knee slipping

Question
I've heard chihuahua's can sometimes have a slipping out of place knee.  It doesn't seem to bother as much as it does me.  Lovey is a little whimpy and will definitely let me know it something is hurting her by yelping.  Should I be concerned and what can I do?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Rose!

Yes, in Chihuahuas this condition is called a luxating patella.  You're right that it can bother you to look at the knee slipping out more than it bothers the dog.  That's a mild case.  Luxating patellas are graded with a grade of one being very mild.  A severe luxating patella causes pain and/or the dog to hop and not use the leg.  I always try to tell Chihuahua owners that they need to see a veterinarian that is experienced with small dogs or Chihuahuas specifically to have their dog's luxating patellas examined because many vets confuse this condition with a condition that larger dogs have and can give you misinformation.  I saw a very bad vet in CA that diagnosed a dog that I purchased as having a severe patella problem and it turns out that she was using the wrong protocol to diagnose the condition - so make sure that you see someone who really is experienced with small dogs and not someone who is only trying to profit.

I have a Chihuahua that has had luxating patellas in both back legs since he was less than two years old and they've never worsened.  We are careful not to let him walk on slippery floors (putting down areas rugs and runners) and when we take him walking we have him walk on solid surfaces rather than gravel or bark which tends to make the patella problem worse.  He's almost ten years old now and his patella problems have not worsened.

It's controversial, but we give our dog Glucosamine Chondroitin (can be found at pet stores, on the internet or even at Trader Joe stores) and it really seems to help and has for a long time.

Surgery for patella problems can be costly depending on where you live and it's not something to avoid if your dog is having painful patella problems or if the problem seems to increase over time.  I've heard it said that dogs may develop arthritis years after having had this surgery, but if your dog is ever in pain, you should not avoid surgery.  I would put it off if your dog's patella problem has received a low grade from a qualified veterinarian though.

Hope this helps,

Jo Ann