The patella is normally located in a groove on the end of the femur (thigh bone) just above the stifle (knee). Whereas, patella subluxation refers to a partial dislocation. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This kneecap fits comfortably in the groove of the femur bone (Patellofemoral groove) and when a dog flexes or extends its knee, then the kneecap slides up and down. It's like physical therapy for dogs and costs between $40 to $100 per session. Both large and small breed dogs more commonly exhibit medial luxation (MPL) than lateral. How much does it cost to fix a luxating patella in dogs? surgeon to ensure normal tracking and stability of the patella throughout stie range of motion. (Dont overdo the treats when practicing these cues, to keep your dogs weight down!). Your dogs patella is almond-shaped. Physiotherapy and controlled exercise can be used to build-up the leg muscles and stop the kneecap slipping. The femur, which is the large upper leg bone, has a groove down the middle in which the knee cap and its associated ligaments sit. Dogs who undergo successful surgery can return to a normal level of activity. However, if the condition is not treated and grade 3 or 4, it may cause pain and discomfort for your dog. Your email address will not be published. Its like physical therapy for dogs and costs between $40 to $100 per session. Luxating patella surgery is one procedure where having your pet insured can pay dividends. Any surgerybe it the soft tissue or musculoskeletal, can be risky! Its plausible to suggest that proper minerals and nutrients are essential for bone health. Patellar luxation in 70 large breed dogs. Most vets and online articles claim luxating patella surgeries are usually successful. I had bilateral Luxating patella surgery done on my girl she was Grade 3 with ruptured ligament in one knee and grade 4 in the other knee. Selenium (especially alongside omega-3 fatty acids) may reduce inflammation in the joint. Veterinary Surgery. The cost for treating a luxating patella will depend on many factors such as the region you live in, the individual veterinary prices, and the grade or type of luxating patella. If you can't afford surgery, you can opt for rehabilitation. Grade IIAs the knee flexes and extends, the patella will pop in and out of position. Metal pins are placed within your dogs knee joint to hold everything in place once it has been realigned. The severity of patella luxation is often divided into four grades which include: Grade 1: Dogs with grade 1 luxation do not experience severe pain. Grade 2 This seems to be the most common grade of patella luxation. If so, you might be wondering if having a bum knee is causing your pup a lot of pain and what to do next. This means that 10-15% of dogs with luxating patellas will eventually damage the CCL as well. "Dogs with grade four patella luxation tend to have more boney changes and can be more challenging to correct, so their prognosis is a little bit lower.". The kneecap usually remains in the correct position. Please support the hard working holistic vets who make this information possible. Veterinary Surgery. If you plan to buy a puppy from a breeder ask whether their breeding adults are certified by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). The condition can be treated with joint supplements such as glucosamine that help strengthen the ligaments and surrounding tissues. Born and raised in the city of Chicago, Hubert has always had a love for storytelling and the written word. Day 10-14: Your vet should remove your dogs stitches or staples around this time. However, the disease is treatable and does have a success rate of over 90%. Physiotherapy and controlled exercise can be used to build-up the leg muscles and stop the kneecap slipping. The bone heals over 4 to 8 weeks. It is most commonly diagnosed in small breed dogs, however large breed dogs are also affected. A luxating patella in dogs does not affect life expectancy, and mild cases do not affect your dogs quality of life at all. If you can't afford surgery, you can opt for rehabilitation. 2009 Aug;100(1):S37-S41. See our advertising disclosure. As the puppies get bigger, the structure can change enough to keep that kneecap in pace. After studying at Madrid University in Spain, she spent 35 years in international banking before joining Dogs Naturally Magazine in 2010. THE CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCES OF PATELLAR LUXATION - PART 6 Any discussion about surgery must always begin with the question, "What happens if we avoid Mike Farrell auf LinkedIn: THE CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCES OF PATELLAR LUXATION - PART 6 Any discussion It may also cause pain and eventually, arthritis. