Luxated Patella
Contributed By: Christine Swingle
W.H.W.T.C.A. Health Committee

Description

The patella is commonly referred to as the kneecap. Luxated means dislocation, therefore, it is a dislocation of the kneecap. Other terms are slipped kneecap and slipped patella or stifle. In dogs, the kneecap is a small bone that protects the front of the stifle joint: it is the counterpart of the kneecap in man. It is anchored in place by ligaments, and slides in a groove in the femur. Conditions, which predispose to dislocation of the patella, are a shallow trochlear grove; weak ligaments; and mal-alignment of the tendons and muscles that straighten the joint. The patella slips inward (medial) or outward. It can be unilateral (both knees) or bilateral (one knee). It may cause severe pain. There are two thoughts on how this happens. One is that it can be inherited, or acquired through trauma. With some small dogs, all it takes is an isolated incident such as jumping off the couch the wrong way. The mode of inheritance has not been determined for Westies.

Symptoms:

Pain, lameness or an animal running and suddenly yelping in pain, which may or may not lead to limping. Sometimes the slipped kneecap can slip back into place just as quickly.

Diagnosis:

Upon examination, there is difficulty straightening the knee; pain in the stifle; and a limp. The tip of the hock often points outward and the toes inward. Diagnosis is confirmed by manipulating the stifle joint and pushing the kneecap in and out of position. X-rays will be helpful to examine the trochlear ridges, which will give an indication of future prognosis.

Treatment:

Treatment consists of slipping the patella back into place. This may or may not be permanent as relapses can occur. Depending on the individual case, surgical correction may be beneficial and there are a number of different techniques used for a more permanent solution.

Experience:

In 1968, my first Westie, Bonnie, who was also being shown at the time, developed a slipped kneecap due to going up and down a steep flight of stairs in the house I was living in at the time. She was a light-boned Westie and the constant stress, I am convinced, caused her kneecap to luxate. One veterinarian said she would have to stay on cortisone and would probably always have some kind of lameness. He doubted she could ever be shown again. I got another opinion. The second veterinarian took an x-ray which showed that the trochlear groove was in good condition. He did not recommend cortisone. Instead, he recommended crate rest and that I should carry her up and down the stairs. He also advised me not to let her jump up and down off things but she could walk on flat surfaces. This I did for three months while her show career was on hold. A year later, Bonnie finished her championship and never had another episode or lameness for the rest of her 16 years.


***Disclaimer***

Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.


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