Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog Patellar Luxation and Management

Patellar luxation is a hereditary condition causing intermittent lameness and pain in small and toy breeds, with breeding selection and surgery as welfare interventions.

Key Facts

Patellar luxation is the most common orthopaedic condition in small dog breeds
The condition causes intermittent lameness as the kneecap slips out of its groove
Grading 1-4 reflects severity with higher grades requiring surgical intervention
Breeds including chihuahua, Pomeranian and French bulldog are particularly affected
Breeding health testing is available and should be used to reduce hereditary incidence

Welfare Considerations

Patellar luxation causes intermittent pain and long-term joint damage in affected dogs. The hereditary nature of the condition means selection against it in breeding programmes reduces population prevalence over generations. Surgical correction of severe cases provides effective welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Ensure small breed dogs are health tested for patellar luxation before use in breeding
Seek veterinary assessment if your small dog shows intermittent hindlimb lameness
Support breed health schemes that include patellar luxation testing