What Is Patella Luxation?
The condition is when the knee bends, but the kneecap slides up and down in a groove in the thigh bone. A healthy kneecap should not slip out of place. If it does this is called luxating patella (dislocating kneecap).
When the kneecap is dislocated, it prevents the knee from bending and causes a limp. The dislocation rubs the bone as it slips which can cause pain and arthritis over time. This can affect one or both knees of your dog and is graded one to four.
Grade 1: The kneecap is loose but stays in position when your dog moves around. The vet can dislocate the kneecap, but it returns to position when released. Grade one doesn’t cause issues very often.
Grade 2: The kneecap occasionally dislocates, when your dog moves around but usually returns by itself. Grade 2 symptoms can be mild to moderate depending on the frequency of dislocation.
Grade 3: The kneecap is permanently dislocated, but can be put back into place by the vet. It then slips out when let go of.
Grade 4: The kneecap is permanently dislocated and cannot be put back into place.
Symptoms include, intermittent hopping lasting a few seconds until the knee is back in position. Stiffness which can affect one or both back legs ranging from mild to severe.
Physiotherapy and exercise control are used as management for patella luxation. For more serious cases where the dog is in pain surgery may be the best option.
It is more common in smaller dogs but all dogs can be affected.
Commonly Affected Breeds:
- Affenpinscher
- Bichon Frises
- Black And Tan English Toy Terrier
- Bolognese
- Boston Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Chihuahuas
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Eurasier
- German Spitz
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Italian Greyhound
- French Bulldogs
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Japanese Spitz
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Pharaoh Hound
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Russian Toy
- Shar Pei
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Yorkshire Terriers
