Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, particularly small breeds, causing the kneecap to slip out of its groove and creating pain, lameness, and predisposition to other joint injury.
Patellar luxation causes pain that ranges from intermittent (Grade I - the characteristic 'skip step' gait) to constant (Grade III-IV). Dogs with medial patellar luxation experience the sudden, painful pop of the kneecap slipping out of position, followed by the discomfort of walking with a displaced kneecap until it self-reduces or is manually replaced. Higher grade luxations cause chronic pain, reluctance to use the limb, and progressive joint deterioration. The increased risk of cruciate ligament rupture means that untreated patellar luxation often leads to a more severe and expensive orthopedic injury. Surgery performed at an appropriate grade significantly improves quality of life and prevents progressive joint damage.