How is a luxating patella diagnosed? How can a veterinarian tell this is the problem?
A veterinarian can physically move a luxating patella by bending the knee and trying (gently) to force the patella out of joint. At this point a grade can be placed to the degree of laxity. Radiographs are also recommended. These allow the veterinarian to assess laxity as well as arthritic changes that would affect treatment and prognosis. Rarely other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear scans, and arthroscopy are used to assess the knee. Treatment for a luxating patella depends on severity of the laxity and presence of clinical signs. • For grade 1 luxations, conservative management is recommended. This includes reduction in jumping and dietary supplements to minimize any arthritic changes down the road. • For grade 2 luxations, sometimes conservative management is used if symptoms are very mild. For more symptomatic dogs or those with radiographic changes, surgery is recommended before arthritis occurs. Early surgical intervention minimizes arthritis, which allows more
