Complete Guide to Canine Patellar Luxation (Patella) | Symptoms, Grades, Treatment, Prevention, and Daily Care | ブリちょく
Dogs| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Complete Guide to Canine Patellar Luxation (Patella) | Symptoms, Grades, Treatment, Prevention, and Daily Care
A comprehensive guide to patellar luxation (patella), common in small dog breeds—covering symptoms, grade classification, treatment methods, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies. Essential reading for owners of Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians.
Key Takeaways
A comprehensive guide to patellar luxation (patella), common in small dog breeds—covering symptoms, grade classification, treatment methods, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies. Essential reading for owners of Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians.
Canine patellar luxation (patella, English: Patellar Luxation) is an orthopedic condition in which the patella (kneecap) becomes displaced from its normal position. It is particularly common in small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese dogs, and is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs domestically. Early intervention tailored to the degree of progression is crucial to maintaining quality of life, so it is important to understand the symptoms and management strategies thoroughly.
✍️
BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
Find Dogs on BreederDirect
Buy directly from verified breeders
Browse Related Listings
Find Dogs listings related to this article on BreederDirect. Buy directly from verified breeders.
The hind limbs of dogs consist of the femur, patella, and tibia forming a joint, with the patella moving smoothly along the trochlear groove on the front of the femur. When this groove is shallow or the ligament balance is compromised, the patella becomes displaced medially (medial luxation) or laterally (lateral luxation). In most small dog breeds, medial luxation is more common.
The condition can result from both congenital factors (skeletal developmental abnormalities) and traumatic factors (such as jumping from height), but in small dog breeds, genetic skeletal formation issues are considered the primary cause.
Grade Classification (Grades 1–4)
The severity of patellar luxation is classified into Grades 1–4 according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) standards.
Grade 1: The patella is in its normal position but becomes dislocated when pressed with a finger and returns naturally when the finger is released. There are few daily symptoms and little to no lameness.
Grade 2: The patella may spontaneously dislocate during walking. "Skipping"—holding up the foot and walking on three legs—is a typical sign. The patella dislocates when pressed and returns when the leg is extended.
Grade 3: The patella remains constantly dislocated but can be temporarily reduced manually. Gait is unnatural, with the hind limbs often turning outward.
Grade 4: The patella is completely and permanently dislocated and cannot be manually reduced. Marked lameness, hind limb deformity, and muscle atrophy are present.
Main Symptoms and How to Identify Them
If you notice any of the following signs in your dog's daily life, we recommend consulting an animal hospital.
Skipping (three-legged gait): The dog holds up the hind foot for several steps and walks on three legs, returning to normal after a while.
Change in sitting posture: When sitting on the floor, the hind legs spread widely to the sides in a "frog-like" sitting position.
Avoidance of jumping or stairs: The dog becomes reluctant to jump onto furniture or navigate steps.
Licking or chewing at the hind foot: Licking or chewing at the affected area due to discomfort.
Muscle asymmetry: Muscle atrophy and thinning of the affected limb.
Since owners may not notice Grades 1–2, regular health checkups with radiographic examination are effective for early detection.
Treatment Methods: Medical Management and Surgical Intervention
Medical Management (Grades 1–2 Mild Cases)
For Grades 1–2 and mild Grade 2 cases, the following medical approaches are typically used.
Weight management: Excess weight increases stress on the joints. Maintaining appropriate body weight is the most fundamental strategy for preventing symptom progression. Exercise restriction and management: Avoid intense jumping, sudden stops, and exercise on slippery floors. Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) help protect joint cartilage and reduce inflammation, though they do not address the underlying skeletal issue. Pain management and NSAIDs: Prescribed by veterinarians for acute inflammation, but long-term use carries the risk of side effects.
Surgical Intervention (Grade 2+ with progression, Grades 3–4)
The goal of surgery is to modify the skeletal structure so that the patella moves stably within its normal position. Common surgical techniques are as follows:
Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT): This most popular surgical technique repositions the attachment point of the patellar ligament (tibial tuberosity) to align the patella to move in the correct direction. Trochlear Groove Deepening: This surgery deepens an overly shallow trochlear groove and is often performed in combination with TTT. Soft tissue repair (capsule and fascia suturing): This method tightens loose ligaments and fascia to stabilize the patella and is used in mild cases.
Surgical costs vary by hospital, technique, and animal size, but typically range from approximately ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 per limb (bilateral simultaneous surgery may be discounted).
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
After surgery, rest period (4–8 weeks) is most important. Strict crate rest with limited activity in confined spaces should be maintained, and slippery surfaces should be avoided. Hydrotherapy and gentle range-of-motion exercises may begin 2–4 weeks post-operatively. Post-operative radiographic confirmation and rehabilitation planning should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Prevention and Environmental Modifications in Daily Life
Non-slip mats: Hardwood flooring increases the risk of patellar luxation. It is essential to place carpets or non-slip mats in hallways, living areas, and frequently traveled routes. Reducing elevation changes: Jumping onto furniture places significant stress on the patella. Install dog steps or ramps to minimize height differences. Proper handling technique: Holding the dog with hind legs dangling can trigger luxation. Always support both front and hind legs to keep the body horizontal. Weight control: A 1 kg weight gain can amplify joint stress several times over. Maintain appropriate body weight in consultation with your breeder or veterinarian. Breeding considerations: Patellar luxation has some hereditary component. It is an ethical principle among responsible breeders not to breed individuals with Grade 2 or higher.
Summary
Early detection and early intervention of patellar luxation minimize future joint damage. If you notice skipping gait or changes in hind limb use, seek radiographic examination at an animal hospital promptly. Grade 1–2 cases can be managed long-term through lifestyle management, but if progression or symptom worsening occurs, positively considering surgery is the best strategy to protect your dog's quality of life.
