Medially Luxating Patella (MLP)
Welcome to Paddington Vet, your trusted source for expert care in managing Medially Luxating Patella (MLP) in pets. MLP, a condition where the kneecap slips out of its proper position, can lead to discomfort and mobility issues for your beloved animal. Our experienced veterinary team is equipped with the knowledge and technology to diagnose and treat MLP, offering both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to each pet's specific needs.
Understanding Medially Luxating Patella (MLP) at Paddington Vet
What is Medially Luxating Patella (MLP)?
Medially Luxating Patella (MLP) occurs when a pet's kneecap, or patella, shifts out of its normal position in the knee joint, moving medially, or towards the inside. This condition can range from the patella occasionally slipping out of place to it being permanently displaced. Over time, this misalignment can cause significant wear on the cartilage beneath the patella and the femur, potentially leading to discomfort and difficulty in movement.
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Identifying MLP in Your Pet
Pets with MLP might show signs of intermittent skipping or hopping as they attempt to realign their kneecap. Initially, these signs may not be accompanied by pain, but as the condition progresses and cartilage is lost, resulting in direct bone contact, significant pain and lameness can occur. A thorough examination by a veterinarian, focusing on the knee's mobility and the presence of crepitus (a grinding sensation indicating bone-on-bone contact), can diagnose this condition.
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Treatment Approaches
For mild cases, non-surgical interventions such as weight management, reducing high-impact activities, and specific medications may provide relief and postpone the need for surgery. However, when pain and lameness become evident due to cartilage degradation, surgical correction is often recommended. The surgical procedure involves realigning the patella tendon by modifying the bone structure and deepening the femoral groove to prevent future dislocations. This approach aims to restore the natural movement of the kneecap across the femur.
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Surgical Costs at Paddington Vet
Our clinic offers this surgical treatment ranging from $3,200, significantly more affordable than the costs typically associated with animal hospitals or specialist referral centres. Our experienced team performs this surgery with high proficiency, ensuring the best outcomes for your pet.
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We do offer payment plans through credit providers. Please see our payment plans section for more information.
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Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Post-surgery, we advise short, controlled walks for the first four weeks, allowing the operated area to heal correctly. Off-lead activities can generally resume six weeks post-operation. To support joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis, we recommend a course of Cartrophen injections, proven to mitigate bone inflammation and promote cartilage repair.
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At Paddington Vet, we're committed to providing your pet with the highest standard of care for conditions like MLP, guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to ensure your pet leads a happy, active life.