Examination of knee joints
Examination and assessment of knee joints
(price – 19 €, request for an appointment by number +370 5 2105048)
The goal of an examination is to diagnose a disease of a knee joint, especifically the most common one – patellar dislocation. Clinically this problem is manifested in lameness, which can appear and disappear repeatedly depending on which injured leg gets more workload, this lameness tires a dog. When the degree of patellar dislocation is higher, a dog often keeps the injured leg in a bent state, if the disease is two-sided, an animal usually crouches down to the ground and bounces like a rabbit while walking. Dislocations differ by the side of dislocation. Lateral patellar dislocation – knee cap shifts to the outside, medial dislocation of the patella – knee cap shifts to the inside. Lateral causes more disturbance to movements than medial. It is scientifically proven that the possibility of this disease in female dogs is 1,5 times higher than in male dogs. It is also stated that dogs that weigh under 9 kg are 12 times more likely to have the disease than big dogs. This disease often can be found in following breeds: Yorkshire terrier, chihuahua, Boston terrier, Pekingese, fox terrier, Toy and Miniature Poodles.
Results of assessment (Putnam algorithm):
0 – knee-joint is in normal condition
1 – patellar ligaments are almost in normal condition. Knee cap moves easier than usually, it can be dislocated if the knee-joint is in the elongated state. Knee cap might dislocate arbitrarily, but always returns to the original state. Position of the patellar ligaments can easily change while turning the shin bone.
2 – Knee cap is in the normal state when the leg is straight. Knee cap is pushed out when the knee joint is bent or shin bone is turned. Dislocated knee cap does not return to original state unless it is put back in place. Proximal (upper) part of shin bone turns under the angle of 30 degrees.
3 – Knee cap is always dislocated. It can be temporarily put back in the normal state. Proximal (upper) part of shin bone turns to the inside under 30-60 degrees.
4 – Knee cap is always dislocated, it cannot be put back in place. Proximal (upper) part of shin bone turns under 90 degrees.
Appealing the results of examination
Owners of animals that do not agree with the results of the examination should refer to the Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD) with a statement, LKD is taking the decision about appointment of another examination. Second examination is paid by the owner of an animal.
In UAB «Jakovo veterinarijos centras» examinations are performed by Dr. Jakov Sengaut DVM, Ph.D. Registration for an examination is required, you can do so by calling reception by numbers: (+370 5) 2132982 or (+370 5) 2105048; Dog should not eat or drink before the examination. Duration of the examination is 15 minutes.