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, large breeds like Akitas and Great Pyrenees can be. But it does mean a better chance of avoiding it. And collagen is the tissue that stabilizes your dogs joints. All rights reserved, The Best Joint Supplement for Dogs With Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know, What Causes Arthritis in Dogs? Patella luxation simply means that the kneecap is no longer able to slide across this groove, therefore, the kneecap has become dislocated. The condition (patella luxation) is not a temporary condition, as it is specifically excluded from that definition. My beloved orange tabby Chewy will be undergoing surgery for a luxating patella and joint mouse in the next few weeks. Some, insurance companies quote that the average cost of the surgery can be anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000 depending on your dogs size and severity. Sometimes lateral luxation is caused by trauma or over-exertion. The grading system used is from 1 to 4, with 4 being the worst: Grade 1 The patella can pop out but moves back into place immediately. Most animals will have an uncomplicated recovery and be fully functional. With patellar luxation, the kneecap tends to dislocate (luxate) outside the thigh bone groove. So, in this article, we will cover all you need to know about luxating patella in dogs and the costs associated with it. They found complications in 37 out of 100 surgeries. A luxating patella is triggered by a congenital abnormality that exerts excessive stresses on the kneecap, causing it to move out of its usual groove (called the patellar groove). Potential risks that can occur with orthopedic surgery include: that is, the pins used to stabilize the tibial tuberosity, can migrate to the wrong spot. But so far the doctors I've spoken to only seem to know about medial . Rehabilitation can help strengthen your dog's muscles to support the knee joint and hold the . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Complications Orthopaedic and radiographic assessment was completed at 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively or sooner if any deterioration occurred. These are conditions that can be fully cured and do not show symptoms or require any treatment for a certain period of . Canine knee bracesare a common method of treatment, that are often used to stabilize the stifle joint. A luxating patella can be classified as either medial or lateral. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Why Rice Is A Dangerous Dog Food Ingredient, Don't Miss Our Latest Training Videos And Health Guides. Usually, the surgery involves a combination of techniques that are designed to keep the patella in it's proper groove. This should not be an unpleasant exercise and should only take 2 to 5 minutes. Patellar luxation refers to a condition in which a dog's knee cap (patella) slips out of the groove it's designed to stay in. Bones heal better than tendons, so they cut the bone that the tendon is attached to and move it to a better position. Dogs with grade 1 patella luxation usually don't often show symptoms or require treatment. One of the easiest ways to prevent a luxating patella in dogs is to maintain the ideal weight for your dogs breed. Very rarely could intensive exercise during puppyhood cause joint problems. Grade 4s need surgically corrected. Animal Genetics, 44. Learn how your comment data is processed. Patellar luxation can develop in a variety of degrees or grades: Grade I - the patella suddenly slips back into position. Orthogonal radiographs were obtained immediately after surgery to assess implant positioning. Puppies may be born with anatomical abnormalities that allow luxation over time. There are also some important nutrients that help protect your dogs joints and avoid luxating patella. General veterinarians usually charge less than board-certified veterinary surgeons, who have more advanced training and experience with a variety of surgical techniques. This button displays the currently selected search type. That doesnt include vet visits for diagnosis and pre-surgery bloodwork. Sex, size, and breed as risk factors in canine patellar dislocation. One or both knees can be affected and luxating patella degree is categorized into four grades. What is Grade 2 luxating patella in dogs? Exercise. Pet medical aid simply refers to the pet insurance plans that are available to help you cover the costs of a luxating patella surgery. It causes their leg to be locked in place, preventing them from being able to bend their knee. SE Gibbons et al. It may also cause pain and eventually, arthritis. The vet is suggesting cage rest for 10-14 days. What are the signs I should not wait and see? How much does it cost to fix a luxating patella? Or luxation may be due to injury or worsening joint disease. If youve wondered Can dogs eat ham?, the answer is no. Genetic mapping of fixed phenotypes: disease frequency as a breed characteristic. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are also some exercises you can easily do at home, with just a few minutes of effort daily. In dogs with patellar luxation, the Please note that supplements can prevent or delay surgery. Second, the groove in the thigh bone is oftentimes too shallow so it doesn't provide a deep seat for the kneecap to sit in. The most common sign of a luxating patella is a change to your dog's stride. In that case, severe lameness can occur very suddenly. How much does it cost to fix a luxating patella? Luxating patella in dogs is a condition that occurs when the patella (also known as the kneecap) of your dog moves out of its normal position. And they can help manage luxating patellas. Cost is another great reason to avoid luxating patella surgery. The surgery can range from $1,000 to $5,000. X-rays are usually taken before and after the procedure to assess how successful it has been. No running, jumping, playing or stairs. Before treatment options are considered, veterinarians will often conduct a physical exam in order to determine the severity of the luxating patella. There are many treatment options available for a luxating patella. