Defining and Understanding Patellar Luxation Repair in Dogs
What Is It?
Medial or lateral patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap moves out of its groove. Repeated slipping can cause pain, lameness, and cartilage wear. Surgical repair aims to realign the patella, deepen or improve the groove, and balance soft tissues so the kneecap tracks properly.
Who Gets It?
- Common in small breeds, can occur in medium and large breeds.
- Often developmental with alignment or conformation factors.
- Can appear in one or both knees and may worsen over time.
Signs Owners May Notice
- Skipping gait or brief non weight bearing that quickly resolves.
- Intermittent or persistent hind limb lameness.
- Reluctance to jump or sudden yelp when turning.
- Muscle loss around the thigh with long standing cases.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian examines kneecap tracking, stability, and comfort. Radiographs are commonly used to evaluate alignment, joint health, and any concurrent conditions. For surgical planning your veterinarian may recommend referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
Why Consider Surgery and What Are the Options?
Surgery is often recommended when lameness, pain, or frequent luxation affects mobility. Procedures are combined to match each dog. Typical components include:
- Trochlear sulcoplasty: Deepens or reshapes the groove to better seat the patella.
- Tibial tuberosity transposition: Moves the patellar tendon attachment to improve straight line tracking.
- Soft tissue balancing: Tightens or releases tissues to center the kneecap.
Why You Should See a Veterinary Surgeon
Patellar luxation repair requires precise bone and soft tissue work. A board certified surgeon or a veterinarian with advanced orthopedic training will design a tailored plan, discuss risks and expectations, and provide structured aftercare to protect the repair.
What Does Surgery Involve? (High Level)
The surgeon improves the groove, repositions the tibial crest if needed, and adjusts soft tissues so the patella tracks centrally. Fixation may use pins and wire for the tibial crest. Your dog goes home with activity restrictions, incision protection, and a recovery schedule.
Risks and Recovery Expectations
Potential risks include infection, implant irritation, relapse of luxation, or stiffness. Most dogs require several weeks of strict activity control with gradual progression as advised by the surgeon. Prognosis is generally good when aftercare is followed closely.
What Is Post-Op Like?
- First 2 weeks: Strict rest with very short leash trips for toileting. E cone on at all times to protect the incision. Keep bedding clean and dry.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Controlled confinement continues. Leash walking increases in a structured way. Recheck visits may include radiographs to confirm healing.
- Rehabilitation: Gentle, vet directed exercises help restore range of motion, strength, and normal tracking.
- Long term: Most dogs return to comfortable daily activity. High impact play should be reintroduced only with veterinary clearance.
Benefits of Physical Rehabilitation
- Pain and swelling control: Techniques and modalities support comfort per veterinary guidance.
- Range of motion: Protects healing tissues and reduces stiffness.
- Strength and symmetry: Rebuilds quadriceps and hip support to stabilize the patella.
- Gait retraining: Reinforces straight line movement and safe sitting and rising.
How to Help Your Dog at Home
- Follow the surgeon's instructions: Activity restriction and cone use are essential.
- Controlled mobility only: Leash for potty breaks, block stairs and furniture.
- Non slip surfaces: Use rugs or runners and keep pathways clear.
- Weight management: Lean body condition reduces stress on the knee.
- Assistive gear: A well fitted harness improves control and safety.
- Bedding and incision care: Keep bedding clean and dry and prevent licking or chewing with an e collar or recovery suit.
- Calm enrichment: Food puzzles and simple training during confinement support mental health without risking the repair.
Tips for Success
- Practice cone use early: Short, positive sessions before surgery make full time use easier afterward.
- Confinement training: Introduce a crate, pen, or gated room before surgery so rest feels familiar and safe.
- Weight control if advised: Gradual weight loss supervised by your veterinarian reduces knee load and may improve outcome.
- Home setup: Add traction, block stairs, and plan short, level potty routes.
- Prepare supplies: Extra bedding, pads, a supportive harness, and quiet enrichment toys reduce stress for you and your dog.
Prognosis
Many dogs do very well after patellar luxation repair, returning to comfortable activity with good knee function. Long term success improves with careful aftercare, healthy body weight, and a structured rehabilitation plan guided by your veterinary team.