IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE ACTION TO MAINTAIN JOINT HEALTH WHEN YOUR DOG HAS A SLIPPING KNEECAP (PATELLA)
When the patella repeatedly moves out of position to the inside of the knee, over time it wears away the cartilage on the bony ridge at the end of the thighbone (trochlear groove) which is designed to keep the patella in its normal place. (This condition is called a medially luxating patella.)
Over time this typically results in:
1. PAIN and DISCOMFORT:
This is often mild and / or intermittent to begin with, but can become progressively worse. Signs include limping, holding the leg up for a few moments, changes in posture and an abnormal gait when moving.
2. REDUCED ACTIVITY:
A feeling of instability in the joint can create anxiety around exercise, along with a reluctance to run, jump or play which impacts quality of life.
3. DEGENERATIVE JOINT CHANGES:
Mechanical damage to cartilage and bone releases inflammatory chemicals within affected joints which if allowed to continue hastens the onset of arthritis.
To counteract these ill-effects and maintain healthy joints and mobility:
1. SUPPLEMENT WITH JOINTS:
This provides the nutrients the body needs to:
• repair damaged cartilage and bone
• form oily synovial fluid which ensures joints are well lubricated and easy to move
• maintain muscle mass and strength
2. GIVE JOINT SUPPORT plus RECUPERATION:
This helps the body's natural anti-inflammatory and recuperative mechanisms relieve discomfort and support tissue regeneration and repair.
Together these help dogs with luxating patellas live a healthy, active life for as long as possible.
(These 2 products can be purchased as a bundle for a saving of £6 here.)
3. PROVIDE NATURAL PAIN RELEIF WITH PEA:
If signs of discomfort persist despite the above, give PEA to ease this naturally.
NOTE:
In addition to the supplementation described above, McTimoney chiropractic therapy / canine massage followed by hydrotherapy / physiotherapy help to align and strengthen musculoskeletal structures and limb function.
In a small number of cases, where trauma to the knee has been severe or there is marked inward bowing of the leg, surgical stabilisation may be required to keep a patella in place. An orthopaedic surgeon can advise on this.
It's also important to avoid activities such as jumping up and down, twisting and turning at high speed and strenuous exercise for long periods which could convert an intermittently luxating patella into one that is permanently out of place and requires an operation to correct.