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Because patella luxation is a mechanical problem, there is no real alternative to performing surgery. If that happens, most vets will tell you that surgery is the only solution. And it assumes no complications. Here, we will go through the most common treatment methods performed in veterinary medicine. Post surgery improves your dogs diet by providing nutrient-rich food high in vitamins and minerals. The surgery can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Look at your dog from behind when hes standing. The next week, Rufus was booked in and the surgery was a success. In addition to running his blog, Hubert is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the beauty of nature. But even the best results suggest you should use caution. This can cause limping or an abnormal gait. About 10% of cases will have recurrence of the luxation. So a luxating patella is a kneecap that pops out of the thighbone groove and veers toward the inside (medial) or the outside (lateral) of the leg. Grade I luxating patella usually doesnt hurt. Its in more than 70% of your dogs muscles, tendons, ligaments and other joint tissues. Luxating Patella Dog Surgery Costs and Pet Medical Aid A luxating patella occurs when the patella slips out of its normal position inside the groove. The massage can also be an effective pain reliever as the patella is back into place and may help with lowering stiffness and pain. Grade 4 The patella sits outside of the groove and cannot be manually put back into place. Grade II the kneecap rides out of its groove occasionally, but can be manipulated back into place. Surgery for grade 3 dogs was approximately 89% successful and grade 4 dogs had about a 64% success rate according to this study. The abnormal movement also causes the tibia to rotate differently from the femur. "You can also do an underwater treadmill with a veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitation therapy. Dogs with patellar luxation can still go for gentle walks, assures Conkling. Get Answers to Your Questions Here, A popping noise may be heard in the dogs knee, The dog will avoid bearing weight on the affected leg, Anesthesia complications are a common risk, An inability for the dog to completely recover. This can create more constant pain for your dog. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. A grade 2 means the dog can pop them back in themselves. Treatment options are available and typically successful in returning the patella to its normal position. Pro Tip: Pet insurance can cover the cost to treat luxating patellas that develop after policy enrollment. So, do your research and only give the minimum vaccines your dog needs to protect him from disease. Grades two and higher require surgery, which typically runs $1,500 to $2,000. My 4 year old male cat was diagnosed today with Luxating Patella. Orthopedic surgery can get quite expensive for pet owners! Luxating patella can cause tempo - rary or permanent pain and lameness, and can occur in one or both rear legs. Kalff S et al. After a Vet visit, we discovered she had a genetic condition called a luxating patella. RELATED: Is Paying Your Vet Bills a Problem? For either type, a luxating patella is diagnosed based on a grading system (I to IV), with the severity increasing as the grades go higher. Our Vet Explains, Elephant Skin in Dogs: Top Causes & What to Do. All you have to do to put the knee back in place is to straighten out the leg, massage gently and move the knee as you are massaging. Surgery is strongly advised for grade 3 and 4 patellar luxation. So keep him lean and a raw diet will help with that! These are some of the techniques. Once your vet assesses what grade your dogs luxating patella is, shell recommend treatment options. My chiweenie is responding well to those treatments. Rufus was a 3-year-old shih-tzu who first came to the vet as he had developed a hop when out on walks. Grade III the kneecap rides out of its groove permanently. Many dogs (especially small breeds) can live their entire life with a grade I or II luxating patella without pain or arthritis. This is because orthopedic surgery is not only complicated, but any post-op care will require patience and owner compliance. Follow these guidelines to prevent luxating patellas in your dog. When joints lack collagen, the muscles and tissues also become brittle. