medially luxating patella

Question
My 18-month-old Dachshund was diagnosed by her veterinarian with medially luxating patella in both knees. My question is what are the treatment options? Is surgery necessary? She doesn't seem to be in any pain; her leg (usually the left) just seems to give from time to time and her rear end will kind of fall. She then gets right back up and seems unaffected by it. From what I've read about it, I believe it to be a Grade I case. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Brian

Answer
Small breed dogs are very prone to luxating patellas and very rarely do we do surgery.  If the knee is out more than it is in, then surgery is a must.  If it only bothers her on occasion, I would watch and wait.  Best bet though is to start her on joint supplements now to help curb arthritis for the future...glucosamine with MSM (250 mg of each twice daily) as well as Ester C (100 mg twice a day).