Luxating patella in dogs

Summary

What is luxating patella in dogs?

If your dog sometimes skips, hops, or suddenly carries one back leg for a few steps, a luxating patella could be the reason.

The patella is your dog’s kneecap. Normally, it sits in a groove in the knee joint and glides smoothly as the leg bends and straightens. A luxating patella means the kneecap slips out of that groove.

In many dogs, this is not simply a case of the kneecap “popping out”. It is often linked to the way the bones and soft tissues of the hind leg have developed, which affects how the kneecap tracks as your dog moves.

Most cases in small dogs are medial luxations, where the kneecap slips toward the inside of the leg. Less commonly, it can slip outward instead.

Symptoms of luxating patella in dogs

The signs of luxating patella can vary quite a bit. Some dogs show only mild or occasional signs at first, while others develop more obvious problems over time.

Common symptoms include:

• skipping or hopping on a back leg
• suddenly holding one hind leg up for a few steps
• an unusual or intermittent gait
• stiffness, especially after rest
• reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
• reduced activity or exercise tolerance
• hind leg lameness
• discomfort or pain, particularly in more severe cases

A classic sign is when a dog briefly skips, then seems to go back to normal. This can happen when the kneecap slips out of place and then returns again.

Because signs can come and go, it is easy to dismiss it as a minor quirk. However, repeated luxation can place ongoing strain on the joint, so it is worth having your vet check any recurring skipping or hind leg lameness.

What causes luxating patella in dogs?

In most dogs, luxating patella is considered a developmental or hereditary condition. This means the bones, muscles and soft tissues around the knee have developed in a way that makes the kneecap more likely to move out of place.

Possible contributing factors include:

• a shallow groove in the knee joint
• abnormal alignment of the muscles and tendons that control the kneecap
• changes in the shape or angle of the femur or tibia
• inherited conformational traits
• trauma or injury in some cases

Excess body weight is not usually the original cause, but it can add extra strain to the joints and make mobility more difficult for dogs already affected.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Luxating patella is most often seen in small and toy breeds, although larger dogs can also be affected.

Breeds commonly associated with luxating patella include:

• Pomeranian
• Chihuahua
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Toy Poodle
• French Bulldog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Lhasa Apso

That said, any dog can develop the condition, so it is important to pay attention to the signs rather than relying on breed alone.

How is luxating patella diagnosed?

If your vet suspects luxating patella, they will usually start with a physical and orthopaedic examination. This includes assessing your dog’s gait, feeling the knee joint and checking how easily the kneecap moves out of place.

X-rays may also be recommended to assess the joint, look for signs of arthritis or help plan treatment, particularly if surgery is being considered.

To help describe how severe the condition is, vets typically grade luxating patella on a scale from I to IV.

Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected does happen.

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The four grades of luxating patella

Grade I

The kneecap is normally in place but can be luxated manually during examination. It usually returns to normal on its own. Dogs may have very mild signs or none at all.

Grade II

The kneecap slips out more easily and may luxate during normal movement before returning. Dogs often show intermittent skipping or hind leg lameness.

Grade III

The kneecap is luxated most of the time but can still be moved back into place manually. Dogs are more likely to have ongoing gait changes and reduced function.

Grade IV

The kneecap is permanently out of place and cannot be manually returned. This is the most severe grade and is often associated with significant lameness and limb deformity.

Understanding the grade helps your vet decide whether your dog is more likely to benefit from monitoring, medical management or surgery.

Can luxating patella get worse over time?

Yes, it can.

Some mild cases remain fairly stable, especially if the dog has minimal signs. However, in other dogs, repeated luxation can affect the way the joint moves, place abnormal stress on surrounding tissues and lead to longer-term joint changes.

Over time, some dogs may develop chronic lameness, pain or osteoarthritis. That is why early assessment matters, even if the signs seem mild or only happen occasionally.

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Treatment for luxating patella in dogs

Treatment depends on several factors, including your dog’s grade of luxation, age, comfort, mobility and activity level.

Some dogs can be managed without surgery, while others may need an operation to improve how the kneecap tracks and stabilise the joint.

Non-surgical management

Dogs with mild luxating patella and minimal symptoms may be managed conservatively. This can include:

• regular monitoring by your vet
• weight management
• exercise modification
• pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication if needed
• physiotherapy or rehabilitation
• supportive home changes, such as non-slip flooring or ramps

For some dogs, this is enough to keep them comfortable and active.

Surgery

Surgery is more likely to be recommended when a dog has recurrent lameness, ongoing discomfort, reduced mobility, or a more severe grade of luxation.

The aim of surgery is to improve kneecap tracking and help keep the joint stable. The exact procedure depends on the dog’s anatomy and the severity of the condition.

If your vet recommends surgery, they will talk you through the reason, expected recovery and likely outcome for your dog.

Recovery after luxating patella surgery

Recovery after surgery usually involves a period of rest and restricted activity, followed by gradual return to exercise under veterinary guidance. Follow-up appointments are important, and some dogs benefit from physiotherapy or rehabilitation to rebuild strength and function.

Your vet or veterinary surgeon will advise you on the most appropriate recovery plan for your dog based on the procedure performed and the severity of the condition.

Recovery usually involves a period of rest and restricted exercise, followed by a gradual return to normal activity under veterinary guidance.

Your dog may also need follow-up checks, pain relief and, in some cases, physiotherapy or rehabilitation to help rebuild strength and function.

Every dog is different, so recovery time and aftercare will depend on the procedure performed and how severe the luxation was to begin with.

Prognosis and recurrence

Many dogs do well after treatment, especially when the condition is identified early and managed appropriately.

Even so, recurrence can happen in some cases, including after surgery. Dogs with more severe deformities or other orthopaedic issues may also have a more guarded outlook.

For that reason, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s mobility and book a recheck if you notice recurring skipping, stiffness or lameness.

Can luxating patella cause arthritis?

Yes, it can.

Ongoing joint instability can contribute to wear and tear over time, which may lead to osteoarthritis. This is one reason why recurring signs should not be ignored, even if your dog seems otherwise well.

Does pet insurance cover luxating patella?

Pet insurance may help with eligible vet costs for conditions such as luxating patella, but cover depends on the policy terms, level of cover and your pet’s individual circumstances.

Waiting periods may apply, and pre-existing conditions are generally not covered. Some hereditary or orthopaedic conditions may also be subject to specific policy terms or exclusions.

Always check the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and policy wording for full details of what is and is not covered.

When should you see a vet?

It is a good idea to book a vet visit if your dog:

• skips or hops on a back leg
• suddenly carries one hind leg for a few steps
• seems stiff or reluctant to jump
• has recurring or worsening lameness
• is less active than usual or struggles with exercise

Getting the problem checked early can help your vet diagnose the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.