Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, damages the heart and lungs and can cause serious, lasting illness in dogs. Year-round prevention and annual testing are the safest and most effective ways to protect your pet.

Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dog's

Pet birds - from parakeets to finches - need proper nutrition, enrichment, and safe housing to stay healthy and happy. Because they hide illness well, any change in behavior should prompt immediate veterinary attention.

The Five Most Common Pet Birds and What It Takes to Care for Them

Storms and hurricanes can separate pets from their families, making emergency planning essential. Keep medical records accessible, ensure microchipping, and maintain a stocked pet emergency kit with basic supplies, food, and water.

Including Your Pets in Disaster Preparedness

Overgrooming often appears as broken, fuzzy hairs - especially on the belly and inner thighs - and can stem from medical issues like parasites, allergies, or endocrine disease. Stress can also be a major trigger, but with proper diagnosis, most cases resolve successfully.

Overgrooming in Cats

Intervertebral Disc Disease causes spinal pain and mobility issues, especially in long-backed breeds, and requires prompt veterinary attention. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and careful home support, your involvement is key to helping your pet recover comfortably.

Top This: Five Healthy Dog Food Toppers

Fri Jun 13 2025 17:01:29 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Colorado Canine Orthopedics

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we deliver advanced orthopedic care for dogs and cats with innovative treatments, compassionate service, and an exceptional client experience, improving the lives of pets and their families.

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<span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Boarding, bathing, and daycare reservations can be made online via our webpage or by downloading the Blue Springs Pet Resort app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.</span><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Please note that our reservation system requires payment by credit card and we cannot accept other forms of payment for Pet Resort services.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Select your preference below and set up your account to get connected with us. ***Please create only one account per family.***</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We look forward to seeing your pet soon!</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div>

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<p dir="auto"></p><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
  width=&quot;100%&quot; 
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  title=&quot;Video player&quot; 
  frameborder=&quot;0&quot; 
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/440736682" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/440736682" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Overview</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Medial patella luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic disorder in small and toy breed dogs. Poodles represent the most common breed affected. The word patella is the anatomic term for the kneecap, and the definition of " luxation infers “out of position”, and the definition of medial is “toward the middle”. Less commonly, the patella moves (luxates) toward the outside, which is termed lateral patella luxation. Lateral patella luxations are less common, but most prevalent in large breed dogs. However, both small and large breeds can develop either. Medial and lateral patella luxations usually develop in young dogs between six and nine months of age.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Canine Patellar Luxations can be Categorized from Mild to Severe and Graded from 1-4 Respectively.</strong></h2><ul><li><p dir="auto">Grade 1 luxations only luxate under digital pressure. These patients are usually asymptomatic and usually do not require surgery.</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Grade 2 luxations are the most common grade and are characterized by the patellar spontaneously slipping in and out of position. Most dogs with grade 2 luxations experience mild to moderate lameness and often skip with the leg up for several steps when the patellar is out. Then, when the patellar slips back into position, the skipping temporarily resolves. Grade 2 MPLs usually require surgical repair.</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Grade 3 luxations are always out of position but can be reduced by digital pressure. Patients with grade 3 luxations experience mild to severe lameness, skip sometimes and almost always require surgery.</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Grade 4 luxations are always out and cannot be reduced by digital pressure. Patients with grade 4 luxations usually experience severe lameness and require surgical repair.</p></li></ul><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Why Canine Patella Luxations Occur</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Patella luxations usually occur secondary to hereditary, congenital abnormalities in limb alignment and both rear legs are affected. In many cases the leg(s) are “bowed” and the groove where the patella glides (trochlear groove) is often shallow and malaligned. Rarely, trauma causes the patella to luxate.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Clinical Signs of Canine Patella Luxations</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Clinical signs of patella luxations are variable and dependent on the grade or severity of luxation. Usually, clinical signs become apparent prior to one year of age. In mild cases, there are no obvious clinical signs. In moderate cases the puppy or dog occasionally limps or “skips” and a clicking or popping sound is present. The patella can also be felt popping in and out of position. In severe cases, “duck walking” and persistent limping is present. In some dogs the bow-legged deformity is obvious.</p><p dir="auto">Infrequently, dogs live for years with patella luxations without clear clinical signs only to develop lameness in later life. In this scenario many times an ACL tear is responsible for the late onset of lameness. In some patients with late onset of signs, severe osteoarthritis secondary to the patella problem is the culprit.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Diagnosis of Canine Patella Luxations</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Diagnosis of patella luxation is primarily based on physical examination. Radiographs are helpful, but with grade one and two patella luxations the patella may be in the appropriate position when the radiograph is snapped, i.e., seeing the patella in position on a radiograph does not rule out a patella luxation. Arthroscopy may also be useful in patella luxation cases to evaluate the cartilage wear and rule out other stifle joint disorders such as ACL tears.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Treatment Options for Canine Patella Luxations</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Treatment options for patella luxations are dependent on the underlying anatomic abnormalities leading to the luxation. For asymptomatic patients, especially those with grade one luxation, surgery may not be needed. Dogs with spontaneously luxating patellas, require surgery to resolve clinical signs and prevent and minimize the development of osteoarthritis, such as cartilage erosion.</p><p dir="auto">Typical treatment techniques include releasing one side of the joint capsule, tightening the opposite of the joint capsule (imbrication), deepening the grove where the patella normally glides (trochleoplasty), realigning the attachment point of the patella tendon, and in severe cases, straightening the femur (also know as distal femoral osteotomy or DFO). In routine cases surgery takes less than one hour and virtually all patients can leave the hospital the day of surgery.</p></div><div class="column" index="1"><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/440737600" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/440737600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><p dir="auto"></p></div></div><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Prognosis, Healing and Recovery for Canine Patella Luxations</strong></h2><p dir="auto">The prognosis for patella luxation repair is excellent in dogs with grades 1-3. At Colorado Canine Orthopedics patients can be comfortably discharged from the hospital the day of surgery. Healing time depends on the age of the patient and procedures employed. In puppies healing usually takes about one month. During this convalescent period animals can go on short leash walks, do lots of lap sitting but should not be permitted to jump from furniture or stairs. Following healing the patient can return to a normal, fully active lifestyle.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Cost of Patella Surgery at Colorado Canine Orthopedics</strong></h2><p dir="auto">The average cost of a patella surgery at Colorado Canine Orthopedics can vary from patient to patient due to factors that may be hard to determine until a physical examination has been completed. Please contact our office to discuss a pre-consultation estimate for your pet. A refined, doctor specified estimate will be presented at the end of your pet’s initial consultation.</p><p dir="auto">About Our Fees:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">All surgery fees include pre-surgical X-rays, anesthesia and monitoring, nerve block or epidural, implants, post-operative X-rays and routine go home medications.</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Consultation, pre-operative bloodwork and four and eight and week post- operative X-rays are not included.</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">At Colorado Canine Orthopedics we are committed to providing only state of the art, non-compromised pet healthcare. We realize some pet owners may find this level of care relatively costly. However, despite the inherently expensive nature of our work, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care at the most affordable price possible. We believe if you compare our fees to other specialty practices you will find this true.</p>

