| Even though luxated patella is not considered is | | | | This is not a dire emergency; however, it is best |
| not a condition that needs to be treated in the | | | | to consult your vet as soon as possible if your |
| emergency room, getting your dog tested for | | | | dog is suffering from a slipped kneecap. Your vet |
| this problem prevents it from becoming worse. | | | | will refer you to an orthopedic specialist, if surgery |
| Experts recommend that all dogs should be | | | | is needed. |
| tested for this condition because a slipped | | | | If your dog has a condition of Grade II, Grade III, |
| kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. | | | | or Grade IV, it is wise to give him the surgery |
| On the other hand, if you own a small or a toy | | | | right away before the condition gets worse. |
| dog breed, you should have him tested for | | | | Increased damage of the bone and joint may |
| luxated patella as soon as possible. | | | | make the outcome of the surgery less successful. |
| Good breeders should know that this condition is | | | | How to Care For Your Dog After The Surgery |
| hereditary, and therefore, have their dogs tested | | | | Following your dog's surgery, your vet will |
| at around six weeks of age, preferable before | | | | recommend medications for your dog's pain as |
| sending them to their new homes. | | | | well as anti-inflammation to be taken for |
| Treatment Preferences For A Slipped Kneecap | | | | approximately one week. In addition, your dog will |
| Physical tests and the length of time that the dog | | | | need a lot of rest during this time, meaning very |
| is showing symptoms such as limping, skipping, | | | | minimal activity for at least 1½ weeks. |
| and carrying his leg, will determine his diagnosis. To | | | | Your pet should be kept on the leash when |
| specify the severity of the condition, an X-ray of | | | | outside your house. Make sure that you keep him |
| the thigh bone and the knee will be carried out. | | | | in a small and comfortable room to avoid jumping, |
| This type of treatment is not required for Grade | | | | running around, or other types of activities that |
| I, although you should check your dog in case the | | | | can add pressure on his knee. |
| problem gets worse. For Grades II, III, and IV, | | | | Last but certainly not least, physical therapy will |
| surgery can be performed in order to restore the | | | | commence around seven days after the surgery. |
| malformation. | | | | Take your dog on slow walk s for about five |
| An Orthopedic surgeon performs this kind of | | | | minutes. Another suggestion would be to take him |
| surgery and it includes correcting the dog's bone | | | | swimming. In due time, your dog should be able to |
| alignment, tightening his joint capsule, and/or | | | | handle longer walks on the leash 6 weeks after |
| deepening the groove where the kneecap rides. | | | | the surgery and be able to have complete |
| The price for this kind of surgery is around $1,500 | | | | recovery and regular use of his knee around 15 |
| - $3,000, depending on the severity of the case. | | | | weeks after his surgery. |