Patellar luxation is an orthopedic condition that affects the stability and function of the knee joint. This common knee injury is found in cats, dogs, and humans.
What is patellar luxation in cats?
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap is displaced. The term patella refers to the kneecap. The term dislocation means dislocation or displacement.
The knee is a complex joint with muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect the lower femur (thighbone) to the upper tibia (shin). The patella, or patella, is a small bone under the patellar ligament that sits in a groove in the femur called the trochlear groove. When the knee is bent and flexed, the patella moves up and down in the trochlear groove.
Cherry Eye in Dogs – Animal Kingdom
If the ball joint is not working properly, it can move in and out of the groove. When the kneecap is displaced, it is uncomfortable to bend and flex the knee joint. This makes walking, running and jumping painful and difficult for the cat.
Patellar luxation is diagnosed by a veterinarian after palpating the knee joint and ruling out other causes. Your vet may discover a dislocated kneecap in one or both knees. The dislocation is often medial, that is, it dislocates towards the inside of the knee. Or it can be lateral, meaning it dislocates on the outside of the knee.
The diagnosis of a dislocated kneecap will fall into one of four categories based on the severity of the dislocation:
Grade I: the kneecap can be removed from the groove when the vet puts pressure on it, but returns to position when the pressure is released.
Leer mas
Saint Bernard: characteristics of the dog breed
Grade II: the kneecap goes in and out on its own intermittently. It will remain displaced until the foot is straightened and rotated to allow the kneecap to return to the groove.
Grade III: the kneecap is out of the groove most of the time, but the vet can push it back into place manually.
Grade IV: the kneecap is permanently displaced and cannot be repositioned by the vet.
If both knees are affected, each side may have a different degree of severity.
Leer mas
How to restrain your dog in the car safely
See also: The best interactive toys for cats
Causes of Patellar Luxation in Cats
Patellar luxation can occur when the trochlear groove is too small to contain the kneecap. It can also be the result of injury to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles. In some cases it is caused by an anatomical deformation of the legs.
The exact cause of the conditions that lead to patellar luxation is not known. Some cats may be genetically predisposed to this problem, so diagnosed cats should never be bred. Breeds such as the Abyssinian, Burmese and Devon Rex may be more susceptible to developing patellar luxation.
Signs of Luxating Patella in Cats
Permanent or intermittent lameness in one or both hind limbs
Leer mas
What to do if your dog has a loose tooth
Swelling/redness around one or both knees
When manipulating the affected knee, a specific click is heard
Symptoms of patellar luxation may be permanent or disappear over time. If the kneecap is in the correct position, the cat will be able to walk, run and jump normally. When the kneecap is dislocated, the cat suddenly experiences pain and limited mobility in the affected knee.
It is possible for a cat to have a grade I patellar luxation and be asymptomatic. Your vet may discover this during a routine exam and recommend further investigation.
See also: Best premium dry cat food
Treatment
It is important to visit the vet if your cat is limping. Your veterinarian will begin by reviewing your cat’s medical history and performing an exam. Radiographs (X-rays) may be needed to rule out other problems and confirm a diagnosis.
Dislocated patella in cats is often treated conservatively at first. Your vet may recommend rest and exercise restrictions, which means you’ll need to limit your cat’s access to running and jumping. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs may also be prescribed for a short time.
If the patellar luxation is mild (especially grade I), your cat will rarely experience discomfort. In mild to moderate cases (grade II), you may see only occasional signs when the kneecap occasionally slips out of its groove. In mild cases, the cat should be able to lead a relatively normal life. Rest and medication may be necessary if knee problems recur.
If conservative therapy is not effective and your cat often suffers from pain and immobility, surgical treatment may be necessary. This is often the case with grade III and IV patellar dislocation.
Patella luxation surgery involves correcting the conditions that lead to patellar luxation. There are several surgical techniques for repairing patellar luxation. Surgery generally involves deepening the trochlear groove, reconstructing the soft tissue around the kneecap, and sometimes reshaping abnormal bones.
Recovery from surgery initially requires rest and pain management. Most cats recover quickly, but may benefit from some type of gentle physical therapy.
Although it is possible to injure the knee joint, most cats will not have problems in the future.
How to prevent patellar luxation in cats
You can’t completely eliminate the risk of patellar luxation in your cat, but you can reduce it by avoiding injury to your cat overall. If the feline likes to reach high places, create conditions so that he can jump shorter distances to reach his favorite place and thus minimize stress on the knees.
If your cat shows pain and/or discomfort or other signs of illness, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the faster treatment can begin.
Read also: The healthiest treats for cats
latest posts published
Belgian Malinois: characteristics of the dog breed
Norwegian Buhund: characteristics of the dog breed
Caring for the Chinese Water Dragon
The best brushes for cats
How to choose the best chew toys and treats for your dog
How to train your puppy to walk on a leash
Czech Terrier (Cesky Terrier): characteristics of the dog breed
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: characteristics of the dog breed
The best bags for carrying cats
