Maltese Joint Problems (Answered)
Luxating patellas, or dislocated kneecaps, are a common health problem in Maltese and many other toy dogs. The condition is considered primarily an inherited congenital disorder.
Maltese are particularly prone to luxating patellas because of their small size and conformation. The kneecap is a small bone that sits in a groove at the end of the thighbone (femur). In dogs with luxating patellas, the kneecap pops out of this groove and slides to the side. This can happen when the dog is walking, running or even just standing up after lying down.
Luxating patellas can cause pain and lameness in affected dogs. In severe cases, it can lead to arthritis or other joint problems later in life. Luxating patellas are graded on a scale from I to IV, with IV being the most severe:
Grade I: The kneecap slips out of place but pops back into place on its own or with gentle manipulation. Dogs may show no signs or only occasional lameness.
Grade II: The kneecap slips out of place and does not pop back into place on its own or with gentle manipulation. Dogs may be lame off and on or constantly depending on how bad the grade II luxation is.
Grade III: The kneecap is permanently dislocated (out of place) but still attached to muscle tissue so that it does not pop back into place easily if at all. Dogs will be lame constantly unless surgically treated.
Grade IV: Same as grade III except that there is also damage to surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles, etc.
What are luxating patellas and why do they commonly occur in Maltese dogs?
Luxating patellas are a common problem in small breeds of dogs, such as Maltese dogs. The kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal location. Luxating patellas can be caused by joint or limb abnormalities, trauma, or other factors. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may involve surgery.
How do luxating patellas affect a dog’s quality of life?
Dogs with grade I or II luxating patellas can live without pain or arthritis, but vets may recommend surgery for grade III or IV luxations to prevent increased pain, arthritis, and reduced mobility.
How can you prevent your Maltese from developing luxating patellas?
Patellar luxations are a common problem in small dogs, particularly those of the Toy and Miniature varieties. Though often considered a genetic disorder, patellar luxations can also be caused by injury. No matter the cause, patellar luxations can be very painful for your dog and may eventually lead to arthritis or other joint problems.
The best way to prevent your Maltese from developing luxating patellas is to ensure that you only breed animals with sound knees. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all cases of patellar luxation, responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of this condition.
Is there a genetic test available to determine if your dog is at risk for developing luxating patellas?
Luxating patellas, also known as “floating kneecaps,” are a common joint problem in dogs. While there is no definitive genetic test available to determine if a dog is at risk for developing luxating patellas, genomic analysis has suggested that there may be certain genetic markers associated with the condition.
There are several different grades of luxating patellas, depending on how severely the kneecap floats out of place. Grade I luxating patellas are considered mild, and the dog may only show signs of lameness or discomfort when exercising. Grade IIluxating patellas are more severe, and the dog may be lame even when at rest. Grade III and IVluxating patellas are very severe, and the dog will likely be in constant pain.
treatment options for luxating patellas range from conservative measures such as weight management and physical therapy to surgery. In some cases, Luxation can be resolved without surgery if it is caught early enough however once degenerative changes set in surgery becomes the only option to return your pet to normal function.
Are there any other health problems that commonly affect Maltese dogs besides luxating patellas?
Maltese dogs are susceptible to the same bacterial and viral infections as all other dogs. Some of these infections include parvo, rabies, and distemper. However, Maltese dogs are also prone to a condition called luxating patellas.
Luxating patellas is a condition in which the kneecap pops out of place. This can be extremely painful for the dog and can lead to arthritis later on in life. Luxating patellas is thought to be hereditary, so if you’re thinking about getting a Maltese dog, be sure to ask the breeder about this condition.
There are some other health problems that commonly affect Maltese dogs as well. These include heart disease, respiratory problems, and allergies. So, if you’re considering getting a Maltese dog, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to care for a dog with special needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my dog with joint problems?
If your dog is experiencing joint pain and inflammation, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Fortunately, there are a number of options available.
One option is to give your dog an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin. However, it’s important to check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any OTC medication, as some can be harmful if used improperly. In general, prescription medications are safer than OTC products for dogs with joint problems.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a specific NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for your dog’s joint pain and inflammation. NSAIDs work by reducing swelling and inflammation in the joints. They can also help control pain associated with arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs for dogs include carprofen (brand name Rimadyl), deracoxib (brand name Deramaxx), firocoxib (brand name Previcox), and meloxicam (brand name Metacam).
In addition to medications, there are a few things you can do at home to help your dog feel more comfortable. For example, you can provide them with soft bedding material to cushion their joints, or use an orthopedic pet bed designed specifically for pets with arthritis or other joint issues. You should also avoid putting your dog on stairs or making them jump too much, as this can exacerbate their pain and make their condition worse over time.
What can I give Maltese for arthritis?
Arthritis is a common problem for dogs, especially as they age. If your Maltese is starting to show signs of arthritis, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease their pain and discomfort.
One option is to give them glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. These supplements work by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and increasing water retention in the cartilage. They can be given together or separately, and many pet stores carry them in both pill and chewable form.
Another option is to give your dog omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in fish oil supplements or certain types of dog food. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints. They also have other health benefits like improving skin and coat condition and supporting heart health.
You may also want to talk to your vet about giving your Maltese anti-inflammatory medication such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx. These drugs can provide significant relief from arthritis pain, but they do come with some risks so it’s important to discuss them with your vet first.
Does my Maltese have arthritis?
Yes, it’s possible that your Maltese has arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, especially as they age. Signs of arthritis include reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play; limping/lameness; and lagging behind on walks. Pain or stiffness when getting up or down is also a common sign of arthritis. If you’re concerned that your dog may have arthritis, please make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination.
What are the signs of joint pain in dogs?
There are several signs that may indicate your dog is experiencing joint pain. These can include lethargy, limping and stiffness, loss of appetite, irritability, depression, and slipping while moving about. Your dog may also lick, chew or bite the affected area.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. Joint pain is a common issue in dogs, especially as they age, and there are a variety of treatment options available depending on the severity of the problem. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most dogs with joint pain can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.