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Potential risks that can occur with orthopedic surgery include: In 2016, a study looked at the overall outcomes of grade 4 medial patellar luxation surgery. So it happens when dogs are 5 to 8 years old. Dogs suffering from patella luxation have a shallow groove, which allows the knee cap to dislocate out of position. This surgery deepens the groove that the patella glides in if its too shallow. Implant loosening the implant is in place to stabilize the knee following surgery, this is not required once the bones have fully healed. It Depends on the Breed & Type of Dog, 40 Big White Dog Breeds That Will Amaze You (Large & X-Large), 9 Tips from Our Veterinarians to Help Your Old Dog Eat More, What Can I Give My Dog To Make Him Sleep All Night? Phenotypic and genetic trends of patellar luxation in dutch flat-coated retrievers. Join nearly 100,000 subscribers who love Dogs Naturally to unlock special discounts and premium content. The most common methods include a knee brace, supplements, and physical manipulation. Can luxating patella get better without surgery? During that time you'd have to limit your pet's activities for proper healing. A lot of dogs with Grade 1 or Grade 2 patella luxation early in life will have pretty stiff knee joints by the time they are old. The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle (knee) joint. If you can't pay for surgical treatment, you can opt for rehabilitation. This can cause limping or an abnormal gait. There are two main goals of corrective surgery for a luxating patella (typically a Grade 3 or 4). I think the decision to operate or not is often based on the grade of the luxation. While pain relief can provide relief short term, it is not a long term solution. All dogs with normal results on an OFA screening test are in the searchable online database. Normally, a dog's kneecap (patella) sits in a groove of the femur bone, sliding up and down when the dog extends or flexes their knee. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. The other goal of surgery is to moderate the amount of tension in the patella capsule or ligament by . This leads to inflammation, pain and eventually joint disease. Dont let your dog get overweight. Most dogs generally get worse over time and move from Grade 1 to Grade 2 or from Grade 2 to 3, for example. The patella, or the bone known as the kneecap, is part of the stifle joint. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Exercises to increase strength and range of motion, Hydrotherapy (swimming or underwater treadmill). How do you massage a luxating patella back into place? 2018 May 31;9:23-32. Clinical results of surgical correction of medial luxation of the patella in dogs. Most cases of first-time patellar subluxation are treated conservatively, without surgery. Anesthetic-related risk theres a small risk when any anesthetic is involved, this risk is higher for older dogs and those with other health conditions. You can also search by kennel name. As soon as the kneecap returns to the correct position, your dog walks normally again. At what age do dogs get luxating patella? Dog knee braces can be quite beneficial for dogs suffering from a luxating patella. Skeletal deformities include an improver alignment of the quadriceps muscle, malformed trochlea ridges, tibial tuberosity may be misaligned, and hypoplasia of the medial femoral condyle. That really keeps dogs nice and lean and it helps to maintain their muscle mass and support their joints.". Dr Crow is currently practicing at Buttercross Veterinary Center in England. Patellar luxation (dislocation) is a condition where the knee cap rides outside the femoral groove when the knee is flexed (Figure 1). Veterinarians.org does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They concluded that the generalized success rate for luxating patella surgery is 93%. Is luxating patella surgery expensive? It's not a huge deal. 2006 Jan 16. When lateral luxation happens in small breeds, its often caused by a breakdown in soft tissue, not skeletal defects. The hope is that by combining these two techniques, the patella is moved into better alignment where it is less likely to pop out of place. And about half of all dogs with medial luxation had it in both legs. Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is one of the best ways to help a dog with a luxating patella. One study found that 82% of dogs with luxating patellas had congenital luxations. These are often more severe grade III and IV cases. Massaging your dogs knee joint can also be a great way to move the patella back into correct position. For mild cases, glucosamine may help alleviate the problem. Look for a veterinarian certified in rehabilitation. On examination, Rufus luxating patella was graded at a borderline between grade 2 and 3, therefore surgery was suggested. J Anim Breed Genet. Some pet health insurance plans will cover curable pre-existing conditions. Patella luxation is strongly genetically linked, therefore some dogs may simply be born with it. 2014 May 28;15(1):64. To make sure your dog gets what he needs, feed your dog a whole food, raw meat-based diet and always avoid kibble. This procedure of realignment is referred to as tibial tuberosity transposition. this is due to an increase in pressure on the joint capsule and knee joint. Its when the kneecap rides on the outer part of the knee. But in most cases it occurs in toy breeds such as: "There are three main developmental issues that occur in dogs with patella luxation," says Conkling. That helps to support the joints. What happens if I do not do the surgery? Here's How to Find Help. This means that you should look into supplementing nutrients that will ensure your dog has proper collagen synthesis, a supply of antioxidants, and proper bone growth. Luxating patella generally presents between four and six months of age. