What are luxating patella symptoms & home remedies for a limping dog?

Question

I don't have the funds to take my baby girl to the vet but I was wondering what the symptoms are for a luxaiting pateala and what can be done at home to help? She doesn't seen to be in any constant pain(even when I rub my hand across that leg from hip to paw) she will let out a yelp every once in awhile but she seems stiff and is limping and other times holding up one back leg...She is a 17 year old deer chihuahua that weights about 6lbs.. Please help if you can. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 15 years and 9 months old | 7 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. A luxating patella results in the kneecap popping out of position. It sometimes causes the joint to freeze resulting in the leg being held out in full extension until it moves back into its groove. Other times, we can diagnose it by apply gentle pressure to the patella & actually moving it laterally. At this age, there is probably quite a bit of arthritis in the joint, so pain relief is key here. I would encourage you to try & find the sums needed to have Smiley evaluated because of his discomfort. He is such a small dog that the amount of pain reliever he requires will make treatment very reasonable. Just ask for generic medications. If this is just impossible, then get Smiley on a good glucosamine supplement. This will help his aging joints. I like the Nutramax products especially Dasaquin, but Cosequin is also very good & you can find these in most Petcos or online. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

What are luxating patella symptoms & home remedies for a limping dog?

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