Luxating Patella in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Have you noticed your dog limping for a few steps or holding one of their back legs raised from the ground? This might be a sign of kneecap dislocation, also known as a luxating patella. This condition is actually quite common in dogs, especially when it comes to diminutive breeds. Here is what you need to know about luxating patellas in dogs and how to decide when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet for a check-up.

What is a Luxating Patella in Dogs?

A luxating patella means that the kneecap (or patella) is slipping out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. Don’t worry, you won’t need X-ray vision to notice that your dog’s kneecap is out of place. Instead, what you’ll usually see is your dog limping or walking with the affected leg in an abnormal position for a few seconds, and then going back to their normal stride once the kneecap has popped back into place.

What is Causing the Luxating Patella?

Most frequently, there’ll be a genetic cause for a luxating patella.

What happens is that as the puppy grows up, the bones and muscles of the hindlimbs are slightly misaligned, and the powerful quadriceps muscle of the thigh can pull the kneecap out of the groove where it normally sits. The groove often doesn’t develop properly, meaning it is shallow and the kneecap slips out easily.

In other cases, the luxating patella is caused by a traumatic injury, but this tends to happen less often.

What Are the Symptoms of a Luxating Patella in Dogs?

Here are the most common signs to look out for:

• Intermittent limping
• Holding the affected leg up for a few steps when walking
• Dogs with patellar luxation in both knees may walk stiffly and awkwardly

What is the Treatment for a Luxating Patella?

The treatment will depend on how mild or severe your dog’s condition is. For milder cases your vet may recommend physiotherapy and a special set of exercises to help manage the luxation, as well as anti-inflammatory pain relief if required.

For severe cases, your vet may recommend surgery as a way forward. There are different types of surgery, including deepening the groove in the femur bone or moving the part of the shin bone (tibia) where the tendon of the quadriceps muscle attaches. The vet will recommend the best option for your dog.

Other Useful Advice for Helping Dogs With a Luxating Patella

Weight Management is Important

Keeping your dog at an optimum weight is key to alleviating some of the symptoms of patellar luxation. This will ensure that there isn’t too much weight placed on the affected leg. Find out more about the healthy weight for your dog with our body condition tool.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise or Play

Depending on the grade of luxating patella your pet has been diagnosed with, your dog’s exercise routine might have to be altered to involve fewer demanding activities. This doesn’t mean you have to drastically reduce exercise or cut off play time, but it may mean that walking will be a better choice than jumping. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best type of exercise for your pet.