Shar Pei Petallar Luxation

The definition of luxating is dislocated or out of place. The patella is the kneecap portion of the leg structure. If you put the two words together, the definition refers to the kneecap dislocation or a kneecap out of location. The patella normally moves up and down in a groove in the lower femur bone called the trochlear groove.

Luxation can be broken down into two types, medial and lateral. Medial is the most common type of luxation and includes the dislocation of the patella to the inside of the knee. Medial luxation is usually present at birth and not usually traumatic like that of lateral luxation.

On the contrary, lateral patellar luxation is the dislocation of the patella to the outside of the knee. Lateral luxation can also be present at birth. In some cases, a patella can be both medial and lateral. This disorder can affect one or both of the knees and can consist different degrees of pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur as early as weaning or may be detected later in life. Listed below are a few symptoms of patellar luxation.

• Rear leg lameness
• Shifting from one leg to the other
• Inability to fully extend the stifle
• Frequent stopping and stretching of the rear leg
• Hopping or skipping action

Frequent stopping and stretching is a major symptom of patellar luxation. The stretching of the leg allows the patella to pop back into its normal groove.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians can usually confirm diagnosis as early as eight weeks of age. Examinations should be done by an experienced veterinarian since ligaments are fragile as puppies and can be stretched easily. Degrees of patellar luxation varies between four different grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4. Grade one is the least affected grade while grades three and four are permanent types of patellar luxation.

Grade 1: This is the lowest grade of patellar luxation and is usually accompanied by occasional carrying of the leg and slight skipping or hopping. This can easily be treated by a veterinarian who can manually return the patella to its normal position.

Grade 2: This is the second lowest grade of patellar luxation and is usually accompanied by frequent carrying of the leg. Your dog will occasionally put some weight on the leg but not use it as heavily as the others. When examined by a veterinarian, a crackling sensation, also known as crepitation, may occur. If this grade luxation is not treated, it can develop into degenerative joint changes.

Grade 3: Weight bearing may still be possible but the dogs stance will be somewhat bowlegged or crouched. At this stage, the luxation is considered a permanent dislocation and surgical procedures should take place right away. If the dog is young and still growing, it is especially important to perform the surgery as soon as possible. Abnormalities form rapidly in this stage.

Grade 4: This is the final stage of luxation and is also a permanent stage. The limb is always carried, bearing no weight. Surgery is recommended for bone deformities and the femur.

How is it treated?

There are a variety of treatments based on the severity of the disorder, age, and weight. Treatment can range from decreasing your pets activity to surgical reconstruction of the joint. Surgical procedures that involve reconstruction usually provide for a functional joint.