Knee dysplasia in dogs: learn to manage it effectively

Knee dysplasia, or patellar dysplasia, in dogs is a condition where the kneecap (patella) is not correctly situated within the femur's groove, called the trochlear groove.

The kneecap should move freely within the trochlear groove during knee movement.

However, in patellar dysplasia, the kneecap can shift laterally (outwards) or medially (inwards) from its normal position.

This can cause various mobility issues in the animal and the disease can become disabling as it progresses.

What are the causes of knee dysplasia in dogs?

Knee dysplasia in dogs, or patellar luxation, can have several causes, which can be congenital or acquired. Here are some of the most common causes:

Genetic predisposition: Knee dysplasia can have a genetic component and is often more common in certain dog breeds. This means that dogs of certain breeds, particularly larger ones, may have a higher susceptibility to developing the condition.

Skeletal malformations: Some anatomical or skeletal malformations can predispose a dog to knee dysplasia. These malformations can include a shallow groove for the patella, a kneecap that is too large or too small for the joint size, or an irregular shape of the knee bones.

Traumas or injuries: Injuries or traumas to the knee can cause patellar dysplasia in dogs. These incidents can lead to the displacement or luxation of the kneecap from its normal position.

Developmental defects: During the dog's growth phase, there can be problems in the development of the knee joint, leading to patellar dysplasia. This can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, rapid growth, or other developmental disorders.

Leg length discrepancy: A difference in length between the dog's front or hind legs can affect muscle balance and knee joint stability, increasing the risk of patellar dysplasia.

Knee dysplasia is a multifactorial condition, meaning that more than one cause can contribute to the disease's development.

Furthermore, the severity of knee dysplasia can vary from mild to severe depending on the causes and individual factors of each dog.

What are the symptoms of knee dysplasia in dogs?

The symptoms of knee dysplasia in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the degree of patellar luxation:

The dog may start to limp or lift a hind leg while walking or running. The limp may be more noticeable after physical exercise or during intense activity.
The dog may show intermittent lameness, which appears as a hind leg temporarily bending during movement, followed by a return to normal walking.
The dog may have difficulty walking or running normally. It might seem stiff or uncertain in the movements of its hind legs.
While walking, the dog may display hopping or skipping as it tries to stabilize the displaced kneecap or reduce pain.
The dog may show signs of discomfort or pain when touching or manipulating the knee joint. It might be sensitive to touch or whine when pressure is applied.
The dog might hold up the affected hind leg, trying to alleviate pain or instability in the joint.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can worsen over time if untreated.

In some cases, knee dysplasia can lead to complications such as the early onset of osteoarthritis, which can further exacerbate the dog's pain and inability to move normally.

At what age does knee dysplasia manifest in dogs?

Knee dysplasia generally presents itself at a young age, usually within the first few years of life.

The condition can be present from birth or may develop during the dog's growth phase.

Knee dysplasia can be detected in puppies, although symptoms may not become apparent until the dog starts to move actively.

Usually, the condition becomes more noticeable between 4 and 12 months of age, during the dog's rapid growth phase.

However, it can also manifest at an older age, especially in milder cases or if the dog has developed symptoms only following injuries or trauma to the knee joint.

How to recognize knee dysplasia in dogs?

After assessing the symptoms, specific tests such as radiography, clinical examination, and evaluation of the clinical history should be conducted.

Only then can the veterinarian accurately indicate not only the presence of the pathology but also its severity.

Patellar dysplasia is classified as follows:

Grade 1: The kneecap occasionally displaces from its normal position but can spontaneously return to its place.

Grade 2: The kneecap displaces more frequently from its normal position and requires manual help to return to the right position.

Grade 3: The kneecap is constantly dislocated and requires manual manipulation to be put back into the correct position.

Grade 4: The kneecap is permanently dislocated and cannot be returned to the normal position.

Once the degree is determined, the most suitable therapy for the animal will be established.

What is the therapy for knee dysplasia in dogs?

The treatment for knee dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms present.

The veterinarian will opt for one of these based on the results of diagnostic tests:

Conservative therapy: In mild or early cases, conservative therapy may be sufficient to manage symptoms. This can include controlling the dog's weight, physiotherapy, and pharmacological therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the knee joint.

Controlled exercise: Controlled exercise and physiotherapy can be helpful in strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint and improving stability. A veterinarian or veterinary physiotherapist can provide appropriate guidance on exercises to perform and correct movement modalities.

