Certain breeds 'high' on the list for bum knees include but are certainly not limited to Labrador retrievers, Boxers, Pit bulls and mixes, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and small breeds. Certain small breeds are in particular at risk for patella luxation issues. There are also certain factors that may lead to problems with knees. Currently, the pandemic has inadvertently increased the weight of many dogs in our lives and decreased the activities of many of our dogs.
Factors that increase risk of a 'bum knee'
Additional factors that may predispose a dog to a bum knee includes the following:
- Early spay/neuter
- Increased weight – this is especially true during the pandemic!
- Straight rears – either due to breed or structure
- Deconditioning – another high cause in the pandemic!
- Dogs over the age of five
Signs of a knee problem include but are not limited to:
- Intermittent or constant lameness
- Sudden intermittent loss of the ability to weight bear in the one of the back legs
- Sitting in an abnormal position – often dogs will sit in a sloppy position or kick one leg out in a kickstand position
- Not bearing weight on a hind leg – look at the toes of the feet and determine if the weight is equal
- Difficulty moving from a sitting position or lying down position
- Suddenly less active
- Reluctant to jump up into the car, couch, bed, et.
- Constant licking of the back leg
- Swelling or thickening of the knee
- A hitching or kicking of the leg
Deborah (Gross) Torraca, DPT, MSPT, Diplomat ABPTS, CCRP has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over 17 years and currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC. She received her BS from Boston University, a Masters degree from Quinnipiac College, and her doctorate from the University of Tennessee. She has advanced certifications in her field. Dr. Torraca has lectured throughout the world on the topic of small animal rehabilitation for the past 12 years, and is one of the founders of the certificate program in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee. She has published widely on both the professional level and to dog enthusiasts of many venues. Laser therapy has been an interest and passion of hers for over 10 years and she is very active in the development of treatment programs and education on laser therapy.
Author's recent posts
Does your dog have a bum knee?
June 1, 2021
