• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Diagnosing and treating your dog’s luxating patella

Posted November 11, 2020

Yellow Labrador with injured back leg rests on dog bed. While a luxating patella, or the dislocation of the kneecap, is most common in small dogs, its occurrence in larger dogs is increasing.
While a luxating patella, or the dislocation of the kneecap, is most common in small dogs, its occurrence in larger dogs is increasing.

A luxating patella, or the dislocation of the kneecap, is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in canine orthopedics. It is present in around 7% of puppies. The condition is more common in small dogs compared to larger breeds; however, its occurrence in larger dogs has increased over the last 10 years.

Patellar luxation can cause discomfort and a loss of leg function in your dog. There is evidence that this condition is at least partially genetic. Find out how to treat this condition if a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with a luxating patella.

What is a luxating patella in dogs?

celebrity Pomeranian owners
Small dog breeds like Pomeranians are more prone to suffer from luxating patellas.

The patella is the bone of the kneecap — a small bone within the quadriceps muscles of the thigh. Normally, your dog’s patella should be well-aligned with the quadriceps and the patellar tendon to form the extensor mechanism. If your dog has a luxating patella, it means the patella is dislocated. The kneecap rides outside the groove within the femur when flexed rather than riding in the groove. Your dog may have a medial or lateral patellar luxation depending on whether the kneecap is riding on the inner or outer part of the knee.

Certain dog breeds are more prone to a luxating patella than others:

  • Pomeranians
  • Chihuahuas
  • Maltese
  • Yorkshire terriers
  • Boston terriers
  • Miniature poodles
  • French poodle
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Akitas
  • Chinese Shar-Peis
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers

Is a luxating patella painful for dogs?

While a luxating patella can be painful, it is more likely to only cause discomfort and trouble flexing the leg. There are rarely signs of pain in dogs with this condition. In about 50% of cases, the luxating patella affects both kneecaps rather than just one. Double patellar luxation can be more uncomfortable and debilitating than just one kneecap.

How do you treat patellar luxation in dogs?

Many dogs – especially small dogs – live their entire lives with a luxating patella without signs of pain or lost quality of life. If a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with a luxating patella, he or she may recommend minimal treatments, such as:

  • Vitamins or oils to lubricate your dog’s joints
  • Frequent exercise to strengthen the tendons
  • Nutritional support to prevent arthritis
  • Wearing a leg brace
  • Getting massages, acupuncture treatments, or hydrotherapy 

Over a few months or years, frequent patellar luxation can wear down the groove within the femur. This can lead to more frequent kneecap dislocations. A severe case of patellar luxation (such as if the kneecap gets stuck out of place) may require surgery, or else your pet may suffer permanently reduced function of the leg and complications such as a torn ligament. Recovery time will depend on your pet and the circumstances.

What causes a luxating patella in dogs?

The exact cause of a luxating patella remains unknown. However, it can be the outcome of a traumatic injury in your dog, such as a knee or leg injury. There is also evidence that it is partially genetic. Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s thigh muscles contract, transmitting force through the ligament above the kneecap (the patellar ligament).

When this happens, the ligament pulls on the shin bone and straightens the knee. During this movement, the patella slides within its groove to keep the patellar ligament in place. If the contraction pulls the patella to the inside or outside of the knee rather than the groove of the femur, a luxating patella occurs.

What are the symptoms of a luxating patella in dogs?

The most common symptom of a luxating patella in a dog is the temporary inability to flex the knee. You may notice your dog limping on three legs for a moment, then returning to four as if nothing happened. Occasional limping or skipping, as well as an abnormal knee position while sitting, are all signs of patellar luxation.

The symptoms may vary based on whether your dog has moderate to severe luxation. Lameness is a sign of more severe luxation.

You may notice your dog self-treating the issue by kicking its leg to the side to put the patella back into its normal position. If you suspect a luxating patella in your dog, talk to your veterinarian for more information.

Alana RedmondAlana Redmond is a content writer who specializes in law and consumer safety. She also works with Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP, a personal injury law firm in Chicago that specializes in dog bite injuries and accidents.

 

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • Gingerlead-Dog-Sling
    Treat your dog for hip dysplasia

    Hip dysplasia is frequently a painful, crippling genetic, developmental orthopedic…

  • pet insurance for dogs
    Healthy dog: identify why your dog is limping

    Dogs limp for a variety of reasons from the minor…

  • Owner applies ointment to dog's paw. Practice good paw care by using a balm or ointment to prevent your dog's paws from becoming rough or cracked.
    Use 7 simple paw care tips to keep feet and nails healthy

    Practice good paw care by examining your dog’s feet every…

  • Gingerlead-Dog-Sling
    Owner invents support lead to help dog recover after surgery

    Barry Rubenstein's GingerLead support slings are designed to help owners…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Health conditions

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

PoodlePet sitterSheddingVeterinarianVacation dog careRottweilerYorkshire terrierPet parentsService dogsTwo dogsPit bullSmall dogsWaterWorking dogsThanksgivingPetfinder.comPuppy-proofPawPotty trainingTicksValentine's DayOutdoor activitiesOld dogsSocializationSeparation anxietyPuppy kindergartenPomeranianPandemicRescue dogtraining tips

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]
  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.