Active Young Dog Whose Kneecap Slips but Shows No Pain
by Fred
(Florida)
Reader Question
I own a "shelter" dog, supposedly a Rat Terrier/Basenji mix. She is about 1 1/2 years old, extremely active - running, jumping with abandon.
I take her for a daily walk (1+ miles) with harness and leash. When walking slowly she will frequently hold her left rear paw off the ground for a step or for several steps. When this happens, she shows no indication of pain and when I massage the stifle joint she is not agitated and seems not at all uncomfortable. She is always ready and anxious for her walk.
When I explained this to my veterinarian, he seemed unconcerned saying that the joint was slipping in and out of place when she walked in a certain way, and that he was sure it was not doing so when she engaged in more vigorous activity. He also said he did not think it was of sufficient degree to warrant surgery. He said that as she aged we might have to put her on an anti-imflamatory medication.
My concerns are two: Is she really hurting and simply not indicating it? And, what injuries or other complications to her knee might be caused by this contant slipping in and out of place.
I take her for a daily walk (1+ miles) with harness and leash. When walking slowly she will frequently hold her left rear paw off the ground for a step or for several steps. When this happens, she shows no indication of pain and when I massage the stifle joint she is not agitated and seems not at all uncomfortable. She is always ready and anxious for her walk.
When I explained this to my veterinarian, he seemed unconcerned saying that the joint was slipping in and out of place when she walked in a certain way, and that he was sure it was not doing so when she engaged in more vigorous activity. He also said he did not think it was of sufficient degree to warrant surgery. He said that as she aged we might have to put her on an anti-imflamatory medication.
My concerns are two: Is she really hurting and simply not indicating it? And, what injuries or other complications to her knee might be caused by this contant slipping in and out of place.
Answer from Our Team
Holding a back leg up for a few steps, then walking normally, is the classic sign of a slipping kneecap. Many dogs with a mild grade show no pain, and your vet's approach of monitoring is common for low grades.
Over time the kneecap rubbing can wear the groove and cartilage, the grade can worsen, and arthritis can develop. Dogs with a slipping kneecap also have a higher risk of a torn cruciate ligament. Keep her lean, ask your vet what grade she has, and have the knee rechecked if the skipping becomes more frequent or she starts limping.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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