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One of our main goals within our breeding program is to ensure the health of our puppies and dogs for many future generations to come. We pride ourselves in breeding dogs with good health and longevity.
This is why it is important that our dogs are health tested for genetic health problems prior to being bred and also why we have a good understanding and plenty of knowledge surrounding the health problems commonly affecting the Pomeranian breed. Luxating Patella |
A luxating patella occurs when the dog patella (kneecap), which normally sits on the groove of the femur (thighbone), shifts out of alignment. It can occur in one, or both, of the hind legs. In most small breed dogs, this movement occurs medially or toward the inside of the limb. A luxating patella in dogs can happen laterally, but this is less common and usually only occurs in larger breeds.
When luxation of the patella occurs, your dog may experience intermittent hind limb "skipping," lameness, or a locking up of the limb at an odd angle. Once everything realigns, they return to normal as if nothing had happened. A luxating patella in dogs can stem from a traumatic injury but more commonly is associated with joint or limb structure abnormalities, such as the groove of the femur where the kneecap sits being too shallow, or the area where the kneecap attaches to the shinbone (tibia) being displaced. These limb and joint changes result in an alteration of forces placed on the knee and, in turn, luxation of the patella. How Is A Luxating Patella in Dogs Diagnosed and Graded? A luxating patella in dogs is diagnosed by a veterinarian through a physical examination and is graded based on severity (I-IV). When assigning a grade, the vet will take into account any signs of discomfort that you've seen in your pet.
How Is Luxating Patella Treated? The methods for treating a luxating patella in dogs range from conservative medical management to surgery, depending on the grade of the disease. Most grade I and grade II instances are treated through pain and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management and exercise restriction. Physical rehabilitation therapy may also be helpful here, as it can help your dog rebuild muscle strength and ease back into normal activities. Some dogs with grade II who experience significant pain from cartilage damage and significant lameness may benefit from surgery to improve their quality of life. Surgery is usually indicated for both grade III and grade IV patellar luxation as they can cause significant lameness and pain. Surgeries for dog patella luxation are divided into those that correct either bony or soft tissue structures. No matter the surgery, the overall goal is to realign the supporting structures of the knee joint to allow the kneecap to move normally and stay in the groove of the femur. Common surgical procedures include:
To allow the site to heal appropriately, your dog may have to wear a soft bandage or brace for three to five days and have their exercise restricted for about four to eight weeks following surgery. During this recuperation time, your dog's walks should be limited to short on-leash trips to use the bathroom, and they may have to be crated or confined to a small room to restrict activity. Physical rehabilitation can be helpful to reduce the loss of muscle mass on the affected limb and may help some dogs return to normal function sooner. Is it a genetic health problem? In short, it can be, but it isn't guaranteed. Just like how two dogs with 0/0 graded hips can still produce a dog with hip displasia, this can also happen with luxating patella. So why do we bother checking our breeding dogs patellas? Because even if it doesn't completely ensure the puppies won't be affected, it is a good start to doing our best to prevent it occuring. |
Alopecia X |
Although visually dramatic, the good news is that this condition is cosmetic only, and treatment is not medically necessary.Alopecia X most commonly occurs in plush-coated breeds including Pomeranians, Alaskan Malamutes, Keeshonds, and Chow-Chows. The hair follicles on the body and tail quit actively growing and get stuck in a resting phase. Then, when the hair is naturally shed, it is no longer replaced. The cause of this hair cycle arrest is unknown and may be variable, hence the name “Alopecia X.” This condition was originally thought to have a hormone basis because it responds to supplementation with the hormone melatonin. It is also known to variably respond other drugs that can reduce hormones secreted by the adrenal gland. Sexually intact individuals may respond to a spay/neuter procedure.
Alopecia can also be caused by shaving in double coated breeds. Unfortunately no one medication has been reliably successful, and some treatments that affect adrenal gland hormones are not recommended due to potential side effects. How is Alopecia X diagnosed? Alopecia X is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of alopecia. A physical exam, thorough history, and blood tests are often performed by a veterinarian to assess for other hormonal causes of alopecia, including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. The veterinarian may also perform skin scrapings and microscopic examination of samples from the skin to look for infection and mites. Sometimes a skin biopsy is performed to help solidify the diagnosis. |