Companion Animals

Dog Patellar Luxation: Breed Predisposition, Surgical Management, and Prevention

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in small breed dogs. Understanding breed predispositions and early management prevents long-term welfare problems.

Key Facts

Patellar luxation is most common in toy and small breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian)
Medial luxation accounts for over 75% of cases in dogs
Graded 1-4 based on severity - Grade 3-4 typically requires surgical correction
Lateral luxation in large breeds (Labrador, Great Dane) has distinct biomechanical causes
Bilateral disease is common - both legs are affected in up to 50% of cases
Genetic basis is established - affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with untreated Grade 3-4 patellar luxation experience chronic pain affecting their mobility and quality of life. Intermittent locking of the patella causes acute pain episodes that dogs may learn to 'flick out' themselves but cannot reliably self-resolve. Cruciate ligament injury is a common secondary consequence of chronic patellar luxation. Early surgical correction at Grade 2-3 prevents progressive cartilage damage and provides better long-term outcomes.

What You Can Do

Have new small-breed dogs examined for patellar luxation at first veterinary visit
Seek specialist orthopaedic assessment for Grade 2+ luxation
Maintain lean body weight to reduce orthopaedic loading in affected dogs
Avoid buying from breeders who do not screen their breeding stock for patellar luxation
Report patellar luxation to breed health coordinators to improve screening data