Should My Dachshund Be Worried About Patellar Luxation? (Vet Answered)

Hi Sarah, Patellar luxation is relatively common in the Dachshund because of their short and bowed little legs. If you were to look at an x-ray of a Dachshund’s limbs compared with that of a Husky or German Shepherd for example, you would see just how bent and rotated their little legs have become through breeding! This means that the anatomy of the joint is often a bit out of whack, so it’s not uncommon for the patella (kneecap) to be pulled out of position. For some dogs, the patella is permanently locked out of place, while for others, it will just pop out occasionally, resulting in a sudden, skipping lameness. Most of the time, dogs seem to be more startled by this than painful, but inflammation can build up, leading to degenerative changes in the joint and early onset arthritis. In mild cases of patellar luxation (Grade 1), where the patella is only slightly mobile, conservative treatment, consisting of weight management, joint supplements, and mindful exercise, are enough to keep the problem under control. As the severity increases from a more mobile patella (Grade 2) to one that is permanently displaced (Grade 4), surgical intervention is usually recommended. There are a few different methods used to get the patella back in the right position and keep it there, and I’ve attached some articles at the end for you to have a look at. The other problem that Dachshunds are prone to is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae can erupt and push on the spinal cord, resulting in pain, weakness, and paralysis. This is an extremely dangerous condition, and the reason I would never delay having a Dachshund examined if they show any signs of lameness. I would always prefer to be safe than sorry. I would be booking in for a physical examination with your vet so they can make a diagnosis and you can come up with a plan from there. Or if you’d like to speak to a vet one-on-one from home, you can book an appointment on Pangovet.com. The tips I mentioned above (weight management, joint supplements, and mindful exercise) are things I would recommend for all dogs, but particularly our long-backed, short-legged daxies. Good luck! Dr Karyn https://www.dogster.com/ask-the-vet/patellar-luxation-in-dogs https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/how-much-does-dog-patellar-luxation-surgery-cost https://www.dogster.com/ask-the-vet/what-is-intervertebral-disc-disease-in-dachshunds-vet-answer