A medial luxating patella is a condition that affects the part of the stifle (knee) where the patella (kneecap) should sit. The patella can slide out of its normal position and into various locations, which causes pain for your dog. It's important to see your veterinarian if you notice your dog limping, not jumping up, or any other signs of discomfort. Your vet will be able to diagnose your dog for this condition and provide treatment options, whether it be conservative management or surgical options to provide a permanent fix. When the patella luxates, it means that your dog's kneecap has moved out of its normal position. The patella can move to several different locations within the stifle (knee) joint, depending on which structures are damaged or loose. Most of the time, the movement (luxation) of the patella is medial, meaning towards the body. There are many causes of luxating patella in dogs, and it is a relatively common occurrence. Patellar luxation happens because the structures surrounding the patella have been damaged or loose from genetic factors or trauma. In most instances, patellar luxation is congenital, and clinical symptoms are first noticed early in life. Although most dogs are not born with luxations, they acquire them as a result of anatomic abnormalities. Common breeds affected are Yorkshire terriers, Boston terriers, Papillon, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, and other small breed dogs. Diagnosis is simple and can be done by your veterinarian. Patellar luxation is diagnosed during a physical examination where the patella will easily move out of position, causing your dog discomfort. The vet may also order X-rays to see if there are any underlying damages to the knee joint or structures around it. Your veterinarian will then grade the degree of medial patellar luxation: Grade 1: The patella can be luxated manually, but it promptly regains its normal position when released. This may also be an incidental finding in some dogs. Grade 2: The patella is luxated but regains its natural position after manipulation. The patella can also be dislocated manually by extending the joint and turning the foot in the direction of the dislocation.The luxation often resolves with the joint is flexed. Grade 3: The patella is permanently luxated, but it can be reduced manually. The patella resumes luxating as soon as it has been released by manual reduction. Grade 4: The patella is permanently luxated and cannot be returned to its normal position. There are many different treatment options for patella luxation, and the approach your veterinarian takes will depend on the grade of patellar luxation. In most cases, conservative management is successful in treating mild to moderate patellar luxation. This may include exercises, weight loss (if applicable), supplements, and/or medications. Typical medications and supplements include anti-inflammatories and glucosamine/chondroitin respectively. Surgery is typically recommended for grade 4 medial patellar luxation, or if the dog is painful and has any grade of a luxating patella. The surgical procedure is focused on permanently correcting the patellar luxation. The success rate of surgically correcting patellar luxation is 85-95% when performed early on, in young animals.What is a luxating patella in dogs and what are the symptoms
Causes of luxating patella in dogs
How to diagnose a luxating patella in dogs
Treatment options for medial luxating patella in dogs
The prognosis for older dogs with chronic patellar luxations is poorer. Therefore, early detection and treatment are more associated with favorable outcomes. In addition, a luxating patella can occur simultaneously with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in larger dogs so it is important to have assessed the function of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Recovery time for a dog with a luxating patella
The recovery time for a dog with patellar luxation will vary depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the treatment approach taken. In most cases, your veterinarian will prescribe rest and restricted activity for a few weeks following surgery. Physical rehabilitation may also be recommended to help your dog regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.
The prognosis for a dog with a luxating patella
The prognosis for Grade 1 luxations is excellent since most of them are incidental findings and cause little to no clinical symptoms. The prognosis for regaining function in Grade 2 and 3 luxations is also good. The prognosis for Grade 4 luxations and persistent luxations is worse in older, more mature dogs. Additionally, chronic, untreated patellar luxation in dogs can result in hindlimb weakness over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luxating Patellas in Dogs
Can dogs recover from a luxating patella?
Yes, patellar luxation is not a life-threatening condition and dogs can recover from it. However, depending on the grade of patella luxation, surgical treatment may be recommended. The surgery success rate can be as high as 90% when performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Can a dog live with a luxating patella?
Yes, dogs can live with a luxating patella, especially if it is a low grade. However, if the condition is not treated and grade 3 or 4, it may cause pain and discomfort for your dog. Treatment options are available and typically successful in returning the patella to its normal position.
How to prevent a luxating patella in dogs?
Usually, dogs with patellar luxation have a problem that they were born with or developed into. Therefore, there isn't much you can do to prevent it. If your dog has been diagnosed with low-grade patellar luxation, keeping them active and managing their weight can help.
Can luxating patella in dogs correct itself?
With a low-grade luxating patella, certain ranges of motion (flexion and extension) on the stifle (knee) may cause the patella to return to its natural position.
How serious is patellar luxation in dogs?
For patellar luxation, the prognosis is typically good for dogs with low grades. However, surgery may be recommended if your dog's patella has a high grade or causes pain and discomfort due to the patella being out of its normal position.
What can cause a dog to have a luxating patella?
There are many potential causes of patellar luxation, but the most common is a congenital abnormality (something your dog is born with). Other causes can include trauma, overuse, and obesity.
What are some common symptoms of patellar luxation in dogs?
Common symptoms of patellar luxation include difficulty in jumping, running, and climbing stairs. Your dog may appear to limp when walking or running, they might hold their leg up after sitting down for a while, discomfort on palpating (feeling) the patella, crepitus (a noise or grating feeling) when the patella moves, and reluctance to move the leg.
Is luxating patella painful for dogs?
Yes, patellar luxation can be painful for dogs that have higher grades of a luxating patella. However, if the patella is low-grade and does not cause much discomfort or pain to your dog, they may only require rest and restricted activity until it corrects itself. Grade 4 luxating patella is often associated with some degree of pain for the dog.
Are you a dog owner wondering if patellar luxation is harmful to your pup? Patella luxations can be painful and require surgery to correct. In the meantime, patella luxations are not life-threatening so owners of dogs with a patellar luxation must keep them active and manage their weight. Surgery is often successful in returning the patella to its normal position. Dogs can lead happy, healthy lives with patellar luxations as long as it is low-grade and do not cause too much discomfort or pain. Thanks for reading! For more information on patellar luxation in dogs, consult with your veterinarian to find the best solution for your pet!
