Patellar Luxation in Dogs
A condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal groove. Most common in small and toy breeds. Can range from occasional skipping to permanent lameness requiring surgery.
Last updated: 2026-05-09
Severity
mild
When to Act
See Vet Soon
Symptoms & Signs
Skipping or hopping gait
Dog holds up the affected leg for a few steps, then puts it down and walks normally â the classic "skip and pop" sign.
Bow-legged or knock-kneed stance
Visible leg deformity, especially in chronic cases.
Stiffness or limping
Especially after rest or in higher-grade luxations.
Difficulty jumping
Reluctant to jump onto furniture or into the car.
Behavioral Changes to Watch For
Pets can't tell us what's wrong. These behavioral changes are often the first clues that something is wrong.
ðū Intermittent skipping
Dog periodically holds up a back leg while running, then resumes normal gait.
What You May Notice:
Your dog does a little hop-skip while running, shakes the leg, and continues as if nothing happened.
Causes & Risk Factors
Causes
- âĒCongenital/developmental â shallow trochlear groove or malalignment of the quadriceps mechanism
- âĒTraumatic luxation (less common â direct blow to the knee)
- âĒGenetic component â strongly heritable
Risk Factors
- â Small and toy breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Miniature Poodle, Boston Terrier
- â Large breeds can also be affected (lateral luxation more common)
- â Overweight dogs (worsens existing luxation)
How It's Diagnosed
- 1Physical examination â manual luxation of the patella under conscious exam
- 2Grading: Grade I (luxates but returns spontaneously) to Grade IV (permanently luxated)
- 3Radiographs to assess trochlear depth and rule out other orthopedic disease
- 4CT for surgical planning in complex cases
Treatment Options
Conservative Management (Grade I-II)
Mild cases may not need surgery if clinical signs are minimal.
Steps
- 1.Weight management â lean body condition
- 2.Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s)
- 3.Moderate exercise â avoid high-impact activities
- 4.Physical therapy to strengthen quadriceps
Expected Outcome
Acceptable function in low-grade luxations. Arthritis will still progress slowly.
Precautions
- !Arthritis will develop over time even with conservative management
Surgical Correction (Grade II-IV)
Multiple procedures may be combined to stabilize the patella.
Steps
- 1.Trochleoplasty â deepening the groove the patella sits in
- 2.Tibial tuberosity transposition â realigning the quadriceps mechanism
- 3.Soft tissue imbrication/release â tightening or loosening joint capsule
- 4.Femoral osteotomy in severe cases with significant bone deformity
Expected Outcome
90%+ success rate for return to normal function. Best results when performed before severe arthritis develops.
Precautions
- !$2,000-$4,000 per knee
- !Rehabilitation period 6-12 weeks
Common Medications Used
| Medication | Usage | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carprofen (Rimadyl) | NSAID for pain and inflammation | Used during flare-ups or post-operatively. |
Prevention
- âDo not breed dogs with patellar luxation (strong genetic component)
- âMaintain lean body weight
- âAvoid jumping from heights in predisposed breeds
When to See a Veterinarian
- â ïļVisible skipping or abnormal gait
- â ïļSudden worsening of lameness
- â ïļSigns of pain (licking knee, crying out)
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog skips occasionally â does this need surgery?
Prognosis
Excellent with surgical correction â 90%+ return to normal function. Progressive arthritis is inevitable over time, but surgery slows its development. Grade I may never require intervention.
References
- [1] ACVS â Patellar Luxation
- [2] WSAVA â Hereditary Orthopedic Diseases
Related Conditions
Canine Hip Dysplasia
A common inherited orthopedic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, causing pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Most common in large breed dogs.
moderateCanine Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Progressive, irreversible degeneration of joint cartilage affecting up to 25% of all dogs. Most common in senior and large-breed dogs. Management focuses on pain control and maintaining mobility.
moderateCranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tear in Dogs
The most common orthopedic injury in dogs â equivalent to an ACL tear in humans. Causes sudden or progressive hind limb lameness. Most dogs require surgical stabilization for the best long-term outcome.
moderateAcute Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting and diarrhea. Can range from mild dietary indiscretion to a serious condition requiring hospitalization.
mild