How can I help my Chihuahua with luxating patella?

Medical Treatment If your Chihuahua has a Grade II luxation of the patella, her veterinarian might ask you to keep her from running or jumping. The vet may also subscribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Rimadyl. In some cases, your dog’s veterinarian may suggest a steroidal drug instead.

Is luxating patella common in Chihuahuas?

A luxating patella, in which a kneecap moves out of its normal position, is a very common occurrence in dogs. While small or toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians, are the most prone to a luxated patella, this orthopedic condition can affect all breeds of dogs.

What can I give my dog for luxating patella?

Green Lipped Mussel. Joint supplements featuring Green lipped mussel are excellent for countering the joint damage of luxating patella. They feature healthy omega 3 fatty acids in conjunction with glucosamine and chondroitin (key building blocks of joints and cartilage).

How do I know if my dog has Luxating patella?

Symptoms of Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Limping.
Abnormally carrying leg or legs.
Inability to bend the knee.
Pain when moving the leg.
Will not run or jump.
Refusing to exercise.
Swelling.
Weak legs.

Where does patella luxation occur in a Chihuahua?

Patella Luxation In Chihuahuas. The patella normally lies in a groove within the thighbone in the knee. Patellar luxation or dislocation is a condition where the kneecap rides outside the femoral groove. It is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs. Patellar luxation is most common in Chihuahuas, as well as,…

What should I do if my dog has a luxating patella?

Even if your dog does not suffer from a luxating patella, regular exercise will keep your dog’s muscles healthy and cardiovascular system vigorous. Plus, exercise will help your dog lose some excess weight. For a dog with a floating knee cap, daily exercise is vital.

What causes patella luxation in a Yorkshire Terrier?

Patellar luxation is most common in Chihuahuas, as well as, in other toy and miniature dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pekingese and Boston Terriers. Here is a great video that explains it all very well: Patellar luxation can occur after a traumatic injury to the knee or as a result of a genetic malformation of the stifle joint.

What kind of knee injury does a Chihuahua have?

A luxating patella, also known as patellar luxation, is the dislocation of the kneecap. It is a hereditary disease that usually starts to present about four months after a puppy is born. A Chihuahua with a luxating patella may limp or avoid using the affected leg completely.

Is it possible for a Chihuahua to have patella luxation?

Your Chihuahua will have a very difficult time walking on the leg as the condition is very painful. If corrected early, your dog could have a good prognosis. Congenital or developmental patellar luxation can be associated with varying degrees of deformities of the hip and stifle joint, as well as the tight and leg bones.

What’s the grade for patellar luxation in dogs?

Patellar luxations are graded from Grade I-IV. Some dogs can tolerate this condition for many years, even for their entire life. “Patellar luxation predisposes the knee to other injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments.”

What kind of patella does my dog have?

Medial luxating patellas are most common in smaller breed dogs. Sometimes a dog can regularly luxate to the outer side of its leg — that is known as a lateral luxating patella. Earlier this year, my dog was diagnosed with a grade 3 medial luxating patella.