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Hey Laurie,

Hope you are doing well and the farm isn't killing you!

I have a question for you since I know you do lots of puppy assessments.

I have a client who is getting a new lab puppy (8 weeks old) and her massage therapist friend told her that the puppy has luxating patellas. No degree was mentioned. My gut response is that at 8 weeks of age in a large breed dog some movement is very normal and expected. Nothing to really worry about but I thought I would shoot you an email to see what your experience has been. Unless they are completely luxating out of the trochlear groove, this seems like much ado about nothing.

Thoughts?

Thanks as always,

RN

Great question! So, I have seen some puppies with luxating patellas that early as well… full luxations. Most have been lateral for whatever reason… and both cocker spaniels. Of those, none of them went on to become clinical. They still luxate, but never a mis-step, no concerns, and both compete in agility.

A grade 1, I’d not worry about either. Yes, to some strengthening, but not much concern.
A large breed dog with a grade 2 medial patellar luxation on the other hand, I would have some concerns about. I’d put them on a quads strengthening regime early on.

I hope this helps!

Cheers,

Laurie

To add to LEH's thoughts:

This may or may not be real, but if this is a true patellar luxation, the fact that it is manifesting so early is a probable harbinger of a major problem. If the condition worsens, then I would push for a surgical consult sooner rather than later.

Or maybe is is just loose puppy patellas. You can try lying the puppy on its back in your lap with the hind legs extended. Follow the line of the cranial aspect of the quads (sartorius), down to the patella, than then to the tibial tuberosity. Is it a straight line or a hockey stick? A straight line and grade I patella is not at all concerning.

Complete sidebar tangent: Harbingers were the people who were sent out ahead of an advancing army to look for stores of food, accommodation etc. to seize from the locals. Thus, a harbinger is something that "announces" an approaching bad event.

Wonderful vocabulary lesson David!
Thank you!


Laurie