My dog's rear knee is grinding. What could be causing this pain?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Knees 'popping out' in a Pug is usually due to a luxating patella. This is a condition that can be surgically corrected, and given Rascal's age of 2, this is recommended so that he doesn't develop painful arthritis for the rest of his life. The other possible condition is a 'torn cruciate', and this also can be corrected with surgery. Carprofen is a medication of the class 'NSAIDs'. This are hard on the liver, kidney and gut. It is good for breakthrough pain, however long-term this isn't something you want to continue on. Please discuss with your vet about surgical correction options for Rascal, as well as other options for pain medications longer term (Gabapentin for example). NSAIDs do work best, they just come with high risks of side effects. Best of luck with Rascal, I hope he feels better soon!

I wonder if Pom Pom might have luxating patellas, which is an inherited problem that causes the kneecap to pop in and out of place. Sometimes a click could come from the hips as well. Even though she doesn’t seem painful it would be best to have your vet examine her - sometimes there are therapies that would be helpful to prevent problems like arthritis later.

She could have some arthritis in her hips, a loose knee cap, or a strain/sprain. You could have your vet examine her to determine the cause. Your vet can take an X-ray, if needed, to help diagnose and the determine the best way to treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory to treat.

Yes, this is a common sign seen with luxating patellas (dislocating knee cap). Small breeds like Bailey tend to be affected by it and it can have various ranges of severity. If Bailey is skipping, then it is likely a high-grade luxating patella and may need surgery to correct it. In order to get his condition diagnosed and treated, you'll need to start by scheduling an exam with your veterinarian. For more information about this condition, I recommend you read the article at the link below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-or-kneecap-in-dogs I hope that helps and Bailey gets better soon.

The best way to determine if your pet has a joint problem is by starting with a trip to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to examine your dog to determine the location(s) of pain and if any changes in the joint are apparent. With osteoarthritis, veterinarians may identify a decreased range of motion in affected joints, as well as stiffness or signs of apparent pain. X-rays are needed to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with visible bony changes, particularly in the early stages when fewer signs may be apparent during a physical exam. If needed, the veterinarian will prescribe any necessary pain medications. Do not give your dog any over-the-counter human pain medication (including aspirin), as many are toxic to dogs. Other treatment modalities, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, specialty diets, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, acupuncture, physical therapy or laser treatments, may also be useful. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, recognizing early signs helps you treat your dog’s pain as early as possible. Early signs that your dog is experiencing joint pain may include hesitating going up and down stairs, reluctant to jumping into the car or on the couch, lagging behind or tiring easily during walks, preferring to lie down than to sit or stand, or stiffness after resting. As the pain worsens, your dog may show other signs such as limping, whimpering when jumping up or down, whimpering when the area is touched or even growling or snapping when the area is touched. ### Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Galliprant is a registered trademark of Aratana Therapeutics, Inc.

If there is no pain or limping then I would not worry. If he ever favors that leg, then I would get it checked. Arthritis is a possibility or a luxating patella based on the breed. Glucosamines and omega 3 fatty acids help a great deal but there are other medications your vet can add if needed.

You should let him rest and only take him out to eliminate preferably on a leash. He will need to be seen by your vet to assess the leg and why he is in pain. This could be due to arthritis, a sprain or trauma such as a cruciate ligament tear or rupture. Your vet will be able to prescribe NSAIDs suitable for dogs in order to curb inflammation and take the pain. Please take him to a vet, preferably today, before the vets close. Do not give your dog human NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen or tylenol, etc. as they are toxic to dogs.