Luxating Patella in Dachshunds: Reasons and Treatment Tips

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If you’re dealing with luxating patella in Dachshunds, then we pretty know how you fell. This condition where the kneecap slips out of place can cause discomfort, mobility problems and if left untreated even serious complications. Knowing what luxating patella is, its causes, and treatment options is key to keeping your dachshund happy, healthy, and active.

Here’s everything you need to know about dachshund luxating patella – symptoms to watch out for, treatment options and how to keep your pup’s joints healthy. If you’re a dachshund owner read on to learn how to deal with patellar luxation in dachshunds and keep your furry friend happy.

What Exactly is Luxating Patella in Dachshunds?

In plain speak, patellar luxation means your dog’s kneecap (or “patella”) isn’t staying in its groove in the knee joint. Instead, it’s popping in and out (luxating) which can cause discomfort, limping or even pain if left untreated.

In dachshunds, it’s a bit more common because of their body shape. Those cute short legs and long bodies make them prone to many health issues, and patellar luxation is one of them.

What causes patellar luxation in dachshunds?

A luxating patella in dachshunds can be caused by:

Genetics: Unfortunately some dachshunds are born with this. If the groove in their knee joint is too shallow or the bones are slightly misaligned the kneecap has a harder time staying in place.
Trauma: Sometimes an injury like a bad fall or jumping off the couch can cause patellar luxation. That’s why I don’t allow my Dachshund to jump from beds in my house. To save his spine, hips and joints, I always place dog stairs next to the bed. Our store offers you soft and stable stairs for Dachshunds that can prevent your dog from injuries.

They can be of great help when your pooch reaches senior age or or puppies who need extra help.

Obesity: A little extra weight on those tiny legs can make things worse. While dachshunds are foodies dachshunds are notorious for, keeping them lean is key to not putting unnecessary strain on their joints. Do not feed your Doxie with snacks and all those nasty and tasty food leftovers. Each calorie counts, so it’s important not to overfeed your pooch with snacks that are not the part of their regular diet.

Signs Your Dachshund Might Have a Luxating Patella

So how do you know if your dachshund is having this issue? Look out for these signs:

Skipping or Hopping Gait: If your pup lifts one of their back legs while walking or running they might be trying to avoid the discomfort of a dislocated kneecap.
Limping: A more obvious sign especially if it’s recurring.
Not Walking or Running: If your usually speedy dachshund is being hesitant or slow then it’s worth investigating.
Pain or Sensitivity in the Knee Area: They will yelp, whimper or pull away if you touch the leg.

If you see any of these then book a visit with your vet. The sooner the better for your pup.

Diagnosing Patellar Luxation in Dachshunds

When you go to the vet they’ll do a physical exam to check your dachshund’s knee stability. They’ll feel how easily the kneecap comes out of place and might even take X-rays to see how bad it is.

Patellar luxation is graded 1-4 with 1 being the mildest (kneecap pops out sometimes but goes back on its own) and 4 being the worst (kneecap stays out of place and can’t go back in the groove). Knowing the grade will help determine the best course of treatment.

Treating a Luxating Patella in Dachshunds

Now for the big question: what can you do if your dachshund has a luxating patella? The treatment depends on the grade.

Non-Surgical

For mild cases (Grade 1 or 2) surgery might not be necessary. Instead, you can manage with:

Weight Management: Keep your dachshund at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints.
Exercise: Low-impact activities like short walks or swimming to build muscle around the knee.
Joint Supplements: Products with glucosamine and chondroitin can help joint health over time.
Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and exercises to build muscle strength and stability. You can also take your dog to swim because it provenly helps in dealing with joint and spine pains.

Surgical

If your dachshund has a more severe case (Grade 3 or 4) surgery might be the way to go. Surgical correction involves realigning the bones or deepening the groove in the knee joint to keep the patella in place.

After surgery, your pup will need plenty of rest and physical therapy to recover.

Can a Brace Help with a Luxating Patella in Dachshunds?

For mild to moderate cases of dachshund patellar luxation, wearing a brace can sometimes be a helpful addition to your dog’s treatment plan. A knee brace provides extra support to the joint, helping to stabilize the kneecap and reduce the chances of it slipping out of place. This can be especially useful for dogs who aren’t candidates for surgery or for those in the recovery phase after a surgical procedure.

Here’s what you should know about using a brace for your dachshund:

Support and Stability: A well-fitted brace can reduce strain on the joint during activity, making it easier for your dog to walk or run without discomfort.
Non-Invasive Solution: Unlike surgery, braces are a low-risk, non-invasive option that can be used alongside other treatments like physical therapy and weight management.
Custom Fit: To ensure effectiveness, it’s important to get a brace that is specifically designed for your dachshund’s size and needs. Custom braces or those recommended by your veterinarian are your best bet.
Limitations: While braces can provide relief, they aren’t a cure. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the issue.

How to Prevent Dachshund Patellar Luxation

While not all cases can be prevented (especially if genetics are involved) there are things you can do to reduce the risk:

Manage Their Weight: Don’t overfeed and stick to a healthy diet. Dachshunds are prone to weight gain so portion control is key.
Minimize Jumping: As tempting as it is to let your dachshund jump off the furniture, invest in pet stairs or ramps to save their joints in the long run.
Regular Vet Visits: Regular checkups can catch problems early even if your pup isn’t showing symptoms.

Other Common Health Issues in Dachshunds

Dachshund patellar luxation isn’t the only health issue to watch for in this breed. Other common dachshund health issues are:

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Their long backs are prone to disc problems which can cause pain or paralysis.
Obesity: This can exacerbate joint and back problems.
Dental Issues: Those little mouths can be a breeding ground for tartar and gum disease.

By being proactive about their overall health you can help your dachshund avoid complications and live a longer happier life.

When to Worry and When to Relax

While the idea of a luxating patella might sound overwhelming, it’s important to remember that many dachshunds with this condition live perfectly normal lives. The key is early detection and proper management. Whether that means adjusting their diet, adding a joint supplement, or even going the surgical route, there are plenty of options to ensure your dachshund stays comfortable and active.

Note that some supplements such as vitamin D, Omega 3 and Omega 6, calcium, and vitamin C can help in maintaining joint health. Besides, chondroitin and glucosamine are one of the most important supplements when your Dach reaches senior age.

Dealing With Patellar Luxation in Dachshunds: Wrapping Up

Dealing with dachshund luxating patella might not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership However, it’s part of the package when you have a breed as unique as these little hot dogs. Therefore, you have to help your pet as much as you can and provide him/her with endless support. Mobility issues in Dachshunds know to be very tough. Since their small legs can’t sustain extra pounds, you will also need to keep your pooch in a tip-top shape.

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