Patella Luxation – Knee Problems in Dogs
Patellar luxation is a condition that affects dogs, causing discomfort and changes in their gait. While some may perceive their pet's quirky hopping steps as endearing, it's crucial to understand that this behavior is often a sign of an underlying issue. In this article, we delve into the world of patellar luxation, exploring its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Knee problems are not a racial trait
No, your dog breed is not the kind that should sit on the slant or skip with one hind leg now and then. If your breeder claims so, don't let yourself be fooled. A restricted range of motion is not a natural breed characteristic, even though the condition may well be hereditary.
What patellar luxation means
Patellar luxation means that the kneecap does not lie stably in the knee joint, it may even pop out. The problem is more common in small dogs but also occurs in larger breeds. There is a difference between medial and lateral patellar luxation.
- Medial patellar luxation, which is most common in small dogs, displaces the kneecap to the inside (medially) of the knee joint.
- Lateral patellar luxation, on the other hand, which is more common in larger dogs, displaces the kneecap to the outside (laterally) of the knee joint. This form of patellar luxation is, however, rare.
The reason for the luxation is that the kneecap is too small, placed too high, or underdeveloped so that the joint groove is too shallow. These skeletal abnormalities are hereditary.
Symptoms of patellar luxation
Some dogs show no direct symptoms and may seem pain-free, while others limp, intermittently or constantly. A classic sign is the mentioned hopping step, but patellar luxation can manifest in several ways depending on the type.
Examples of typical symptoms
- Some dogs avoid bending the affected knee and take shorter, stiffer steps.
- If both knee joints are affected, it may look like a prancing, stiff gait where both hind legs are equally affected.
Such a symmetrical limp can be harder to notice as there are no visible differences between the legs. An altered range of motion, whether the dog takes shorter steps, angles one leg, limps, or avoids certain movements, indicates discomfort or pain in the body. Otherwise, the dog would not have adapted or changed its movement pattern. So, take these deviations seriously.
Diagnosis of patellar luxation
Patellar luxation needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian who examines the stability of the knee joint. Sometimes, X-rays of the knee joint(s) may be necessary. After that, the degree of luxation is determined on a scale from 0-3.
- 0 is normal.
- 1 means the kneecap can dislocate but returns spontaneously
- 2 means the patella can be manually and spontaneously dislocated and may remain luxated
- 3 means the knee is permanently luxated (the worst degree)
Treatment options for patellar luxation
When deciding on treatment, the dog's age, symptoms, and pain status are taken into account. The treatment may involve:
- Surgery and rehab training
- Rehab training only
Often, medication needs to be supplemented and preventive wellness measures taken to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation is most likely hereditary, which is why some breeders may claim that their breed moves in this way. However, the knee joint is not normal in such cases, and the dog needs veterinary care.
For more information on how to detect if your dog is in pain, check out Can your dog be in pain?- symptoms to look out for. If you are planning to take your dog to the vet, read about how to best prepare your dog in the article Preparing your dog for a vet visit.
It's also good to be aware of other common problems dogs can experience, such as Back Pain in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment and Stomach Twisting in Dogs - Symptoms and Remedies. Make sure you have a Dog Home Pharmacy - you'll need this at home in case your dog needs emergency treatment.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
Fact-checked by: Sofia Nälgård
Sofia Nälgård is a licensed veterinarian with degrees from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Copenhagen. She runs Smådjursdepån in Växjö, where she offers professional and personalized care.
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