Laurie's Blogs.

Hi Laurie,
I have a patient (10 mo old boxer) who I think may have a patellar laxity. Not sure if traumatic method of injury or genetic (one of her other dogs has this too). The owner is quite anxious and stressed about every little thing going on with her dogs! Initially the dog presented as an SIJ (I didn't do a THOROUGH check on the patella initially, just a quick assessment and didn't pick anything up) - treated SIJ, exercises for glutes, etc... and she was doing well. But she is crazy hyper and jumps all over the place so she keeps aggravating it. So the SIJ stayed good but she was still lame especially in the mornings – thus I dove further into the patella. She doesn't have the typical presentation, ie- no skipping or intermittent lameness with walks or trots. She is mainly off in mornings and after hyper play (which the owner is trying very hard to tame!)
I basically think we are still on the right track with our strengthening program (glutes, hills, backing up, etc) but she is very stressed about the long-term prognosis of this issue.
Should I refer her back to her vet? I would call it a grade 1 luxating patella. It has to be in the sweet spot to pick up the laxity and otherwise feels like some crepitus around the PF joint. Stifle is otherwise perfect. I'm re-watching all your patella videos for more ideas, but thought I'd pick your brain as well. I’m mainly wondering if I should refer on or keep on with our treatments? (Which are helping, but it's a young, hyper dog who keeps re-aggravating things!)
Thank you!
Hope you had a great weekend,
J
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Hey J,
Sorry for my tardy reply!
So it's a catch 22 - referral back to vet and on to surgeon = surgery.
Reminds me of a previous client “Police Service Dog Gord”.  He was a GSD in police dog training that had a similar history.
Essentially I strengthened the daylights out of his leg, while keeping it from flaring up too much with 'free activity'.  Prescribed tons of hill walking back then for him.  He did well!
I'd also recommend an anti-inflammatory and joint supplements to get her through this phase and to minimize the morning stiffness etc.
I honestly don't think there needs to be a concern re: long term prognosis, I'd be willing to guess that it was a matter of 'did something' to irritate the PFJt, caused swelling, caused inhibition of muscles, cause poor tracking, caused inflammation, and full circle all over again.  Just need to break the cycle in there!
Cheers!   Laurie
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Thanks Laurie! 
I saw them again last Wednesday and the owner said she was 90% better. So, I really hope we are on the right track. I do think it's mainly a matter of limiting her crazy free play to at least get her out of the cycle!
Hopefully we'll resolve this!
Thanks for your feedback!
J