Luxating Patella

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
Mark,

I agree with your friend.  If your bulldog is not having any problems from this, I would wait.  Sometimes growth and exercise will strengthen the muscles and the problem will correct itself.

I look at surgery as a last resort.  

I'm not familiar with removing dairy from the diet, but I wouldn't think a 6 month old bulldog would have it in their diet anyway.

Christine Puetz