Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 3/16/2009

Question
Hi,

we think our 6 month old female British Bulldog has a luxating patella - we took her to a dog muscle manipulator for a check up as we could feel a clicking on her hips if you placed your hand on her when she walked.

Initially we thought it was her hips but the guy who checked her out said her kneecap was popping in and out.

Just wondering if have any experience of this as I am being given different advice.

I have not mentioned it as yet to the vet as I want to give her every chance before her having to have any op and undergo further anaesthetic (she has just been desexed). A breeder friend of ours says to do nothing until she is at least 12 months old and to assess the situation then.

I understand correction is quite a tricky op - especially the rehabilitation.

We have been told to remove all cheese/milk from her diet to reduce protein and "slow" the bone growth as they are in their spurt in this first 12 months.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

Answer
Hi - The luxating patella has nothing to do with quick bone growth so you don't need to cut out her cheese .... Yes, you are correct that surgery may not be needed.  Also, your vet can teach you how to POP the knee back into place.
YOUR dog can also stretch the leg and pop it into place, too.

Do some research on the net - hit in " luxating patella natural options"....

Some Salmon oil or fish oil daily is helpful.... Look into supplements... READ and educate yourself on this.
There are 5 grades in the diagnosis - only grade 4 - 5  is needing surgery.  Some dogs can stay at a grade 2 - 3 for a lifetime and not need surgery.


BEST wishes...

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
( see my bullies )