Can a dog live a normal life with luxating patella?
Many dogs (especially small breeds) can live their entire life with a grade I or II luxating patella without pain or arthritis. Most vets will tell you that grade III or IV luxations need surgery sooner or later. These more severe luxations can cause increased pain, arthritis and reduced mobility.
How do you fix a dog’s luxating patella?
Surgical repair generally involves three steps:
- The point of attachment of the patellar ligament to the shin bone is transplanted (moved) to its proper location.
- The groove in the femur is deepened so the patella will stay in place.
- The capsule around the joint is tightened.
How can I help my Chihuahua with luxating patella?
The methods for treating a luxating patella in dogs range from conservative medical management to surgery, depending on the grade of the disease. Most grade I and grade II instances are treated through pain and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management and exercise restriction.
Does a luxating patella hurt a dog?
Lameness is usually intermittent when the patella luxates out of its normal position and can be painful if there’s damage to the cartilage caused by frequent luxation.
How much is luxating patella surgery on a Chihuahua?
between $1,000 and $5,000
Luxating patella surgery cost The surgery can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Remember, the surgery itself is not the only cost you should expect — the post-operative care can be quite expensive as well as may involve physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, medication, and vet visit check-ups.
Will Pet Insurance Cover luxating patella?
Pro Tip: Pet insurance can cover the cost to treat luxating patellas that develop after policy enrollment. Some of the best pet insurance companies even include coverage for alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy that can be of great help after surgery, so long as it is not a pre-existing condition.