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Intervertebral Disc Disease
Condition Guide
Intervertebral Disc Disease
What is Intervertebral Disc Disease?
A more common term for Intervertebral disc disease is a ‘slipped disc’ in the back. The discs are the structures between the bones of the spine that act as shock absorbers.
Discs in dogs degenerate as they get older – just like people. This process results in the discs becoming dehydrated and losing their cushioning effect. They may then ‘slip’ in one of two ways:
- The material in the centre of the disc can come out of the fibrous ring and injure the spinal cord
- The fibrous ring may thicken and compress the spinal cord
What are the signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Sudden inability to walk
- Back pain
- Reluctance to jump or climb
- Tense abdomen
- Mild weakness or incoordination of the back legs
- Incontinence
How is Intervertebral Disc Disease diagnosed?
A neurological examination is necessary to assess the severity of any neurological injury. This involves testing numerous reflexes and checking the dog’s ability to feel pain in the hind limbs. The examination often helps the specialist to localise which area of the spine is affected.
Normal X-rays of the back may reveal evidence of intervertebral disc disease, such as a narrowed disc space or a calcified disc. However, more advanced investigations are necessary to see which disc has actually slipped and assess the severity of any spinal cord compression.
How is Intervertebral Disc Disease treated?
The two principle methods of managing intervertebral disc disease:
Conservative Management
When dogs with mild deficits evident from intervertebral disc disease then conservatively managing their condition may be an option. Their exercise must be restricted; short lead walks for toileting purposes may be necessary, with strict confinement at other times. The hope is that the ‘slipped disc’ will heal, any back pain subside and the spinal cord recover from any injury. Painkillers may be necessary and possibly other drugs, such as muscle relaxants.
Surgical Management
The aims of surgery are to remove any disc material that is compressing the spinal cord and to prevent any more disc material ‘slipping’. Decompressive surgery involves removing a section of bone from around the spine to enable retrieval of disc material. Further ‘slipping’ can be prevented by cutting a small window in the side of the disc and removing material in the centre.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.
Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.
Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)
Condition Guide
Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)
What is Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)?
Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure in which the ball portion and the attachment (neck) portion are removed from the rest of the femur, which in essence removes the hip joint. The body forms a “new hip” in the months following surgery. But unlike the normal contact of bone and cartilage, the new hip is a collection of scar tissue with additional support from the surrounding muscles and joint capsule.
Why would an Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) be recommended?
FHO is a surgical treatment for hip disorders such as a fractured hip, hip dysplasia, hip luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in small dogs (less than 50 pounds).
Active dogs often experience better results with FHO than less-active dogs. The muscle mass that has been built up through activity helps to stabilize the joint, allowing the dog to regain pain-free mobility more quickly than inactive pets. Inactive dogs have less muscle mass around the joint, making the joint less stable post-operatively and leading to longer recovery times.
What does Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) involve?
An FHO restores mobility to the hip by removing the head of the femur. This removes the ball of the ball-and-socket joint, leaving just an empty socket. The muscles of the leg will initially hold the femur in place and, over time, scar tissue will form between the acetabulum and the femur to provide cushioning that is referred to as a ‘false joint’. Although this joint is anatomically very different from a normal hip joint, it provides pain-free mobility in most patients.
What is post surgical life like after Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)?
Care varies based upon the needs of the specific patient, but in general the post-operative recovery can be divided into two phases:
- In the first several days post-operatively, your dog will be healing from the surgical procedure. Because bones and muscle are cut during this procedure, the focus during this period will be on pain control. Activity restriction during the first several days postoperatively is strongly recommended.
- In the first 30 days after surgery, it is important to avoid rough play or any activity that encourages sudden twists and turns. These high-impact motions will slow the healing that is occurring within the joint and muscles.
Most dogs will be show signs of complete recovery approximately six weeks post-operatively. Healing may be more rapid in dogs that had normal function up until shortly before the FHO and may be slower in dogs with longstanding, chronic issues.
