Defining and Understanding Patellar Luxation in Dogs
What Is It?
Patellar Luxation is a condition where the kneecap, the patella, moves out of its normal groove at the end of the thigh bone. This can be medial, toward the inside, or lateral, toward the outside. When the patella slips, the knee does not track correctly, which can cause pain, skipping, and long term joint changes such as arthritis.
Who Gets It?
- Common in small and toy breeds such as Pomeranians, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Poodles.
- Also seen in medium and large breeds, including active and athletic dogs.
- Often congenital or developmental, alignment and bone shape play a role.
- Trauma can cause acquired patellar luxation in any breed.
Early Signs Owners May Notice
- Intermittent skipping or hopping on a hind leg, then a quick return to normal.
- Lameness that comes and goes, especially during play.
- Reluctance to jump or use stairs.
- Stiffness after rest or exercise.
- In some dogs, no obvious pain, only mechanical skipping.
How It Progresses
Patellar luxation is graded by severity from I to IV. Grade I, patella can be luxated by pressure but returns to position, often mild. Grade II, patella luxates intermittently, dogs show skipping. Grade III, patella is out more often than in, lameness is frequent. Grade IV, patella is permanently out, severe deformity and functional limitation. Over time, maltracking can lead to cartilage wear and arthritis.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A veterinarian will perform an orthopedic examination to assess patellar tracking and stability and will assign a grade. Radiographs, X rays, help evaluate bone alignment and concurrent changes. Advanced imaging may be recommended in complex cases or before surgery.
The Importance of Veterinary Guidance
Because severity and management vary, professional evaluation is essential. Your veterinarian, and when appropriate a board certified orthopedic surgeon, will discuss whether conservative care or surgery is recommended and will outline expected outcomes and timelines.
Is There a Cure?
There is no single cure that fits every dog, however treatment can restore comfort and function. Conservative management is often used for Grade I and some Grade II cases and can include weight control, anti inflammatory medications, activity modification, and structured physical rehabilitation. Surgical correction is commonly recommended for persistent lameness or higher grades, such as II with frequent signs, III, and IV. Procedures may include deepening the groove, tibial tuberosity transposition, and soft tissue balancing. Dogs that undergo surgery still require physical rehabilitation to regain strength, coordination, and confidence.
Benefits of Physical Rehabilitation
- Pain reduction and comfort: Controlled exercise, manual techniques, and modalities ease discomfort.
- Strength and stability: Focus on quadriceps, hip, and core to support the knee and improve tracking.
- Improved range of motion: Gentle mobility work helps maintain cartilage health.
- Gait retraining: Corrects compensations and reduces strain on other joints.
- Owner participation: Under a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, CCRP, owners learn safe at home exercises.
Reminder: Physical rehabilitation is a professional service. A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, CCRP, or equivalently trained professional should design and progress the plan. Owners can continue supportive work between professional sessions.
How to Help Your Dog
- Veterinary guidance first: Start with your veterinarian for lameness or skipping.
- Referral to a CCRP: A tailored physical rehabilitation plan supports stability and safe activity.
- Weight management: Keep a lean body condition to lower joint stress.
- Activity modifications: Limit twisting jumps and slippery surfaces, use controlled leash walks.
- Assistive options: Non slip runners, ramps, supportive harnesses for tricky transitions.
- Joint support: With veterinary guidance, consider joint nutrition and supplements.
Prognosis
Many dogs with lower grade patellar luxation do well with conservative care and physical rehabilitation. Dogs with higher grades often improve significantly after surgery when followed by a structured rehabilitation program. With veterinary guidance and consistent at home support, most dogs return to comfortable, active lives.