A luxating patella, also known as patellar luxation, is a prevalent knee condition in dogs where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its regular position. This condition can severely impact a dog’s mobility and comfort, often requiring both immediate and long-term care. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, preventive measures, treatment options, and surgical interventions for luxating patella in dogs to help pet owners support their dogs in leading active, pain-free lives.
What is a Luxating Patella in Dogs?
A luxating patella occurs when the patella, or kneecap, dislocates from its natural position within the femoral groove of the knee. Approximately 75% of the time, the patella dislocates toward the inner side of the knee, closer to the opposite hind limb. This type of patellar luxation is called medial patellar luxation (MPL) and is more commonly seen in smaller dog breeds. In other cases, the dislocation moves toward the outer side of the knee, away from the opposite leg, a condition referred to as lateral patellar luxation (LPL).
This condition can range from mild cases, where the patella occasionally slips out of place, to severe cases, where the kneecap is constantly dislocated. Causes of patellar luxation vary but often include genetic predisposition, physical trauma, or anatomic abnormalities. The condition can progress in severity, impacting a dog’s mobility and quality of life if left untreated. While small dog breeds are more commonly affected, it can also impact larger breeds, with dog-dislocated knee symptoms ranging from intermittent limping to more noticeable dislocations.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Luxating Patella
Luxating patella symptoms can sometimes be subtle, particularly in the early stages. Dog owners should watch for these key signs:
- Intermittent Limping or Skipping Steps: A common sign, especially after exercise or physical activity.
- Sudden Yelps or Reluctance to Walk: Pain may cause the dog to vocalize discomfort or avoid movement.
- Abnormal Gait or Leg Alignment: You may notice an unusual walk or posture, especially in one or both hind legs.
- “Kicking” Motion to Realign the Knee: Some dogs will extend or “kick” their leg to pop the kneecap back into place.
As these symptoms progress, they can worsen, especially without early intervention or treatment. If left untreated, the condition can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and increased lameness, requiring more extensive medical intervention.
Breeds Prone to Luxating Patella
Luxating patella has a strong genetic component, and certain breeds are more susceptible to this condition:
- Small Breeds: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Miniature Poodles are particularly prone to canine medial patellar luxation or “trick knee”. This may be due to anatomical differences, like a shallower femoral groove.
- Large Breeds: Retrievers, Staffordshire Terriers, and Great Danes are also at risk, although it’s less common in larger dogs.
Small dog breeds have a higher risk because of their skeletal structure and joint mechanics. Understanding the breed predisposition to luxating patella can help owners take preventive measures early on. If you see any of the warning signs, as mentioned above, make sure to get your beloved pet to your veterinarian to manage the symptoms and possibly prevent further damage.
How to Prevent Luxating Patella
While it’s not always possible to prevent luxating patella, especially in predisposed breeds, there are steps dog owners can take to reduce the risk or manage mild cases:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain the knee joints, worsening or accelerating the development of dog kneecap dislocation.
- Provide Joint Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain joint health and reduce inflammation.
- Use Ramps or Steps: Prevent excessive jumping off furniture, which can strain joints and exacerbate the condition.
- Regular, Low-Impact Exercise: Exercises that strengthen leg muscles, such as controlled walking and swimming, can improve knee stability.
While these preventive strategies cannot entirely eliminate the risk of luxating patella, they can lessen the strain on a dog’s knees and reduce symptom severity, particularly in high-risk breeds.
Treatment Options for Luxating Patella
For dogs with mild cases of luxating patella, non-surgical treatments can be effective in managing the condition and alleviating symptoms:
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Medications prescribed by a veterinarian can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Joint Supplements: Continued use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements supports cartilage health and joint lubrication.
- Physical Therapy or Hydrotherapy: Specialized exercises, sometimes with water therapy, can strengthen surrounding muscles and improve joint stability.
Early intervention with these treatments can delay the need for surgery, preserving your dog’s mobility and comfort.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery for luxating patella is typically recommended in moderate to severe cases where the dog experiences significant pain or has a restricted range of motion. Veterinarians use a grading system to assess the severity:
- Grade I: The patella can be manually luxated but returns to its position spontaneously. Surgery is often not needed.
- Grade II: The patella occasionally dislocates and may require occasional intervention. Non-surgical treatments can be quite helpful, but surgery is typically recommended as many grade 2’s will progress to grade 3 and eventually 4
- Grade III: The patella is consistently out of place but can be manually adjusted. Surgery is commonly recommended.
- Grade IV: The patella is permanently dislocated and cannot be adjusted manually. Surgery is essential for pain relief and function restoration.
The specific surgical procedure will depend on the individual case and luxating patella grade, often involving deepening the groove of the femur, reconstructing soft tissues around the patella, or repositioning the tibial tuberosity. Surgery has high success rates in restoring mobility and reducing pain.
Conclusion
A luxating patella is a manageable condition if recognized early. Knowing the signs, understanding breed predispositions, and implementing preventive care, like joint supplements and maintaining a healthy weight, can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life. For dogs that develop patellar luxation, non-surgical treatments, like Hydrotherapy and anti-inflammatory medications, may effectively manage symptoms in mild cases, while surgery offers relief and functional restoration in severe cases. Consult your veterinarian if you notice signs of limping or leg discomfort in your dog, as early treatment can make a significant difference in their long-term mobility and happiness. Contact the Animal Outpatient Surgery of San Diego for excellent surgical services if surgery is needed.
Works Cited
Toholova, J., Hornak, S. & Kuricova, M. 2024. Non-surgical pain management for hip joint disease in veterinary medicine. Veterinární medicína. 69(8):261–272. DOI: 10.17221/19/2024-VETMED.