Nutritional supplements: Some nutritional supplements, such as chondroprotective agents containing glucosamine and chondroitin, can be used to promote joint health and cartilage tissue recovery. However, the effectiveness of such supplements in specifically addressing knee dysplasia is still a matter of debate.

Surgery: In more severe cases or if conservative therapy is not effective in controlling symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include creating a deeper trochlear groove to keep the kneecap in its correct position (trochleoplasty), correcting anatomical abnormalities, reconstructing surrounding ligaments, or stabilizing the joint.

Unfortunately, knee dysplasia is a chronic condition, and treatment primarily aims to manage symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life.

Long-term management might require a combination of therapies and regular monitoring to adapt to the dog's needs.

How is the surgery for knee dysplasia in dogs performed?

The surgical procedure for knee dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and the specific assessment of the veterinarian. There are several surgical procedures that can be considered:

Deepening of the trochlear groove

This procedure, also known as trochleoplasty, involves modifying the trochlear groove to create a deeper groove.

This helps to keep the kneecap in its correct position and prevent its dislocation. It is primarily used for dogs with grade 1 or 2 patellar luxation.

After a trochleoplasty, the dog may require a recovery period of about 4-6 weeks.

During this period, it will be necessary to limit the dog's physical activity, follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding rest, physical therapy, and medication administration.

Gradual rehabilitation may include joint mobilization exercises, physical therapy, and muscle strength recovery.

Tibial tuberosity transposition

This procedure involves moving the attachment point of the patellar tendon on the tibia. This can help to realign the kneecap and stabilize the knee joint.

It is often used for dogs with grade 2 or 3 patellar luxation.

After a tibial tuberosity transposition, the dog may require a recovery period of about 6-8 weeks.

During this period, the same precautions described above will be necessary, with attention to pain management and restoration of knee joint mobility.

Corrective surgery for structural anomalies

In some cases, knee dysplasia may be associated with structural defects such as an overly small kneecap or anomalies in the conformation of the knee joint.

In such situations, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct these defects and improve joint stability.

Corrective surgery for structural anomalies in the treatment of knee dysplasia in dogs may require a recovery period similar to other surgical procedures.

However, the exact duration of the recovery period will depend on the specific nature of the surgery and the individual response of the dog.

After the surgery, the dog will undergo a recovery period where it will be necessary to limit physical activity and follow the veterinarian's instructions.

The dog might have a bandage or a brace for the knee joint, and medications may be prescribed for pain control and to prevent infection.

During the first few days after the surgery, the dog will need to be kept calm and limited in its activity.

It will be important to provide a quiet and comfortable resting area for the dog, minimizing excessive stress on the knee joint.

During the first weeks of recovery, the dog might require regular check-ups with the veterinarian to assess healing and make any adjustments to the recovery plan.

It will be crucial to follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding medication administration, physical therapy, and changes in diet or lifestyle.

After the initial recovery period, the veterinarian may recommend gradual rehabilitation to help the dog restore mobility and strength in the knee joint.

This may include physical therapy exercises, controlled walks, and other activities aimed at improving joint functionality.

Is surgery for knee dysplasia in dogs definitive?

Surgical treatment for knee dysplasia in dogs can be very effective in improving the dog's quality of life and reducing symptoms associated with the condition.

However, it's important to understand that the outcome of the surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of the knee dysplasia, the presence of any complications, and the individual response of the dog to the surgery.

In many cases, surgery can provide a significant reduction in pain and improvement in the functionality of the knee joint.

It can also prevent further damage to the joint and slow the progression of dysplasia.

Unfortunately, not all dogs experience a complete resolution of symptoms after surgery.

Some dogs may still show mild signs of lameness or have a limited range of motion in the knee joint, even after surgery.

Moreover, knee dysplasia is a chronic condition and may require long-term management.

It's important to discuss realistic expectations for your specific dog with your veterinarian, based on the severity of its knee dysplasia and the type of recommended surgical procedure.

The veterinarian will be able to provide specific information on the likelihood of success of the surgery and possible expected outcomes.

How much does surgery for knee dysplasia in dogs cost?

The price can vary depending on the type of procedure, the clinic, and many other factors, so the best thing is to talk to your trusted veterinarian and ask for an accurate estimate.

Author's Note

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From the Staff of Khani.co.uk

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