A luxating patella, commonly known as a dislocated knee, is frequent in dogs. Your pup’s kneecap (patella) may shift out of his normal position at the front of the knee, moving sideways (luxating). The condition has two types: Mediar Patellar Luxation and Lateral Patellar Luxation. In Mediar Patellar Luxation the kneecap tends to dislocate inward, toward the other hind limb whereas the kneecap dislocates outward, away from the other leg in Lateral Patellar Luxation. Both small and large dogs are more prone to MPL than LPL, but LPL is generally found in larger breeds. Note that this condition could be present in either one or both knees.
Symptoms of a Luxating Patella in Dogs
The most noticeable symptom of a luxating patella is the sudden lifting of one hind leg while the dog is walking or running. During this short, intermittent limp, the dog will hold the affected leg off the ground for a brief moment before returning to a normal gait. The leg may be tucked close to the body or extended backward. Many dog owners and veterinarians refer to this as a “skip.”
Some dogs may yelp in pain when the kneecap dislocates, while others show no signs of discomfort apart from the brief limp. Additional symptoms that can occur with a luxating patella, which may also be seen in other orthopedic conditions, include:
- Intermittent limping
- Bowlegged stance in the hind limbs
- A hunched lower back
- Popping or cracking sounds when the knee bends
In severe cases, the kneecap remains permanently dislocated, leading to a stiff, awkward, bowlegged gait. When the kneecap is constantly out of place, the dog may not be able to fully extend the affected leg.
To confirm the diagnosis, veterinarians will evaluate these symptoms along with findings from a physical examination.
Causes of a Luxating Patella in Dogs
A luxating patella is often a hereditary condition linked to abnormal knee anatomy. However, in some instances, trauma can cause the dislocation.
While obesity doesn’t directly cause the condition, it can exacerbate the severity of the luxation and increase the risks associated with surgery. Certain breeds are more prone to developing this condition, particularly small and large dog breeds.
Small-Breed Dogs Predisposed to Luxating Patella:
- Affenpinscher
- American Water Spaniel
- Boston Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Maltese
- Pug
- Yorkshire Terrier
Large-Breed Dogs Predisposed to Luxating Patella:
- Akita
- Great Dane
- Saint Bernard
- Irish Wolfhound
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
How Vets Diagnose a Luxating Patella in Dogs
A luxating patella can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam. Many cases are discovered incidentally during routine checkups or while investigating other issues. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can also reveal whether your pup suffers from the terrible condition, though these are not typically required for diagnosis.
Treatment for a Luxating Patella in Dogs
Treatment for a luxating patella typically starts with medical management, including anti-inflammatory medications such as Galliprant® or carprofen, weight management, and temporary exercise restrictions. Veterinarians may also recommend joint supplements like Dasuquin® to support joint health.
Exercise limitations depend on the severity of the condition. For some dogs, restrictions may be as simple as avoiding activities like jumping on furniture or running up the stairs, with leash walks limited to bathroom breaks. In more serious cases, crate rest may be necessary, lasting anywhere from six to twelve weeks or longer.
Surgical Treatment for Luxating Patella in Dogs
Surgery to correct a luxating patella is more involved and aims to adjust the anatomy of the knee. This may include:
- Repositioning ligaments that attach to the knee (tibial tuberosity transposition)
- Deepening the groove in the femur where the patella rests (trochlear wedge resection)
- Tightening the joint capsule around the knee (lateral capsular imbrication)
Surgery is usually pursued in severe cases or when medical management fails to provide relief. As with any surgery, there are risks, such as recurrence of the luxation, implant failure, under- or over-correction, fractures, infections, or progressive arthritis. Large and overweight dogs are particularly susceptible to these complications due to the added strain on their knee joints.
Recovery and Management of Luxating Patella in Dogs
Recovery from medical management can take several weeks, and the treatment may need to be repeated periodically throughout the dog’s life. Flare-ups are often triggered by exercise but can also occur spontaneously.
Dogs that undergo surgery face a longer recovery time, typically around eight weeks or more, and require regular check-ups with their veterinarian to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure.
Prevention of Luxating Patella in Dogs
Most cases of this condition are genetically inherited, meaning there’s little that pet owners can do to prevent the condition. However, keeping dogs at a healthy weight can slow the progression of arthritis associated with the luxation.
Traumatic luxations can be prevented by keeping dogs on a leash or in a fenced yard to reduce the risk of injury.
