Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog Canine Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in small dogs, causing lameness and chronic pain. Surgical correction restores comfortable mobility and prevents progressive osteoarthritis.

Key Facts

Patellar luxation affects primarily small breeds including Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pugs
Luxation grades 1-4 reflect severity from occasional to permanent lateral displacement
Grade 3-4 luxation causes chronic lameness and pain requiring surgical correction
Surgical techniques include trochlear deepening, tibial crest transposition, and soft tissue correction
Success rates for patellar luxation surgery exceed 85-90% in experienced hands

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with untreated grade 3-4 patellar luxation experience chronic lameness and progressive joint deterioration that significantly reduces quality of life. Surgical correction restores comfortable mobility in the majority of cases. Early intervention before significant osteoarthritis develops produces the best long-term welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Have dogs with intermittent hindlimb skipping or lameness examined for patellar luxation
Seek orthopaedic surgical assessment for dogs with grade 3-4 luxation
Avoid selective breeding from lines with high prevalence of patellar luxation