Most dogs recover fully after FHO surgery and regain essentially-normal function of the affected leg. Although the leg may have a slightly decreased range of motion or decreased limb length after surgery, these impacts are typically minimal and do not impact the pet’s quality of life.
Post surgical rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Osteoarthritis
Condition Guide
Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a very common problem in small animals, as it is in humans. It has been estimated that around 4 in every 5 of dogs will be affected by osteoarthritis at some point in their lives.
The condition causes long term degeneration of joints and involves many tissues including cartilage (the white, shiny, low-friction joint surfaces), bone under the cartilage, joint capsule and fluid in the joint (synovial fluid).
Unlike humans where osteoarthritis is usually related to ageing and ‘wear and tear’ of joints, osteoarthritis in dogs usually has a specific underlying cause and is therefore often seen earlier in life. Underlying causes can include developmental conditions such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia, ligament rupture and traumatic problems such as broken bones involving a joint.
Once osteoarthritis has started in a joint it cannot be cured and will affect an animal for the rest of his or her life. However, the osteoarthritis can be broadly divided into two forms (1) chronic active osteoarthritis which causes pain and lameness and (2) chronic silent osteoarthritis which may cause stiffness but not pain or lameness.
What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Stiffness
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- Moaning
- Restlessness
- Altered behaviour
- Reluctance to climb, jump or exercise
How is Osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Joints affected with osteoarthritis are often thickened with a restricted range of movement and muscles on the affected limb are invariably wasted or reduced in size. Detecting evidence of pain on manipulation of arthritic joints is an important feature that helps distinguish the active and silent forms of the disease.
X-rays are the most common method of diagnosing osteoarthritis and ruling out other possible causes of joint pain and lameness. Images from the X-rays typically include the formation of abnormal bone around the joint.
How is a Osteoarthritis treated?
Since osteoarthritis cannot be easily cured, the aim of treatment is to convert chronic active osteoarthritis into chronic silent osteoarthritis.
There is no single approach to treatment that is successful in every case, and most dogs need a multi-modal approach.
Medical Management
Since osteoarthritis can be painful, painkillers are usually prescribed. In the long term these can often be reduced or discontinued, although in some animals long term medication is needed. Although long term medication can have a risk of side effects, this risk must be balanced against recurrence of pain from the osteoarthritis if the medication is not given.
Exercise Management
Exercise levels are very important. Initially when a joint is painful it is necessary to decrease exercise, often to just short walks on the lead. In the long term, it is very important to gradually increase exercise as much as possible. This allows pets to remain fit and active and enjoy a good quality of life. However, excessive activity must be avoided since this could cause pain to recur. There is no golden rule as to how much exercise an animal with osteoarthritis can have, since all patients are different; instead, exercise levels need to be tailored to the individual animal.
Weight Management
Weight control is also very important. Pets that are an ideal weight have fewer painful episodes and less progression of osteoarthritis than overweight animals. Prescription diets may be needed in some animals to help with weight loss.
Supplements
Long term food supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and green lipped muscle extract have been proposed to help reduce the progression of osteoarthritis in the joint. Whilst these products are very popular and are safe, it should be borne in mind that there is very little proof of their effectiveness.
Foods containing omega-3-fatty acids can have a natural anti-inflammatory action which may help to relieve discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. Supplements (such as evening primrose oil) or special prescription diets can be used.
Complementary Therapies
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can be useful in some pets to help maintain fitness and muscle mass.
Some arthritic dogs can benefit from regular hydrotherapy sessions, which can help improve joint range of movement and maintain muscle mass. Swimming, as a non-weight bearing exercise, can also be a useful activity to assist with weight loss, when normal exercise may not be well tolerated.
These therapies need to be discussed carefully with your vet before being started, to avoid making painful joints worse.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
Condition Guide
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
What is Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)?
