Initial symptoms of Teddy's patellar dislocation

The initial condition of Teddy's patellar dislocation is usually when the owner notices that their Teddy suddenly becomes afraid to put weight on one leg while walking, but they can run normally during play. Due to this reason, many owners do not pay attention to this situation, which eventually leads to the dislocation becoming more severe, wearing down of the cartilage, and secondary arthritis.

The patella, also known as the kneecap, forms a joint with the groove of the femur, which is commonly referred to as the knee. Normally, the patella is perfectly embedded in the groove, connected to the ligaments, and stable. However, under the influence of certain factors, the patella cannot stay completely in the groove and slips out of it, resulting in patellar dislocation. The diagnosis of patellar dislocation requires a tactile examination and X-rays to confirm. Patellar dislocation does not necessarily require surgery once it occurs; the choice of conservative treatment or surgery depends on the specific severity of the condition.

In the conservative treatment of Teddy's patellar dislocation, some medications can be taken orally, mainly for inflammation and pain relief, as well as reshaping the cartilage. Owners with the means can bring their Teddy to underwater spa or underwater running sessions. These exercises can enhance blood flow and joint mobility while protecting the joint. Teddies with more severe dislocations require surgical treatment, and the most common surgical procedures are groove reconstruction or patellar fixation. Generally, the cure rate for simple patellar dislocation is high, but if combined with other complications, the prognosis and success rate of surgery will be affected. Therefore, it is still advisable for owners to seek treatment during the early stages of Teddy's patellar dislocation.