Dogs Knee Problems

Is your dog suddenly limping, holding up a back leg, or hesitant to jump onto the couch for cuddles? As a loving dog owner in Oklahoma, seeing your furry companion in pain is heartbreaking. These signs often point to an issue with one of the most common sources of lameness in dogs: the knee. In fact, canine knee injuries are responsible for 85% of all lameness in dogs. Understanding the causes, treatments, and recovery process for knee problems in dogs is the first step toward getting them back on all four paws.

At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, our team of board-certified surgeons and compassionate staff are experts in diagnosing and treating canine orthopedic issues. We are here to guide you through this stressful time with state-of-the-art care and clear communication.

First Things First: Do Dogs Have Knees?

This is a frequent and excellent question we hear from concerned owners. The short answer is yes! What we call the "knee" on a dog's back leg is anatomically known as the stifle joint. It’s a complex hinge joint, similar to the human knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It relies on a network of muscles, tendons, and crucial ligaments for stability, making it susceptible to injury, especially in active dogs.

Common Causes of Knee Pain: From Ligament Tears to Luxating Patellas

The most frequent knee injuries we see fall into a few key categories:

• Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears: The most common orthopedic injury in dogs, the CCL is the equivalent of the ACL in humans. When a dog has torn ligament in knee, the stifle joint becomes unstable. This instability causes the tibia to slide forward in relation to the femur, leading to pain, inflammation, and the rapid development of arthritis. Symptoms often appear suddenly and include crying out during activity, inability to bear weight, and limping.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the dog's kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove. It is often a congenital or inherited issue, meaning the dog is born with an abnormally shaped groove. You might see a dog with a luxating patella suddenly skip or carry the leg for a few steps before kicking the leg to the side to pop the kneecap back into place. While common in small and toy breeds, it is being seen with increasing frequency in larger breeds as well.
• Arthritis: Also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, arthritis involves the progressive inflammation and deterioration of cartilage within the joint. It can be a primary issue in older dogs or develop secondary to instability from a CCL tear or patellar luxation.

Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?

While any dog can suffer a knee injury, genetics play a significant role. Some breeds are more predisposed to certain conditions:

• For CCL Tears: Large and giant breeds are particularly susceptible due to their size and weight putting extra strain on the joint. Breeds like Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls are commonly affected.
• For Patellar Luxation: This is most often seen in small and toy breeds such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles. However, larger breeds like Akitas and Great Pyrenees can also be predisposed.

A Critical Warning: How to Put a Dog's Knee Back in Place

We see this question searched online by worried pet owners looking for a quick fix, especially if they suspect a dislocated kneecap. The most important, and safest, answer is: you should never attempt this yourself.

Trying to manipulate a joint without proper training and diagnostics can cause excruciating pain and lead to far more severe damage, including fractures, increased ligament tearing, and permanent cartilage damage. The only safe course of action is to restrict your dog's activity immediately and schedule an urgent appointment with a veterinarian.

Surgical Solutions: The Gold Standard for Knee Stability

For most active dogs with a CCL tear or a moderate to severe patellar luxation, surgery is the most reliable path back to a happy, pain-free life. The goal of knee surgery for dogs isn't to simply repair the torn ligament but to alter the biomechanics of the joint so that it is stable.

At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, our surgeons perform advanced procedures like the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), which involves a bone cut and the placement of a metal plate and screws to permanently stabilize the stifle joint. This is considered a gold standard procedure for resolving CCL disease.

A Note on the Cost of Dog Knee Surgery

We understand that the cost of specialized surgery is a significant concern for families. The price of knee surgery for dogs can vary widely based on the specific procedure, the size of the dog, and the complexity of the case. In Oklahoma, a TPLO surgery can range from approximately $3,800 to over $5,000. It's important to remember that this fee typically covers the complex surgical procedure itself, anesthesia, post-operative monitoring, and initial medications. We are committed to providing transparent estimates and discussing all financial options with you, including financing solutions like CareCredit, to ensure your pet gets the care they need.

The Do's and Don'ts of Dog Knee Surgery

Preparing for and recovering from surgery is a team effort. Following post-operative instructions is critical for a successful outcome. Here are the essential do's and don'ts of dog knee surgery:

DO'S:

• DO strictly restrict your dog's activity for the entire recommended period (usually 8-12 weeks). This means no running, jumping, or rough play. Leash-walks for bathroom breaks only.
• DO use all prescribed medications, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, exactly as directed.
• DO follow the recommended physical therapy and rehabilitation plan, which may include passive range-of-motion exercises.
• DO attend all follow-up appointments and recheck X-rays to monitor healing.

DON'TS:

• DON'T allow your dog off-leash in an unfenced area.
• DON'T stop medications early, even if your dog seems to be feeling better.
• DON'T let your dog lick the incision. Use the provided E-collar (cone) at all times.
• DON'T rush the recovery process. Pushing your dog too soon can lead to implant failure or re-injury.

Post-Surgery Concerns and Long-Term Management

Recovery is a gradual process. It’s normal to have some concerns along the way. A common question we get is about a dog knee surgery swollen where plate is. Mild to moderate swelling is normal initially, but if it is excessive, hot, or accompanied by discharge, you should contact us immediately.

Even with successful surgery, arthritis is an expected long-term consequence of any joint instability. The goal is to manage it effectively to ensure a high quality of life. Long-term management includes:

• Weight Control: Keeping your dog at a lean, healthy weight is the single most important thing you can do to reduce stress on their joints.
• Joint Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help reduce inflammation and support cartilage health.
• Controlled Exercise: Consistent, low-impact exercise like swimming and controlled leash walking helps maintain muscle mass and joint mobility. Avoid high-impact "weekend warrior" activities.
• Physical Therapy: Professional rehabilitation can help maintain strength and mobility.

Can Knee Injuries Be Prevented?

While genetic conditions cannot be entirely prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk of dog injuries knee ligaments:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: This is the most crucial preventative measure to reduce chronic stress on the knees.
• Encourage Core Strength: Activities that improve balance and core strength, like wobble boards, can lower the odds of a ligament tear.
• Ensure Regular, Low-Impact Exercise: Activities like swimming or walking build supporting muscles without stressing the joints.

Your Partner in Your Dog’s Recovery

Seeing your dog struggle with knee problems is difficult, but you are not alone. From accurate diagnosis to advanced surgical intervention and guided rehabilitation, the experts at Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists are here to help. We combine cutting-edge medicine with a deep sense of compassion for our patients and their families.

If you suspect your dog has a knee injury, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward getting your best friend back on their feet.