An FCE occurs when a piece of fibrous cartilage causes a block to blood vessels to an area of the spinal cord. The fibrous cartilage originates from the soft centre of the intervertebral disc. It is commonly compared to ‘stroke’ in the spinal cord. The altered blood flow to the spinal cord causes a lack of oxygen to the neurons and they can become dysfunctional and lead to the clinical presentation associated with FCE.
What are the signs of Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Pain following activity
- One sided limb dysfunction
- Loss of control from weakness to total paralysis in hind limbs
How is Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) diagnosed?
The clinical history will guide our specialist neurologists to the presumptive diagnosis of an FCE, however MRI diagnostic imaging will confirm this.
How is Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) treated?
Surgery is not usually considered in the management of an FCE. Intensive Physiotherapy is the primary treatment to ensure the full recovery of your dog. Ideally in the first instance treatments will be daily.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.
Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.
Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
More conditions
The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Spondylosis deformans
Condition Guide
Spondylosis deformans
What is Spondylosis deformans?
Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is best characterised by the presence of bony spurs or osteophytes along the edges of the bones of the spine.
A bony spur may develop in a single spot on the spine; more commonly, there will be multiple bone spurs in several different locations along the spine.
The most common places that spondylosis deformans lesions develop are along the thoracic vertebrae (chest), especially at the junction between the rib cage and the abdomen, in the lumbar spine (lower back) and in the lumbosacral spine (around the hips and back legs). In some cases the bony spurs may become large enough that they appear to form a complete bridge between adjacent vertebral bones.
Spondylosis deformans is a chronic condition that is associated with aging. Research indicates that it often develops as a secondary problem related to degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs.
What are the symptoms of Spondylosis deformans?
Most dogs with spondylosis deformans are free of any symptoms. Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Restrictive spinal movement
- May appear stiffer
- Pain in the back or hind legs
- Lameness in hind limbs
- Neurological delays
How is Spondylosis deformans diagnosed?
This condition is usually diagnosed from X-rays of the spine. In some cases, it may be an ‘incidental finding’ that is noticed when radiographs are taken for some other reason.
How is a Spondylosis deformans treated?
Treatment recommendations depend on the individual dog and whether or not it is showing any clinical signs.
Most dogs with spondylosis deformans appear to be pain-free and in these cases treatment is not necessary. If the pet appears to be painful, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics may provide relief. Physiotherapy, weight loss, and controlled exercise programs may be helpful in some cases.
In rare cases, the osteophytes may be causing spinal cord compression, and in these cases, surgery to remove them may be indicated.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
More conditions
The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Osteochondrosis
Condition Guide
Osteochondrosis
What is Osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a common condition that affects the joints of young, rapidly growing dogs. The surface of the joint (the articular cartilage) fails to convert into bone in specific locations. This results in areas of thickened cartilage. These areas are weak and cause the thickened cartilage to detach from the surrounding normal cartilage and form a flap.
This process is called osteochondritis dissecans (or OCD). The flap of abnormal cartilage may detach from the surface of the joint and form what is termed a ‘joint mouse’.
Osteochondrosis causes the development of secondary osteoarthritis. Osteochondrosis primarily affects the shoulder, elbow, knee (stifle) and ankle (hock) joints. The condition frequently affects both left and right joints (termed ‘bilateral’).
What are the symptoms of Osteochondrosis?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Lameness
- Stiffness (especially post exercise)
- Lethargy
- Exercise reluctance
- Preference to lie rather than sit or stand
How is Osteochondrosis diagnosed?
Examination may reveal muscle wastage. Manipulation of the affected joint(s) may cause pain. Swelling and restriction in range of movement may be evident.
X-rays are the most common method of diagnosing osteochondrosis. They enable the presence and severity of secondary osteoarthritis to be assessed. A more sensitive way of diagnosing the condition in this joint is by placing a small camera in the joint – this is called arthroscopic examination.
How is a Osteochondrosis treated?