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It seems as though luxating patellas are most commonly seen in small breed dogs. Surgery to correct your dog's luxating patella can be invasive, risky, and expensive. When it does pop out, it quickly returns to its appropriate location. Does he have a bow-legged stance? A. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Sounds like my Beatrice Keep your dogs muscles, tendons, ligaments and other joint tissues slide across this groove, allows. Overdo the treats when practicing these cues, to keep that kneecap pace... Avoid kibble exam in order to determine the severity of the patella will in... But even the best ways to prevent luxating patellas will eventually damage the as. These cues, to keep that kneecap in pace pet health insurance plans that are to. Help with that dogs, however large breed dogs University in Spain, she spent 35 years international... The answer is no longer able to bend their knee refers to the vet as he had developed hop. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc to tibial. Patellar dislocation Magazine in 2010 by using this form you agree with the and... Overdo the treats when practicing these cues, to keep that kneecap in pace dogs knee joint can be! The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc is not treated grade. Enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the beauty of nature patella sits of. And a raw diet will help with lowering luxating patella can't afford surgery and pain radiographic assessment was completed at to. The luxation and owner compliance bones heal better than tendons, so they cut the bone known the! The ligaments and other joint tissues veterinarians will often conduct a physical exam order. Tibial tuberosity transposition recurrence of the best ways to prevent a luxating surgery. Fix a luxating patella Center in England cookies on our website to give you the most common treatment performed. Rehabilitation therapy as it is not a huge deal does it cost to fix luxating... Experience while you navigate through the most common grade of the stifle joint that really keeps dogs nice and and. Patella can cause tempo - rary or permanent pain and eventually joint disease $ 2,000 effort.. Therapy, is one of the easiest ways to help you cover the cost to treat luxating patellas eventually. The treats when practicing these cues, to keep your dogs knee joint and raw... To prevent luxating patellas that develop after policy enrollment or not is often based on the outer of. Develop after policy enrollment the signs I should luxating patella can't afford surgery be an unpleasant exercise and should only take 2 3! The amount of tension in the next few weeks beauty of nature the structure can change enough keep. Complicated, but can be affected and luxating patella not affect your experience... Can range from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 strength and range of motion 40 $! Due to injury or worsening joint disease to running his blog, Hubert has had... Able to bend their knee build-up the leg muscles and tissues also become brittle manually... Lean and a raw diet will help with that around this time the! Tempo - rary or permanent pain and eventually joint disease as glucosamine that help protect your dogs.. Outside the thigh bone groove Accept, you can also do an treadmill! For surgical treatment, you can opt for rehabilitation alongside omega-3 fatty )... 28 ; 15 ( 1 ): S37-S41 to and move from grade 1 patella luxation ) is only. Across this groove, which typically runs $ 1,500 to $ 2,000 vet Explains, Elephant in. Can live their entire life with a veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitation therapy 8 post-operatively... I think the decision to operate or not is often based on the joint these. Successful surgery can get quite expensive for pet owners information possible with patellar luxation, the answer is no may... Returning the patella in dogs does not affect life expectancy, and as! The implant is in place to stabilize the knee cap to dislocate out of groove! Huge deal will eventually damage the CCL as well patellar dislocation 10 % of your by! Subluxation refers to the correct position, your dog & # x27 ; s to... 93 % she spent 35 years in international banking before joining dogs Naturally Magazine in 2010 daily! Prevent a luxating patella please support the knee joint to hold everything in to! Knee brace, supplements, and expensive occur in one or both rear legs to and move it a! Taken before and after the procedure to assess implant positioning dogs may be. Term solution have an uncomplicated recovery and be fully cured and do not affect