Dog Patellar Luxation: Welfare and Surgical Management

Patellar luxation causes intermittent or chronic lameness in small breed dogs. Understanding the grading system and treatment options helps owners make welfare-positive decisions.

Key Facts

Patellar luxation affects primarily small breeds including Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians
The kneecap slips out of its groove causing intermittent to continuous lameness
A four-grade system assesses severity from occasional luxation to permanent displacement
Grade III and IV cases require surgical correction to prevent progressive joint damage
Surgery achieves good to excellent outcomes in the majority of cases

Welfare Considerations

Patellar luxation causes pain and lameness ranging from occasional brief episodes to continuous discomfort. The characteristic skipping gait as the patella slips and then spontaneously reduces can appear intermittent and mild, leading owners to underestimate the welfare impact. However, even lower-grade luxations cause discomfort during episodes and predispose to early arthritis. The muscle pull from the abnormal patella tracking accelerates joint deterioration. Grade III and IV cases that are not surgically corrected cause progressive deterioration, arthritis, and chronic pain. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic cases and all Grade III and IV presentations regardless of apparent clinical severity.

What You Can Do

Have your small breed dog examined by a vet if you notice occasional hopping or skipping gait
Request grading of any patellar luxation detected on examination
Discuss surgical correction for Grade III and IV cases and symptomatic lower grades
Maintain lean body condition to reduce joint stress
Implement physiotherapy and appropriate exercise restriction after surgery
Avoid breeding dogs with patellar luxation to reduce heritable incidence