Shoulder Osteochondrosis
Surgery is generally indicated to remove the fragment of loose cartilage. This can be done arthroscopically or via a direct surgical approach. Following removal of the flap of cartilage the defect heals with an inferior type of cartilage called fibrocartilage.
Conservative management of shoulder osteochondrosis is generally not recommended as pain and lameness may persist as long as the cartilage flap remains attached. The results of this approach are uncontrollable and unpredictable.
The majority of dogs with shoulder osteochondrosis recover very well following surgery. Lameness usually resolves despite the development of osteoarthritis. Occasionally stiffness or lameness after vigorous exercise will be evident.
Stifle Osteochondrosis
Surgery is generally advised to remove the fragment of loose cartilage. Following removal of the flap of cartilage the defect heals with an inferior type of cartilage called fibrocartilage. Conservative management is occasionally indicated, especially in older dogs.
Some dogs do quite well following stifle osteochondrosis surgery and others remain lame. It is not possible to predict the outcome in individual cases.
Hock Osteochondrosis
When the condition is diagnosed at a young age, for example six months, surgery is generally recommended to remove the fragment of loose cartilage. Following removal the defect heals with an inferior type of cartilage called fibrocartilage. In selected cases reattachment of loose areas of bone and cartilage can be attempted. If successful this can give a good outcome, although complications can be seen. Conservative management may be appropriate in older dogs that have established osteoarthritis.
Some dogs with hock osteochondrosis develop severe secondary osteoarthritis that results in permanent pain and lameness. If the response to conservative management (weight regulation, exercise restriction, painkillers) is unsatisfactory, salvage surgery may be required. This involves fusing the joint (arthrodesis). A bone graft is packed into the joint following removal of cartilage and the joint is stabilised with a plate and screws.
The outlook with hock osteochondrosis is quite guarded, with many dogs having some degree of persistent stiffness and lameness.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
More conditions
The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Limb Deformity
Condition Guide
Limb Deformity
What is Limb Deformity?
Like people, the limbs of dogs are meant to be relatively straight. The mechanism by which puppies limbs develop and grow is very complex. Occasionally these processes go wrong and deformities result.
There are zones at the ends of the bones in immature animals that are responsible for increasing bone length in a symmetrical manner. These are called the growth plates.
Limb deformities may either be present at birth or become apparent during growth. There are a number of possible causes of limb deformities, the two most common being a genetic disorder and injury.
What are the symptoms of Limb Deformity?
Many dogs with mild growth deformities can be managed non-surgically. The deformity may be primarily cosmetic rather than causing pain and lameness.
In general, the smaller and more sedentary the patient, the greater should be the consideration for conservative management. In adult animals, corrective surgery is elective and thus can be considered at any time if the response to conservative management is unsatisfactory
How is Limb Deformity diagnosed?
X-ray (radiography) is the principle method of investigating growth deformities. It enables assessment of the location of the deformity and also the direction and magnitude of the deformity.
How is a Limb Deformity treated?
Conservative management may necessitate exercise restriction, such as avoidance of agility-type activities or jumping down from heights. This is especially important in immature dogs to reduce the possibility of further growth plate injury.
Overweight animals should be placed on a diet. In dogs with remaining growth potential, the rate of growth should be evaluated and reduced if necessary by limiting food intake and considering changing feeding from a growth to an adult formula diet under veterinary guidance.
The type of surgery will vary according to the age of the dog (since this influences the remaining growth potential), the bone or bones affected, the possibility of joint involvement, and the severity of the deformity.
The most common surgical procedures performed in immature dogs with growth deformities are:
- Ostectomy of a paired bone
- Corrective Ostectomy
- Limb lengthening
Restriction of exercise following surgery is necessary until there is radiographic evidence of bone healing (usually six to eight weeks). Active and passive physiotherapy techniques are often beneficial.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
More conditions
The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Patellar Luxation
Condition Guide
Patellar Luxation
What is Patellar Luxation?