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for medial patella luxation in dogs. Learn about symptoms, causes, grading, and corrective procedures designed to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Trusted canine orthopedic specialists delivering comprehensive care for patellar luxation in Colorado.

Patella Luxation

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This is what we do every day so we are able to provide the best Orthopedic care for your pet.

Advanced techniques mean most of our patients can go home the same day after surgery!

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We perform CT scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, & arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

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<p>Pet Insurance is different than human insurance. With any appointment or surgical procedure, payment in full will be collected at the time of service and the client would send that information to their Pet Insurance provider for reimbursement.</p>

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating canine ACL tears with advanced orthopedic techniques. Our board-certified surgeons bring decades of experience to every case, helping dogs of all breeds recover faster and return to active lives. Learn more about our approach and schedule your dog's consultation today to get them moving comfortably again.

ACL Tears

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the optimal treatment for dogs with ACL tears.

TPLO

Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for canine hip dysplasia, a common genetic joint condition causing pain and mobility issues in dogs. Tailored surgical and non-surgical options help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Contact us today to protect your dog's hips and keep them active.

Hip Dysplasia

Colorado Canine Orthopedics, located in Colorado Springs, offers expert canine total hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility for dogs with hip dysplasia or chronic joint issues. Performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons using advanced techniques, most pets regain full function and return home quickly after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement

Canine elbow dysplasia is a hereditary developmental joint condition that causes abnormal bone alignment and cartilage wear, leading to forelimb lameness, pain, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis in medium to large breed dogs. The service page highlights advanced diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment options to manage this condition and improve canine mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Canine shoulder disorders include juvenile osteochondritis dissecans, athletic injuries, tendinopathies, medial shoulder instability and bicipital tendon issues in dogs, with diagnosis by exam, imaging, ultrasound or arthroscopy and advanced treatments to restore mobility and reduce pain at Colorado Canine Orthopedics.

Shoulder Disorders

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert care for dogs with fractures and dislocations. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced imaging and proven surgical techniques to repair broken bones and joint injuries, relieve pain, and restore mobility. We create personalized treatment plans to help your dog heal safely and return to an active life.

Fractures and Dislocations

Arthroscopy at Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers advanced minimally invasive joint surgery for dogs using a tiny camera and tools to diagnose and treat conditions like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and dysplasia. This precise procedure improves diagnosis, reduces recovery time, and enhances joint health.

Arthroscopy

At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we are able to perform spinal surgery on many small breed dogs. There may be cases that need to be referred to a neurologist, but we will always recommend what is the best choice for your dog's well being and prognosis. 

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Patella Luxation