A Primer on Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Patellar luxation is hereditary and especially common in small and toy breeds of dogs.

Affected dogs may also have other leg or joint problems. The patella (or kneecap) lies in a “track” on the front of the leg, where it functions in joint movement. It slides up and down easily as the knee bends and extends. In some dogs, the kneecap does not stay in its track. Rather, it occasionally slips (or luxates), usually to the inside of the leg.

What does patellar luxation look like

Signs of patellar luxation in dogs vary depending on the problem’s severity.

Most dogs tend to skip or hop when walking or especially when running. However, some dogs may hold their leg up completely.

Damage caused by the kneecap slipping in and out of its track can eventually lead to arthritis in the knee.

Diagnosing luxating patella in dogs

Your veterinarian can generally diagnose this problem by palpating the knee joint. However, x-ray imaging can help to look for arthritis or other problems.

Veterinarians grade the problem based on severity.

I: they can move the patella out of the groove but it returns into position on its own
II: the kneecap sometimes rides out but it can be pushed back into position
III: the kneecap dislocates frequently but can be returned into position
IX: dislocated kneecap remains dislocated

Treating luxating patella

Many dogs with patellar luxation do fine without any treatment or with only occasional pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication.

Dogs with a severe problem or overweight dogs might require surgery. Getting your dog’s weight under control is vital in managing this condition in overweight dogs.

Canine Luxating Patella: Surgical Repair Options for Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Further reading:
Kneecap Dislocation in Dogs

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Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of American and an award-winning author. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care in my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people how to recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to save others the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way as I did. That is the mission behind my blog and behind my writing. That is why I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog, which has turned out being an award-winning guide to dog owners . What I'm trying to share encompasses 20 years of experience.

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Patellar luxation is hereditary and especially common in small and toy breeds of dogs.

What does patellar luxation look like

Diagnosing luxating patella in dogs

Treating luxating patella

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