Question:
Last week, our 3-year-old terrier mix (4-1/2 pounds) was diagnoses with luxating patellas (trick knees) on both hind legs. The vet said we should do surgery immediately. She also said it would be very painful and there were no guarantees that it would resolve the problem completely.We are reluctant to put our pet through the pain and are wondering if there is another way to provide help for him -- with a change in diet, using supplements or medications, or exercise.Our pet is a rescued dog. We took him to the vet right after we got him (at 10 months old), and nothing unusual was found at that time.
B.S., North Richland Hills, TX Sep 17, 2006
Answer:
Luxating patella, or "trick knee," is a crippling disorder of hereditary origin that is common in smaller breeds.There are no supplements or physical therapies to address this problem. The only remedy is to surgically correct the torn or slack ligaments that help keep each kneecap in place. If surgical correction is not done, your dog will become a permanent cripple, unable to enjoy normal physical activity, and most likely will develop painful chronic arthritis in the knee joints.
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