Will My Dog Recover Fully After a Kneecap Problem?
Reader Question
Hi. It appears my dog has luxating patella. We were playing then my phone rang so I left to get it. Upon return my dog was holding up back leg. Vet took X-rays and radiologist only saw swelling around the knee. Prescribed anti inflammatory for two weeks. He's walking better but no where near normal. Will he heal fully eg be able to walk run stand on hind legs like he used to? Tom
Answer from Our Team
Many dogs with a mild slipping kneecap return to normal activity, but recovery depends on the grade and whether anything else is injured. Dogs with a slipping kneecap are also more likely to tear a cruciate ligament, which can cause similar sudden lameness.
If he isn't close to normal after the anti-inflammatory course, ask your vet to recheck the knee, possibly under sedation, or for a referral to a surgeon. Keep him on short leash walks in the meantime.
See luxating patella in dogs and torn ACL in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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