Luxating Patella
Luxating Patella is a common stifle abnormality but the condition is most often seen in toy and miniature breeds and dogs that have a ‘bow-legged’ stance.
Luxating Patella occurs when the patella becomes dislocated from its normal position within the trochlea. The trochlea is a groove that runs along the femur, along which the patella moves as the knee joint is flexed and extended. The most usual direction of dislocation is to the medial aspect (inside) of the knee. Once the patella dislocates the leg is no longer able to properly flex. The patella can only be returned to the trochlea once the quadricep muscles relax and lengthen.
Luxating Patella is usually caused by a genetic malformation. Female dogs are more likely to suffer from Luxating Patella. The condition can also be triggered by trauma. Luxating Patella symptoms will start to show at around the age of four months, although it is not uncommon for adult dogs to start showing symptoms.
The affected dog will have been born with normal stifle joints but as bones and muscles grow the abnormalities develop. With this constant misplacement the quadricep muscles will start to grow and displace towards this direction causing a bowstring affect. In consequence the trochlea groove will not develop properly and the limb deformities become self-perpetuating.
Holes can wear through the cartilage of the patella and the trochlea ridge triggering osteoarthritis. The constant pull of the quadriceps as the patella dislocates can also stress the joint, including the cruciate ligament.
There are four grades of Luxating Patella; Grade 1 being where the patella luxates then returns, Grade 2 when the patella only returns when the stifle is extended, Grade 3 when the patella is luxated for the majority of time, and Grade 4 when there is permanent luxation.
How massage helps
Massage can really help dogs with Grades 1 and 2 Luxating Patella and massage may even mean that the dog does not require surgery. Massage can address protective muscle splinting, which will reduce pain and improve movement. Therefore gait and activity levels will also improve.
The patella is held by the patella ligament, arising from the tendon of quadriceps. This tendon can become stretched and strained. Other muscle groups within the hindlimb will be affected and muscles in the lower limb will be strained whilst the patella is dislocated.
Reduces pain
Helps keep your dog active and mobile
Ensures areas of overcompensation and pain referral are minimised
Reduces soreness/stiffness
Encourages weight bearing on all 4 limbs
Helps prevent tightness in other muscle groups, such as the back muscles