When the kneecap pops out, the dog often briefly lifts the leg and hops a few steps on three legs. When it slips back, they usually carry on walking normally.
Patellar Luxation in Dogs
When the kneecap slips out of its groove.
At a glance
- What is it?
- The kneecap slips sideways out of its groove on the thigh bone.
- Typical signs
- Sudden hopping on three legs, a leg briefly held up, lameness that comes and goes.
- Commonly affected
- Mainly small breeds, less often larger dogs too.
- Grades of severity
- Grade 1 to 4, from occasional to permanent dislocation of the kneecap.
Interactive Symptom Check
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When should you see a vet?
Only your vet can assess the grade of severity. See your vet promptly if:
- your dog doesn’t put any weight on the leg for a longer period,
- the kneecap no longer pops back or the knee is swollen,
- they show clear pain when bending or stretching the leg.
In patellar luxation, your dog’s kneecap slips out of its groove. A typical sign is that your dog suddenly hops a few steps on three legs and briefly pulls the leg up. Only the vet can assess how severe the luxation is.
What is patellar luxation?
The kneecap (patella) normally glides in a groove in the thighbone. In patellar luxation it slips sideways out of this groove. This is especially common in small breeds, but it can also affect larger dogs. The cause can be congenital or develop over the course of life due to malalignment of the knee joint.
How do you recognize patellar luxation?
- sudden hopping on three legs, after which the dog often walks normally again
- hind leg briefly pulled up
- intermittent lameness
- in advanced cases, pain and a permanently changed leg position
Which grades are there?
- Grade 1: The kneecap only slips out occasionally and glides back on its own.
- Grade 2: It slips out more often and returns through movement or by hand.
- Grade 3: It lies outside the groove most of the time and can only be pushed back briefly.
- Grade 4: It stays permanently outside the groove and can no longer be pushed back.
How does the vet diagnose patellar luxation?
The vet palpates the knee and checks how easily the kneecap can be moved. X-rays also show the position of the bones.
How is it treated?
That depends on the grade and the symptoms. For mild grades, adapted exercise and physiotherapy are often enough; for higher grades, surgery may be necessary. The vet decides. If a luxation is left untreated, osteoarthritis can develop in the knee over time.
What you can do in everyday life
- Avoid wild jumps, quick turns and slippery floors.
- Keep the muscles in shape with steady exercise.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s weight after talking to the vet.
Frequently asked questions about Patellar luxation
What is the typical “skipping”?
Does patellar luxation need surgery?
That depends on the grade and the symptoms. In mild grades the kneecap often pops back by itself; in higher grades surgery may be necessary. Your vet will decide.
Is the condition congenital?
It can be hereditary or develop during life due to a misalignment of the knee joint.
What can I do day to day?
Avoid wild jumping and slippery floors and adapt exercise. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight after talking to your vet.
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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team
Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.
