Rehabilitation of Luxating Patella
Introduction
Fleur is a 7-year-old Pomapoo that lives with 4 other doggy siblings who are all part of an active, competing agility family. Fleur herself was a budding agility dog who loved her job with great success in the ring. In the summer of 2023, Fleur’s owner noticed a left hindlimb lameness, characterised by a skipping action while running and immediately consulted her vets for an orthopaedic consultation.
Upon examination, it was confirmed that Fleur had a moderate left hindlimb lameness with associated muscle atrophy. Further investigation found the cause to be medial luxating patella. Given the condition usually presents bilaterally, tests were carried out on the right hindlimb. This confirmed bilateral medial patella luxation, left grade 3 and right grade 2. Considering the presentation of the left hindlimb, it was opted to perform surgery to this limb first. A block recession trochleoplasty was performed to the left hindlimb along with a tibial tuberosity transposition to deepen the trochlear groove and realign the quadriceps mechanism.
The surgery was a success; however, Fleur was unhappy to weight bear through the left hindlimb and frequently skipped, hopping on 3 legs. This sparked Fleur’s referral to Snowy’s Canine Therapy Centre on the 21st of August 2023 for rehabilitation post-surgery.
Treatment Plan
Fleur’s attendance of Physiotherapy sessions included a comprehensive treatment plan which covered every aspect of her progressive rehabilitative targets. This ranged between specific physiotherapeutic exercises, massage treatment, joint and soft tissue mobilisations, Class IV laser treatments and Under Water Treadmill rehabilitation. Fleur’s owners were also supplied with a comprehensive home exercise plan, adapted weekly in accordance with her development. In clinic exercises began with basic balance and polework, advancing to expert level proprioceptive and power exercises ready for her return to agility.
Progress and Outcome
Fleur was successful with rehabilitation of the left hindlimb and showed great progress, however due to the diagnosis of the right hindlimb, we knew Fleur would need to undergo a second surgery to stabilise the right patella tracking. Whilst waiting for a surgery date, we continued to ‘prehabilitate’ the right hindlimb, ensuring Fleur had sufficient muscle mass and strength to provide the best possible outcome post-surgery.
Early this year (February 2024), Fleur underwent her second surgery to the right hindlimb with the same procedure. Given the success of rehabilitating Fleur’s left hindlimb, we initiated treatment as soon as the referral was received.
Conclusion
Fleur has successfully resumed off-lead exercise and playful interactions with her siblings, marking a significant milestone in her rehabilitation journey. With this progress, she eagerly anticipates her upcoming return to agility, where she will compete in the specials category designed for rehabbed and retired dogs, showcasing her determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
