All dogs should be tested because a slipped kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. However, if you own a small or a toy dog breed, you should have him tested for luxated patella as soon as possible.
Responsible breeders should know that this condition is hereditary, and therefore, have their puppies tested at around six weeks of age, preferable before sending them to their new homes.
Treatment Options for a Slipped Kneecap: Physical tests, along with the length of time that the dog is showing symptoms such as limping, skipping, and carrying his leg, will determine his diagnosis. To indicate the severity of the condition, an X-ray of the thigh bone and the knee will be performed.
Treatment is not required for Grade I, although you should check your dog in case the problem gets worse. For Grades II, III, and IV, surgery can be performed in order to repair the malformation.
Surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon and includes correcting the dog's bone alignment, tightening his joint capsule, and/or deepening the groove where the kneecap rides.
The cost for this kind of surgery is between $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the case.
Although not a dire emergency, it is best to consult your vet as soon as possible if your dog is suffering from a slipped kneecap. If surgery is needed, your vet will refer you to an orthopedic specialist who will perform the operation.
Don't wait! If your dog has a condition of Grade II, Grade III, or Grade IV, it is better to give him the surgery now before the condition worsens. Further damage of the bone and joint may make the outcome of the surgery less successful.
Caring For Your Dog after the Surgery: After surgery, your vet will prescribe medications for your dog's pain as well as anti-inflammation to be taken for an average of one week. Your dog will need plenty of rest during this time, meaning very little activity for at least 1 1/2 weeks.
He should be kept on the leash when outside the house. Keep him in a small and comfortable room to avoid jumping, running around, or other types of activities that can put pressure on his knee.
Physical therapy will begin around 1 week after the surgery. Take him for a slow walk for about five minutes. If possible, take him swimming. Your dog should be able to handle longer walks on the leash six weeks after the surgery and be able to have complete recovery and normal use of his knee approximately 15 weeks after the surgery.
Just like humans, dogs require plenty of exercise. This keeps them within their ideal weight and keeps them healthy and strong. Regularly take your dog for walks around the neighborhood. If possible take them to different places so that they can enjoy variety as well as exercise. Many places offer dog parks, where dogs can run and play with other dogs. If you can't find one of these, then run and play with your dog yourself.
Find an old ball or a Frisbee and let your dog run and chase it. You can also teach your dog to fetch. Just bring some snacks with you and reward your pet with a treat, every time they return the object to you. This can be fun for both of you. When taking your dog for a romp in the park, be sure to bring water for your dog to drink.
Another way to take good care of your pets is by watching what they eat. Shop for them with the same care that you shop for yourself. Read the labels and select the most nutritious ones. Many of the better quality brands are very pricey. If you are unsure of what is the best food that you can buy that will fit within your budget, ask your vet for recommendations. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink and a comfortable place to rest.
Puppies are cute and playful, but you certainly don't want a bunch running around your house. Be responsible and take your pet to be spayed or neutered. Make sure that they receive all of their shots and take them for annual boosters. Heartworms are a very serious health risk for dogs, so make sure that you give them the proper medicine to avoid this condition.
Safety is another important factor when caring for a pet. If you let them outside, keep them in a secure area so that they won't run into the street and into danger. Make sure your pet has an ID tag that includes their name and your phone number. Put as much identifying information that you can on the tag, such as your work number or alternate contact number. Choose bright tags so that they can be read from a distance if necessary, especially if your pet is large and aggressive. The people who find them may be afraid to approach, so by providing a large bright tag, they may be able to get enough information to call you.
Another way to ensure the safe return of your pet is to have a chip implanted under their skin. They are tiny and can be scanned to get the owner's contact information. These tags are often referred to as "Home Again" ID tags and are well worth having.
Both Jane Saeman & Gregg Hall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jane Saeman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Movie Reviews, Music and Cooking Tips. Jane Saeman loves dogs and strives to keep other dog lovers informed.A whole world awaits other dog lovers.Find out how at my website wh. Jane Saeman's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as at. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.