We took our Boston Terrior for a checkup with the vet and discovered luxating patella. Do you think the trauma from a fall caused this or is it hereditary?

Hello,

I was wondering if you could provide some insight. I purchased a Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder that has all the required testing for the breed. Our plan was to show our puppy in conformation and then move to rally/obedience and breed him once he obtained his CH.

He was playing the other day which led to a fall where he yelped and held his leg up. A few moments later he was running and playing as if nothing happened. We took him about a week later for a check up which the vet discovered a luxating patella (grade 2+).

I understand now our hopes for breeding him are over. Also, we may as well neuter him since he should not be bred ethically. He's such a beautiful dog and the LP's were a shock as the sire and dam are clear and all of his litter mates.

Do you think the trauma from the fall caused this or is this most always hereditary? This was not evident as a puppy or at 14 weeks old. He is now 7 months old and this is just surfacing.

Do you recommend surgery? Supplements?

Any insight would be great.

Thank you,
Scott & Ashley