The patella is a small bone at the front of the knee (the knee-cap). It is positioned between the quadriceps muscle and a tendon that attaches to the shin bone. The patella glides in a groove at the end of the thigh bone as the knee flexes and extends.
Occasionally the patella slips out of the groove. This is called luxation or dislocation,. Most commonly the luxation is towards the inside (medial aspect) of the knee, however, it can also dislocate towards the outside (lateral aspect) of the joint.
The patella luxates because it (and the quadriceps mechanism in general) is not aligned properly with the underlying groove. The resultant abnormal tracking or movement of the patella causes it to slip out of the groove.
Patellar luxation is associated with the development of osteoarthritis within the knee . This occurs in every case. Osteoarthritis tends to be a progressive disorder and it is doubtful whether treatment of the patellar luxation reduces or stops this progression.
Occasionally luxation of the patella is associated with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee. This may be due to chance or possibly due to abnormal forces on the joint that weaken the ligament.
What are the symptoms of Patellar Luxation?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Skipping action in hind leg
- Bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance
- Difficulty walking
- Crouched appearance
How is Patellar Luxation diagnosed?
Examination may reveal muscle wastage, especially over the front of the thigh, although this is often minimal.
Manipulation of the knee may enable the detection of instability of the patella as it slips in and out of the groove. In some dogs the patella is permanently out of the groove.
The severity of the luxation is graded from 1 to 4, with a grade 4 being the most severe.
X-rays provide additional information, especially regarding the presence and severity of osteoarthritis.
How is a Patellar Luxation treated?
Some dogs with patellar luxation can be managed satisfactorily without the need for surgery. The smaller the dog and the milder the grade of luxation (e.g. grade 1 out of 4), the more likely it is that this approach will be successful.
Exercise may need to be restricted. Hydrotherapy is often beneficial. Dogs that are overweight benefit from being placed on a diet. Regular monitoring of weight may be necessary.
Many dogs with patellar luxation benefit from surgery. The key types of surgery are:
- Quadriceps realignment surgery
- Trochlea (Groove) deepening surgery
- Femoral Osteotomy surgery
Exercise following femoral osteotomy surgery must be restricted until the cut bone has healed. Exercise must be on a lead or harness to prevent strenuous activity. Jumping and climbing should be avoided. X-rays are necessary between six and eight weeks following surgery to ensure bone healing is progressing without complication. Exercise may then be gradually increased in a controlled manner as guided by a physiotherapist and Hydrotherapy is often recommended.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
More conditions
The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures
Condition Guide
Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures
What is Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures?
The humeral condyle is the name given to the end of the bone (called the humerus) at the top of the front leg. Along with the radius and the ulna, the humeral condyle makes up the elbow joint.
In some dogs, a crack or fissure can form across the humeral condyle. This can be painful and cause lameness, and it can also predispose the condyle to a complete fracture or break.
These fractures are often not caused by any major trauma, but can occur during normal exercise – particularly when jumping from a height. The condition has also been referred to as incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (or IOHC).
What are the symptoms of Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures?
Affected dogs may show signs of:
- Fore Limb lameness
How is Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures diagnosed?
Large fissures, cracks or fractures within the humeral condyle can be detected on X-rays, but incomplete or subtle fissures can often only be diagnosed on a CT scan. Because humeral condylar fissures often affect both forelimbs, it is usually recommended to CT scan both elbows.
How is a Humeral Condylar Fissures/Fractures treated?
In some dogs with very subtle fissures, no treatment is needed, but in the majority of cases surgery is recommended to reduce pain and minimise the risk of the condyle fracturing.
Surgery is the best treatment for almost all humeral condylar fractures. The operation involves repositioning the bone fragments back into the correct place and stabilising them using screws, pins and bone plates.
Fracture repair can be challenging due to the involvement of the joint, the small size of the fragments and the possibility of an underlying weakness in the bone that can affect fracture healing.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.
Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation. During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.
With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.
The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.
Ready to get some help?
Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.
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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.
