How to self-test patella dislocation in dogs

The self-test method of patella dislocation in dogs is to see its walking and running posture, whether it is tiptoe or leg lifting.

In the case of no collision history, a hind limb did not dare to step on the ground during exercise, and the activity returned to normal in an instant. When standing still, sometimes three feet support the ground, and one hind leg only hangs on the ground, and dare not support it hard. In severe cases, only three legs move, and the affected limb is afraid to step on the ground. Over time, muscle atrophy occurs, which shows that the size of the two hind limbs is different.

If the above situation occurs, the dog owner can check the patella of the abnormal hind limb, let the dog lie on its side with the affected limb on it, hold the femur with one hand and touch the patella with the other hand to check whether the patella is in a normal position. If the patella is inside or outside the normal position, it can be determined that the patella is dislocated.

If the patella is in a normal position, you can hold the patella or the ligament connected with the patella with your thumb and forefinger, and move the patella slightly inward and outward to judge the stability of the patella ligament. If the patella or ligament has obvious movement, it means that the patella is unstable, and it is very likely that the patella has been dislocated or is about to be dislocated. At this time, it is necessary to send the dog to the pet hospital for further examination by the doctor.

Examination of patellar dislocation

1, image inspection

It is necessary to take a conventional lateral film of the knee joint. Bend the knee 30 degrees and observe whether there is a high patella. Lateral subluxation of patella can be found by axial film (Merchant position) or CT film with patella bending 30 degrees or 45 degrees. The most ideal examination method is magnetic resonance, which can clearly show the subluxation of patellofemoral joint and effusion of knee joint, and can also judge whether it is accompanied by cartilage damage of femoral condyle or other intra-articular structure damage.

2. Physical examination

It is very important, including patellar mobility examination and patellar bending fear test, which can directly judge whether there is patellar instability. Patella dislocation is mostly lateral dislocation.

The above contents refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Patella Dislocation.