Van Loon Animal Hospital Provides Luxating Patella Surgery for Pets

If your pet develops a sudden limp when walking, the problem may be a luxating patella, which is one of the most common orthopedic problems in pets. At Van Loon Animal Hospital in Holmen, WI, we provide surgical procedures to correct luxating patella in pets. Here are some facts about this common condition:

What Is Luxating Patella?

The patella, also known as the knee cap, is a small bone that rests at the front of the knee. Normally, the kneecap is attached to the ligaments of the knee and moves smoothly over the surface when the joint moves. However, the patella can become dislocated when it moves out of the normal groove within the knee joint. The result can cause limping, “hopping,” and pain during movement.

Luxating Patella Surgery

Non-surgical treatments can sometimes help minor luxation. However, surgery may be necessary for severe cases. The procedure involves stabilizing the patella in its groove, either by reconstructing soft tissues, deepening the groove to keep the patella in place, or molding the bone to better hold the patella during joint motion.

Recovery from Luxating Patella Surgery

Generally, animals only require a few days of inactivity and healing after the procedure. Walking the animal on leash very slowly to go out to the bathroom and get exercise will help to improve flexibility and muscle tone after surgery. Pets usually do well after surgery with few complications.

Make Van Loon Animal Hospital Your Veterinarian for Pet Surgery

Dr. Hein, Dr. Rosa-Rivera, and our staff at Van Loon Animal Hospital make patient care the focus of all that we do for animals in Holmen, WI, and the nearby communities. We provide many pet care services, including vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, diagnostics, dental care, preventative care, boarding, and grooming. Contact Van Loon Animal Hospital today at 608-526-2200 for an appointment to learn how luxating patella surgery can help your pet.