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Dr. Nichol: If your cockapoo has somewhat bowed rear legs, one or both of her knee caps (patellas) may slip out of its groove at the lower end of her thigh bone. Some patellas dislocate (luxate) just occasionally. A dog may skip for a few steps and then use the leg normally again after the patella slips back into the groove.

The knees of a dog with luxating patellas are vulnerable to injury. Your girls missed jump may have strained the supportive tendons that guide her patella. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help in the short term but the anatomy would still be structurally unsound. The only permanent solution will be surgical remodeling of the attachment of her patella and the groove in her lower femur.

Called a tibial crest rotation this surgery is a long-established procedure that many veterinarians are skilled at performing. But even with the geometric forces corrected, some chronic damage to a dogs tendons and cartilage will remain. Thats what makes stem cell therapy valuable.

While your girl is under anesthesia for knee surgery her doctor can make a small abdominal incision and remove a bit of fat. Your dogs very own stem cells (no risk of rejection) will be processed and shipped back overnight for injection into her knee. Over the following weeks the stem cells will stimulate regeneration of chronically inflamed tissues, resulting in a stronger and more comfortable joint.

Finally, stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, is not new. Veterinary orthopedists have used stem cells for 15 years to speed healing and reach better long-term outcomes.

Each week I make a short video or podcast to help bring out the best in pets. Sign up at no charge on my website, drjeffnichol.com. Every Tuesday it will arrive in your email. Ill also send you my free Pet Emergency and CPR guide.

Dr. Jeff Nichol treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe (505-792-5131). Questions on pet behavioral or physical concerns? For answers, Like my Facebook page at facebook.com/drjeffnichol or by mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

Excerpt from:
Stem cells could benefit cockapoo's knee issue - Albuquerque Journal