I just love teaching and learning. I keep saying, "I learn something new everyday that I have my Yorkies." I guess that is why I want to continue to write things that may be interesting to some and a learning experience for others.
Today I want to talk about Luxating Patella's in Yorkies.
The kneecap in your dog is on the rear legs up near the hip area. It is not at the "bend" in rear legs. This kneecap is attached by a groove in the bone. Yorkies have very small bone structures and it can easily pop out. The slipping of the kneecap is a common problem in toy breeds and can be slight to severe. Your veterinarian can rate the "slippage" in grades 1-4, with 4 most likely needing surgery due to pain issues.
Dog with luxating patellas often will look like they are skipping or hopping. Your dog may limp or not walk on their hind leg due to the pain related to the slippage. Surgery is usually recommended for Grades 3 & 4.
Is luxating patellas hereditary? There is allot of controversy on this issue. Patella issues can arise from a pup who jumps off from furniture or repeatedly jumps on their back legs at a young age. It can be a result of a fall or trauma to the leg as well. I read recently that 87% of toy breeds have luxating patellas and that they are very common. A grade 1 or 2 is usually not serious and your dog can live a healthful and happy life and it will not affect their quality of life. Luxating patellas are not considered a lifethreatening heredity or congential defect by most breeders.
Did you find this helpful? let me know.......... Holly
3 comments:
Very helpful information! Do you suggest using those portable steps for the smaller bred dogs IF you let them on furniture?
Yes I highly recommend them. We have two sets in our living room. Once your little dog has starting climbing and jumping to get up on the furniture, teach them to climb up and down. Be very careful they don't fall off....especially as babies. This will help although in an excitement phase, they may jump anyways....... Allowing them to jump from high places at a young age will impact their legs and joints........it just takes one fall to potentially create problems. best of luck!
yessss! very helpful, i was wondering what it was, & now i know, so i will be watching my babys very closely ;@)
thanks :@)
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