Knee problems can occur at any point in a dog's life. Most knee problems are caused by an injury, but some breeds or specific sizes of dogs are prone to developing certain knee injuries. Dogs cannot speak for themselves, so it is up to their owner to determine if there is an issue that needs to be examined by a veterinarian.
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Common Symptoms
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Many of the symptoms of knee problems are extremely similar. Therefore, it's important to have a veterinarian diagnose the underlying cause rather than assuming what the issue may be. Some of the most common symptoms include sudden pain in the knees, particularly when running as well as lifting the affected leg up off the ground. Additional symptoms include switching to a gait similar to a bunny hop, difficulty when moving, lameness of the affected leg and swollen knee joints.
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
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A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee injuries, and occurs when the ligament crossing the front of the leg is torn. This usually happens when a dog twists the hind leg and causes the femur and the tibia to become unstable, but it can also happen in dogs that are severely overweight. This is a very painful condition.
For a fully torn ligament, surgery is the best option. Some dogs will need a synthetic ligament, while others might be able to have the torn ligament repaired. In the event of a partially torn ligament, the dog will be put on a regimen of restricted exercise as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medications to give the joint a chance to properly heal.
Patella Luxation
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The common condition of a luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (the patella) moves from side to side outside the natural grooves of the knee. In a healthy knee, the kneecap would not move out of its designated groove. This often occurs in smaller breeds but can also occasionally occur in larger dogs.
Surgery is one of the best options to correct a luxating patella. Surgery varies in cost and type. Some surgeries deepen the groove in which the kneecap normally rests, while others literally tie the kneecap to the leg to prevent movement.
Arthritis
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Arthritis goes by many names and forms in the dog world, including degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. Arthritis usually occurs in older dogs, and rarely presents itself in middle aged or even younger dogs. Arthritis can affect any joints in the body and usually causes a great deal of pain. Over time, most cases of arthritis worsen. Some conditions, such as obesity or a luxating patella, can cause it.
Treatment options are limited. If only a certain joint is affected, that joint can often be replaced thanks to modern veterinary medication. However, pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are usually administered to help deal with pain.
Osteochondrosis Dessecans
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Osteochondrosis dissecans, more commonly known as OCD, is a very painful condition that affects the cartilage of the joints. OCD causes the cartilage to grow abnormally, or it can occur when the joint has been damaged through injury. Over time, the abnormal growth continues and eventually the cartilage can separate from the bone, or crack.
There are two main options for treating OCD in dogs: surgical removal or medical treatment. In surgery, the cartilage is shaved down to the proper shape and size, correcting the issue. In minor cases, a medication treatment consisting of anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications is employed to treat the symptoms.
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