Cocker Spaniel Puppy With a Slipping Kneecap
by Ann
(Hurricane, UT.)
Octover of 2009, I was obliged to say a fond farewell to my 16 year old friend. I waited a year
and researched local breeders and finally found a beautiful buff and white male puppy. He is
now 7 months old, and last week began limping and bunny-hopping on both hind legs. I took him to
our local and vet and dicovered he has a birth defect in which the grooves in his knee that keep
the knee secure are too shallow and allow the knee to "pop" in and out. Needless to say, I
am devastated. I have lost the playful, happy puppy. since it is so painful to walk, spends a great deal of time lying around. In
addition to a large purchase price for the puppy, I face even greater expense for orthopedic
surgery, pain and suffering for the puppy, or choose the unthinkable alternative. Is this the result or
indiscriminate breeding or is this just an isolated incident? Do I have any other options?
A slipping kneecap in a young puppy is usually developmental, related to the shape and alignment of the leg, and medial luxation is considered inherited. Responsible breeders screen breeding dogs, for example through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals patella registry, so it's fair to let the breeder know.
There are options. Surgery is usually recommended for grade 2 and above with lameness, and over 90% of owners are satisfied with the result. In young dogs with a worsening grade, surgery is often advised early. This is very treatable, and most dogs do well. Ask your vet what grade he has, or ask for a referral to a surgeon, and check whether your purchase contract includes a health guarantee.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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