loose knees - Page 1

Hi there, new to database am shopping for my first GSD and really trying to educate myself first. Can anyone tell me what " loose knees " are and if it is a genetic /heratitary thing or not?? Thanks gsdfund

You are probably referring to a luxating patella. If you do a google seach using those words you will find a lot of information.

You'll also find that patellas can be loose on a female while she's in heat, just like the hips are.  After the heat they could be normal again.  FYI

altostland

-good point.

Also reminder for NEW GSD owners that have FEMALES don't do hip x-rays while they are in heat!

Shannon

Loose knees obviously mean different things to different people. I've only heard the term used in reference to a dog with a condition where the knee does not fit correctly into its corresponding groove. This can be for one of several reasons, either the groove is too shallow or otherwise not formed correctly or the ligaments that hold the knee in place are faulty. None of these conditions are due to a bitch's being in season, they are the result of a genetic fault that will most likely be passed on to the puppies should the dog with the problem be bred.  A luxating patella can also be the result of an injury which would not be genetic assuming the dog was normal prior to the injury.

You need a lot more information about what "loose knees" meant to the breeder who told this to you. A working dog with "loose knees" is not going to get very far and may very well require orthopedic surgery to allow it to lead a painfree life. Loose knees is a layman's term, so if you are still thinking about buying a puppy from a parent with this condition, you really need to find out a lot more. It is most common in toy breeds, but I have heard of GSD's with luxating patellas that needed surgery.

Thanks to all that replied !! I appreciate all info I get !! This is a 5yr old west german female that the owner said happened after a litter but she shows no signs of lameness. claims she has been xrayed twice. It does not appear to affect her at all. Not sure if it would later in life though.