Q:  I was told my dog has “trick knee caps.”  Is this a serious condition?  Do I need to do anything.

            A:  “Trick knee caps,” or patellar luxation, is a common birth defect in dogs.  In affected dogs, the knee cap (patella) slips out of joint (luxates).  A dog’s knee, or stifle, is located on the rear legs near the body.  Counting the hip as the first joint, the stifle is the second joint down the leg.  Normally, a long ligament holds the round patella in a V-shaped groove of bone.  The patella acts like a pulley in redirecting force around the angle of the joint.  It should be able to move slightly from side to side, but should not be able to come out of the groove.  Dogs with patellar luxation have shallow bony grooves, excessively long ligaments, or both.    

Mildly affected dogs often experience no symptoms at all.  Frequently, the condition is detected by a veterinarian during a thorough physical exam when no abnormality has been noted by the dog’s family.  Sometimes owners will notice the dog holding up a rear leg for several steps, usually after resting or during a quick run.  The lameness will typically last only a few steps and then will spontaneously correct itself.  Usually, there is little or no pain associated with the lameness.

More severely affected dogs can spend more time with their knee cap out of joint then with it in place.  I have seen patients whose patella could not stay in its proper location at all.  These dogs experience regular joint pain and usually have trouble standing up.  Surgical stabilization of the stifle joint is warranted in these patients.  The surgery involves making a deeper groove in the bone, replacing the patella, and tightening the ligament with sutures. 

Although almost any dog may be affected by patellar luxation, most dogs with this condition are small or toy breeds.  This is good news since affected dogs under twenty pounds rarely require surgical correction of the stifle. 

Any patient with abnormal joints is at increased risk for osteoarthritis.  It is common for dogs with patellar luxation to experience arthritis several years earlier than average.  For this reason, I routinely recommend a lifelong joint supplement containing low molecular weight chondroitin and ASU for every patient with patellar luxation.  The supplement strengthens the cartilage within the stifle, slowing damage.  I also recommend keeping affected pets lean since excess weight will age the joint faster.

Q:  There has been a baby bird fluttering outside near our bushes.  It seems like she has fallen out of the nest.  What should I do to care for her?

            A:  In late spring and early summer, many wild birds experience a fledgling stage of development.  These birds are old enough to leave the nest, but still need the attention of a parent.  Typically these fledglings jump around and practice flying, but usually cannot completely master the skill yet.  Think of these fledglings as “bird teenagers.” 

            The mother will usually be keeping a pretty close watch over fledglings.  They help them find food and avoid predators.  Sometimes you may see a panicked mother bird trying to distract you if you walk to close to her offspring.  It is important to leave the fledgling alone, so the mother continues to care for it.  Keep your cats and dogs indoors or closely supervised if you have a fledgling in your yard.  Many of these birds die from interactions with pets or because well meaning “rescuers” take them away from their mothers.

            In Virginia, all wildlife legally belongs to the Commonwealth.  Individuals are not allowed to care for wildlife other than to bring them to a veterinarian or licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  These laws are for the protection of the animals and public health.  If you suspect any wild animal is sick or injured, leave them in place and contact a veterinarian or animal control for advice.