Pomeranians and Luxating Patellas

Being an informed pet owner can help you navigate the uncertain waters of owning a dog with a luxating patella.

Mango just turned seven a few months ago. For a small dog, that’s not old – but she’s not exactly a puppy anymore. She’s young at heart and still very playful. Lately her luxating patella has been acting up on and off – leaving Mango limping inconsistently. I wanted to share some of her issues and what I’m doing about it. Also, if you have or have had a dog with patella issues, please share your experience in the comments. Luxating patellas are common in Pomeranians and other small breed dogs. Before I go more into my experiences with Mango and managing her patella, I would like to say this – I am not a vet or a medical professional, the purpose of this blog post is to get the dialog going and connect with other pup parents.

Patella Problems

What is a luxating patella? Luxation occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) gets dislocated from its normal position where it rests in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). Once this kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the femur, it can only return to the proper position when the dog relaxes and lengthens (or stretches its hind legs). This is why dogs are often seen holding up their hind leg once its displaced. Pet MD explains luxating patellas more on their site.

I’m not surprised that Mango has a luxating patella, I’ve actually known for years. When she was about two, the vet would check it and could tell it was there/a potential problem. Patella luxation is generally rated with four grades – 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each grade gets more severe and represents different changes in the joints. If you see your dog occasionally lifting their leg or limping, chances are they have a patella problem.

Preventative Care

A good joint supplement with glucosamine is the first way to help strengthen and build your dog’s joints. Mango currently takes NaturVet Glucosamine DS Plus Level 2 Moderate, Joint Care. I started her on these chewable tablets last summer after she was limping for about a week and her knee just kept popping out-of-place. I was so impressed with NaturVet. In just a couple of weeks, she was noticeably better.

Right now, she is on the level 2 formula, but I plan on bumping her up to level 3 for a stronger dose. Mango loves these tablets and thinks they are a treat so it makes giving them to her a breeze. As a Pom mom, I regret not starting Mango on a glucosamine supplement when she turned two and the vets started mentioning her weaker knee. 

Avoiding Surgery

Once a dog’s patella issues reach level 4, many dogs require surgery. I’m hoping with glucosamine and a series of strengthening exercises can help Mango avoid it. This past week, Mango has had some bad days. When I came home from a trip, she was on three legs and was lifting the bad leg. I immediately began to massage and stretch out the back leg. Mango enjoys the knee being rubbed and it helps her feel comfortable to stretch it out. From there, I’ll take Mango out to the carpet (we have hardwood floors with rugs) or outside in the yard to practice walking. I’ll make her walk back and forth and use the leg. This helps strengthen the muscles and gives her confidence to use the leg. I’ve read that going up and down carpeted stairs, hills, and stepping over things can help. It seems like once Mango is actively using and stretching her back leg, she uses it well.

I’ve also taken Mango to a holistic vet for acupuncture and massages. That didn’t seem to have an immediate positive response so I haven’t returned for those treatments.

Managing Diet

Another important aspect of managing Mango’s leg is her weight. She’s adorable, but under all that fluff is a doggo who could drop a few ounces. As much as I love feeding her treats, I have to remind myself that extra weight doesn’t help the pressure on her leg. She’s not as active as she once was so I need to be strong about keeping her on a diet. I try to feed her cooked vegetables if she wants a snack from my plate at dinner. Buying bite-sized, low-calorie treats helps too.

In case you are wondering about Mango’s cute serape poncho, she got it for Christmas! It’s from Baja Ponchos and you can buy one here for your dog.

Do you have any patella experience to share? Leave a comment below please.