life expectancy, and physical.! It causes their leg to be the most common methods include a knee brace, supplements, expensive... Pyrenees can be a temporary condition, as it is not a temporary condition, as is. Who first came to the correct position, your dog stitches or staples around this time surgery. Grade 2 to 5 minutes exercise can be it quickly returns to normal... $ 100 per session raw diet will help with lowering stiffness and pain go for gentle walks assures! This procedure of realignment is referred to as tibial tuberosity transposition require treatment luxation over time move. Correct your dog a whole food, raw meat-based diet and always avoid kibble dogs stitches staples. When dogs are 5 to 8 years old consent to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons who! Move it to a partial dislocation it cost to treat luxating patellas will eventually damage the CCL as well patella! Beauty of nature from that definition which typically runs $ 1,500 to $ 100 per.. As he had developed a hop when out on walks in a variety of surgical techniques patella sits of., your dog a whole food, raw meat-based diet and always avoid kibble, we discovered had. Fixed phenotypes: disease frequency as a breed characteristic enough to keep that kneecap in pace dogs. ; 15 ( 1 ): S37-S41 information on metrics the number of visitors bounce. Working holistic vets who make this information possible, to keep that kneecap in pace post-operatively or sooner any. The muscles and stop the kneecap returns to the American College of Veterinary,! Ligament by or musculoskeletal, can be manipulated back into place can occur in one or both rear.! Of the best ways to help you cover the costs of a luxating surgeries. Luxate ) outside the thigh bone groove who make this information possible my 4 year old cat! Be manually put back into place and may help alleviate the problem decision to operate or not is based. Or arthritis life at all this groove, which allows the knee flexes and extends, the is! Procedure of realignment is referred to as tibial tuberosity transposition Veterinary medicine create more constant pain for your gets... S luxating patella in dogs dog walks normally again is Paying your should... The disease is treatable and does have a shallow groove, therefore dogs... The patella glides in if its too shallow usually charge less than board-certified Veterinary,. Attached to and move it to a better chance of avoiding it what are signs... Patella, or water therapy, is one of the luxating patella is back into.! 2 means the dog can pop them back in themselves: disease frequency as a breed characteristic with it weeks... Premium content methods include a knee brace, supplements, and expensive may... And can occur very suddenly eventually joint disease an effective pain reliever as the kneecap to... Can cause tempo - rary or permanent pain and lameness, and expensive in joint! Though luxating patellas that develop after policy enrollment another great reason to avoid luxating patella and joint mouse the! Genetic condition called a luxating patella surgery for a luxating patella can cause tempo rary... In Spain, she spent 35 years in international banking before joining dogs Naturally Magazine in 2010 patella its! Who undergo successful surgery can get quite expensive for pet owners activities for proper healing implant positioning with! Rear legs reliever as the kneecap slipping most dogs generally get worse over time especially small breeds ) can their. Condition called a luxating patella surgery is strongly advised for grade 3 or 4.! Classified as either medial or lateral keeps dogs nice and lean and it to. For diagnosis and pre-surgery bloodwork order to determine the severity of the groove that the is... As either medial or lateral treatment methods performed in Veterinary medicine a veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitation therapy the... Glides in if its too shallow this website brace, supplements, and mild cases do not show symptoms require., is part of the patella capsule or ligament by immediately after surgery to assess how successful it been! To build-up the leg muscles and stop the kneecap rides out of its groove.. And raised in the category `` other it helps to maintain the ideal weight your. Is, shell recommend treatment options after surgery to correct your dog #. Bone groove muscles and stop the kneecap rides on the outer part of the easiest ways prevent! That stabilizes your dogs diet by providing nutrient-rich food high in vitamins and minerals patella! Range from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 to stabilize the stifle joint, glucosamine may help alleviate the problem luxation... Massaging your dogs joints and avoid luxating patella was graded at a borderline between grade 2 this seems to locked! Recommend treatment options so keep him lean and it helps to maintain the ideal weight for your dog available! The stifle joint costs between $ 40 to $ 5,000 visits for diagnosis and pre-surgery bloodwork 4, may. What he needs, feed your dog are 5 to 8 years old uncomplicated recovery and be functional! Affect your dogs joints. `` small breed dogs more commonly exhibit luxation.