, called the patellar ligament, which runs from the bottom of the knee cap to a point on the tibia (shin bone) just below the knee joint. When the thigh muscles contract, the force is transmitted through the patella and through the patellar ligament and results in extension (straightening) of the knee joint. The patella stays in the center of the leg because the point of attachment of the patellar ligament is on the midline and because the patella slides in a groove on the lower end of the femur (the thigh bone). The patella luxates because the point of attachment of the patellar ligament is not on the midline of the tibia. It is almost always located too far medial (toward the middle of the body). As the thigh muscles contract, the force is pulled against the groove on the inner side of the femur. After several months or years of this abnormal movement, the inner side of the groove wears down and the patella is free to move out of the groove or dislocate. When this occurs, the dog has difficulty bearing weight on the leg. It may learn how to kick the leg and snap the patella back into its normal location. However, because the side of the groove is gone, it dislocates again easily. Does a luxating patella cause any long-term problems for my dog? Some dogs can tolerate this problem for many years, some for all of their lives. Since the joint surfaces are very slick and bathed in a slippery joint fluid, there is usually little or no discomfort early in the process. However, this abnormality predisposes the knee to other injuries, especially torn cruciate ligaments. Also, with advancing age, the joint may become arthritic and painful. The bones may actually curve in response to the abnormal location of the kneecap.. Can a luxating patella be corrected? Surgery should be performed if your dog has a persistent lameness or if other knee injuries occur secondary to the luxation. The methods used for surgical repair depend on how far the process has gone before intervention. Surgical repair may include any or all of the following: 1) The point of attachment of the patellar ligament is cut from the tibia and transplanted to its proper location to correct the in correct alignment. 2) The groove in the femur is deepened so the patella will stay in place. 3) The capsule around the joint is tightened. This last step is important because the joint capsule will have stretched during the period of luxation. If the surgery is performed before arthritis occurs, the prognosis is excellent. Your dog should regain full use of its leg. However, if arthritis has already occurred, the joint will still be somewhat painful, especially in cold weather.

12-05-2005, 07:51 PM	#3
Cru's mom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 5	Cruella, my Yorkie has this in both her knees, and also needs surgery for her cruciate. The vet tells me that they learn to live with the knees popping in and out. I noticed that she can't walk for a long time where she used to walk forever. Good Luck!!

12-05-2005, 08:06 PM	#4
Julz Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4,347	There are, I believe 5 levels of LP. Being born with it is considered Level I and is the lowest level. Yorkies are prone to LP as are a number of other small breeds, even the Boston Terrier. However, if they are born with it, they may never experience trouble from it. You do need to deter them from jumping, just as you do one without LP. If LP is caused by an injury, then it is an immediate problem. I researched LP because Mavrick has it in his left leg (Mercedes doesn't have it). The vet said it has tightened up, but she can still feel it a little. He shows no signs of pain and never favors the leg. If your Yorkie starts to lift that leg then it is feeling pain from it and it would need to be treated. You can research more on the Levels of LP by going online. Also, ask your vet the prognosis and what to expect and what you should avoid.

12-06-2005, 04:04 AM	#5
YorkieRini Livin' La Yorkie Local Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,607	I am aware of 4 grades of LP and grade 4 being the worst. Fast Eddie posted good info on it!

12-06-2005, 07:33 AM	#7
Julz Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4,347	Yes, there are 4 level, I appologize for my error...I knew it was 4 or 5 and that is why I said "I believe....". You can "google" LP to read up on it more and I would suggest talking to your vet more thoroughly about it.

07-28-2008, 02:25 PM	#11
nikkinack YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 1,510	Yes Lily was born with LP, here is her story if you want to know what all happened. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...-lily-msu.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...k-you-all.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...=1#post1782724 __________________ Member of Petite Pups United and Spoiled Rotten Club Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB

07-28-2008, 02:45 PM	#12
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	Layla has stage 2 in her back right leg. We go on lots of long walks and do hydrotherapy... trying VERY hard to avoid surgery. __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

07-28-2008, 03:41 PM	#13
Shelby&Seymour "& Seeger, too" Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,169	Shelby has had surgery on BOTH back legs. She had 3 different procedures on each. I DO highly recommend that you see an ORTHOPEDIC vet that is familiar with LP surgery. It IS worth the peace of mind having someone that specializes....... our reg vet said that he would do it...but he had only done a few of these surgeries....... and we opted to go to a specialist. It is a LONG recovery, and very tough for a few days. I recommend that someone be home with the "patient" for a few days after surgery. Shelby needed Help with everything AND think of how difficult it would be to squat and pee when you have TWO cast-like bandages on both back legs. But after some TLC and physical therapy....... OH my...... she is SO MUCH BETTER!!! (She had grade 3-4 and walked a bit "bow-legged" before surgery) You can do a search and read more about Shelby's surgery....... just look back at our threads! Good Luck to you! __________________ Happy Fall Y'all! 🎃

07-28-2008, 03:50 PM	#14
AVERYxo Lovin' my Girlies!! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orange County, CALIFORNIA Posts: 3,609	Avery has this.. we actually need to go in for a checkup soon! We currently have her on Gycoflex for it!! You should do a search on here, take her to your vet, and get some more help on what to put your baby on for this(gycoflex, cosequin, etc.) You will find alot of info online.. there are quite a few people who's yorkies have this.. many have had surgery!! Everyone posted lots of great info on this thread!! you should also look into getting some pet stairs, etc. so your baby doesn't jump! good luck!! __________________ Meg & my baby girls Avie & Gemma

09-04-2008, 02:39 PM	#15
harleysmama YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: glen burnie, md usa Posts: 9	so i took my harley to the vet today and the doc said his knee caps sit crooked on his legs and if he starts limping he will need surgery. so when i asked him if theres anything i should or shouldnt do in the meantime (like if he should still be able to jump off of the couch or bed) and he said no that its hereditary and goes with the breed and there isnt anything i can do to help it. has anybody else been told that or should i get a second opinion?