Your dog̵7;s knees are below the hips, on the front side, where the femur and tibia bones join. In front of where they join is a kneecap, which cartilage holds in place. There are two common knee problems, one concerning the kneecap and the other due to damage to the ligament that holds the bones in place. Like many small breeds, dachshunds can experience knee problems, and a luxating patella is the most common knee problem for dachshunds, according to dachshund.org. The other joints on the legs are not knees. The joint on the back side of the back leg is called the hock, the top back of the front leg is the elbow and the joint on the front lower legs is the pastern.
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Luxating Patella
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According to Pet Education, dogs with a luxating patella, or unstable kneecap, may show pain by holding a back leg in the air, yelping or limping. Dachshund.org says signs also include problems straightening the knee and toes pointed out with hocks pulled inward. If both legs have luxating patellas, your dog may try to walk only on its front legs or walk holding its back legs stretched way out behind it.
Damage to the cartilage that holds the kneecap in place causes luxating patellas. If you do not treat this condition, it can cause permanent lameness and stiffened joints. In dachshunds, this disorder may be due to genetic factors resulting in abnormal femur and tibia shapes.
Cruciate
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Signs of a torn knee ligament are sudden lameness, holding the foot up and swelling around the knee. MarvistaVet.com states that there are ligaments that hold the knee together and help it to work correctly, and injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common during play. When the ACL is torn, it allows the tibia, the lower bone, to slide forward away from the femur. Although large breed dogs are more prone to this injury and seem to have genetic predispositions, it can occur in any dog, including dachshunds.
Shared Symptoms
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Symptoms of either knee problem may be intermittent lameness, bunny hopping gait and heat in the knee region. Because both problems can result in permanent damage, it is important to have your veterinarian evaluate your dog to determine the cause and severity. Sometimes rest will help, but surgery may be necessary.
Clinical Signs
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MarvistaVet.com says signs of an ACL tear are the tibia sliding forward if pressed when the femur is held (drawer sign) or the tibia sliding forward when the femur is held and the ankle flexed (tibial compression test). Your veterinarian can diagnose luxating patella by manually moving the kneecap. X-rays can confirm clinical diagnoses if necessary.
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