Canine Patellar Luxation Welfare

Patellar luxation is a common orthopaedic condition in small and toy breeds where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing pain and lameness.

Key Facts

Patellar luxation is graded 1-4 based on severity of dislocation
Small breeds including Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas are most affected
Grade 3-4 luxation causes significant ongoing pain and gait abnormality
Surgical correction by trochlear deepening and tibial crest transposition is effective
Breeding animals with grade 2 or higher luxation is considered poor welfare practice

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with severe patellar luxation experience chronic intermittent or continuous pain when walking and standing. The characteristic skip gait is an adaptive behavior reducing load on the affected limb but indicates pain avoidance. Grade 1-2 luxation may be managed medically, but grade 3-4 typically requires surgical correction to restore welfare. Early surgical intervention has better outcomes than delayed treatment. Patellar luxation is partially heritable, and breeding protocols should screen for and exclude severely affected animals. Puppy buyers of small breeds should ask about parental orthopaedic screening.

What You Can Do

Ask breeders of small breeds about patellar luxation screening status of parents
Seek veterinary assessment if your small dog shows intermittent hopping or skipping
Consider surgical referral for grade 3-4 patellar luxation for long-term welfare
Support breeding reforms that reduce prevalence of patellar luxation in toy breeds