Luxating Patella in Dogs
A luxating patella happens when a dog's kneecap slips out of its normal groove. It is especially common in small and toy breeds, though it can also affect larger dogs and may worsen over time.
Usually not an emergency, but it should be evaluated if your dog is limping.
Many dogs with a luxating patella have intermittent skipping or hopping and can still seem comfortable between episodes. Call your vet promptly if the limping becomes frequent, painful, or constant, or if your dog cannot bear weight on a leg.
Symptoms to Watch For
Skipping or hopping gait
A classic sign is suddenly carrying a hind leg for a few steps, then walking normally again.
Intermittent hind-leg lameness
Lameness may come and go, especially after activity or when the kneecap slips out of place.
Kicking the leg out
Some dogs extend or shake the leg to help the kneecap snap back into position.
Pain or stiffness
More advanced cases may lead to joint irritation, stiffness, or discomfort from arthritis.
Reduced activity
Dogs may become less willing to run, jump, climb stairs, or play normally.
Abnormal rear-leg posture
Severe cases may cause bow-legged or knock-kneed limb alignment, especially in growing dogs.
What Causes Luxating Patella
Luxating patella is usually a developmental orthopedic condition rather than a sudden injury. The kneecap slips out of the femoral groove because the bones and soft tissues of the hind limb are not perfectly aligned. In some dogs, trauma can also contribute.
Risk factors and contributing causes include:
- Inherited or developmental limb alignment problems
- A shallow femoral groove where the kneecap should normally track
- Abnormal angulation or rotation of the femur or tibia
- Deviation of the tibial crest where the patellar tendon attaches
- Soft tissue imbalance around the knee
- Small and toy breed predisposition, especially for medial patellar luxation
- Large-breed dogs can also be affected, particularly with lateral patellar luxation
- Bilateral disease is common, meaning both knees may be involved
Breeds often considered predisposed include Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Maltese, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and other small breeds. Medium and large breeds can also develop the condition.
- Usually developmental and often considered heritable
- Most commonly affects small and toy breeds
- Can involve one or both knees
- Trauma is a less common cause
How It's Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a veterinary orthopedic exam. Your vet will feel how the kneecap moves and determine whether it can be luxated manually or is already out of place. Patellar luxation is typically graded from I to IV based on severity.
At the appointment, your vet may:
- Watch your dog walk and assess gait abnormalities
- Palpate the knee and assign a patellar luxation grade
- Check for pain, arthritis, muscle loss, or other knee instability
- Recommend X-rays to look for bone changes, arthritis, or other orthopedic issues
- Suggest advanced imaging such as CT in complex or surgical cases
- Screen for related problems such as cranial cruciate ligament injury or limb deformities
If surgery is being considered, pre-anesthetic bloodwork and sometimes additional imaging may be recommended.
- Orthopedic exam and patella grading are key
- X-rays help assess arthritis and limb structure
- Advanced imaging may be used for surgical planning
- Your vet may also look for cruciate ligament injury
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your dog's grade of luxation, comfort level, activity, and whether arthritis or other knee injuries are present.
Common treatment approaches include:
- Monitoring mild cases that cause little or no discomfort
- Weight management to reduce stress on the knee
- Activity modification during flare-ups or recovery periods
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your veterinarian
- Physical rehabilitation to improve strength, function, and mobility
- Joint-support strategies recommended by your vet
- Surgery for dogs with persistent lameness, higher-grade luxation, progressive deformity, or recurrent instability
Surgical correction may involve one or more procedures, such as deepening the femoral groove, adjusting soft tissues around the kneecap, moving the tibial crest, or correcting bone deformities in severe cases. Recovery often requires strict rest followed by guided rehabilitation.
Call your vet promptly if your dog suddenly cannot bear weight, seems very painful, or has worsening mobility.
- Mild cases may be managed conservatively
- Weight control and rehab can improve comfort
- Surgery is often recommended for persistent or moderate-to-severe cases
- Early treatment may help reduce long-term arthritis and knee damage
Living with Luxating Patella
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a luxating patella an emergency in dogs?
Can a dog live with a luxating patella without surgery?
What dog breeds are prone to luxating patella?
Will a luxating patella get worse over time?
How do vets diagnose a luxating patella?
How long does recovery take after surgery?
Sources
- https://www.msdvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/arthropathies-and-related-disorders-in-small-animals/patellar-luxation-in-dogs-and-cats
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations/
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/patellar-luxation
- Luxating Patella in Dogs: Grading, Surgery & Management — SpectrumCare
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.