PATELLAR LUXATION POST –SURGICAL CARE

Your pet has undergone a surgery aiming to correct the luxation of the patella. This condition develops when the patella pops out of the stifle joint that it normally slides in when flexing and extending the knee it can spontaneously return in the joint even remain luxated for an undetermined period of time. In very severe cases, it does not return back in to place. The luxation will often cause an intermittent limp that will cause, with time, arthritis to develop.

Luxation of the patella can develop following a trauma or because of congenital cause (The animal was born with abnormal conformation of the knee which permits the knee to luxate.) Since congenital luxation is probably hereditary, it is not recommended to reproduce these animals.

The goal of the surgery is to prevent the patella from popping out of the stifle joint and so the chosen surgical technique can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

In order to promote and facilitate recovery, we encourage you to follow these recommendations;

• The bandage your pet wears prevent your pet from flexing the knee and should be removed in 10 to 14 days. The veterinarian may decide to remove the surgical staples at the same time or later. To prevent you’re pet from chewing/ licking the bandage or wound, keep the Elizabethan collar provided on all times.

• Make sure the bandage and surgical wound remain clean and dry at all times. Avoid puddles and bathing. Check the wound for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge.

• An antibiotic was prescribed to prevent infection and an anti-inflammatory drug to help against any pain. Be careful to follow the directions on their labels. It may be possible that the veterinary prescribe a supplement to slow down the degeneration process of the joints.

• For the next 4 weeks you should keep your pet quiet and avoid all exercise. You can take very short walks on a leash only so that he may relieve himself. The rest of the time, he should remain in a cage if you cannot be sure to keep him quiet. Afterwards, you may start to gradually reintroduce exercise.

It is important to control you pet’s weight. Excess weight on the joints can hamper your pet’s recovery. If your pet suffers from excess weight, we can provide a diet adapted to his needs.

You should return for a follow-up exam in 30 days, so that we can be sure that you pet has healed properly from his surgery. It is possible that x-rays need to be done during the examination.