Can CBD Oil Help with Luxating Patella in Dogs?

Has your dog been diagnosed with a luxating patella?  If they have, there are many things that you can do at home to help with this condition. 

CBD oil will greatly help decrease the pain and inflammation that is associated with your dog’s luxating patella.  Your vet may also recommend surgery, and CBD oil will help your dog with many issues they may face during the recovery process.

Patella or kneecap helps connect the upper thigh muscles to the tibia. Luxating refers to a bone that is a dislocation in and out of place. So, a luxating patella is a medical term referring to the kneecap of your dog coming in and out of place. Luxating patella is very commonly seen in smaller dog breeds, even in some medium breeds. This can happen as the result of trauma or accident, but sometimes just occurs with an awkward step in the right breeds at the right ages. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to the luxating patella. If this is not addressed quickly or correctly, it can cause further issues with the joint.  It can even cause significant pain and arthritis in your dog.

There are many different signs and symptoms that you may see if your dog does have a luxating patella.  These are some of the most common signs that you will see.

• Obvious limping
• Whimpering/whining when moving around
• Visible inflammation and swelling
• Attempts to avoid any and all movement
• Shaky gait when they can bring themselves to move around
• Lack of interest in playtime activity
• Hiding, which is an expression of anxiety and can occur when the dog is in pain

The most classic sign that your dog has a luxating patella is that they will not put weight on one leg.  They will then stretch that one leg straight back and then start walking normally again.  When they stretch that one leg back, they will pop the patella back into the correct position.

If you think that your dog has a luxating patella, it is best to see your vet.  Usually, this can be very easily diagnosed with just and exam.  The severity of the luxating patella is graded out of 4. Grade 1 is the least severe, and Grade 4 is the most severe.  If your dog has a grade 3 or 4, it is usually recommended that they have patella surgery.

Sometimes X Rays will be recommended.  This can see how the patella sits in the leg and see if there is any arthritis that can cause issues later in life.  Depending on the severity of your dog’s luxating patella, your vet can discuss medical management verse surgical correction.

A luxating patella may be able to be easily managed with medicine.  Things that are commonly prescribed are NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, Opioid pain medications, and joint supplements such as CBD, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin. Many times, these medicines and supplements can decrease pain and inflammation in your dog’s knee. 

If your dog’s luxating patella is severe, your vet may recommend surgical correction.  During surgery, your vet would make the groove that the patella sits in deeper and may even tie the ligaments tighter.  This procedure is not always done by your local vet, and you may have to see an orthopedic surgeon.

Cannabidiol or CBD is found in the hemp plants.  Unlike what some people think CBD does not contain any THC.  THC is the chemical that is found in marijuana that is responsible for the euphoric state.  CBDinteracts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain to produce a variety of effects on the body.  It is used to treat a variety of issues, both mental and physical.

There are many reasons that you should be giving your dog CBD products.  These can be given as a daily supplement to help prevent problems or for a short period of time during an illness. CBD Oil cannot directly treat Luxating Patella, which will require a veterinarian’s assistance and possibly surgery. These are a few reasons that you would want to give your dog CBD products.

1. Reduce inflammation in the joints: There are studies that show that CBD oils can help decrease pain and inflammation in your dog’s joint. If your dog has arthritis or any other problems with their joints, CBD oils are great supplements that you can give to your dog.  Dogs with arthritis can have CBD oil every day to help with the pain.
2. Decreases stress:CBD oil can also help decrease stress in your dog.  Some dogs may get stressed when their owner leaves for work or if they have to stay overnight anywhere other than their home.  If you give your pet CBD oil in these cases will help your pet be less stressed. 
3. Quell anxiety: Some dogs get very anxious when you leave home.  If your dog suffers from anxiety when your away, giving them CBD products to help keep them calm.  These products have proven to be very successful in aiding dogs who suffer from anxiety. 
4. Aid in increasing appetite: If your dog is now suddenly having diarrhea or vomiting, CBD products can help decrease their nausea and increase their appetite.  By giving these products with probiotics, your dog can quickly return to a healthy and happy life. 

If your dog does have a luxating patella, there are many things that you can do at home so that your dog is feeling much better.  Your vet can examine your dog to confirm that they do have a luxating patella.  They can even start your dog on pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications.  

Supplements such as CBD oils can greatly help your dog with many different issues.  If you notice anything wrong with your dog, it will be best for them to see your vet so they can return to their happy and healthy life.