Patella is the Latin term for kneecap. Accordingly, when a dog develops a patellar luxation, it means that its kneecap will pop out. Such a dislocation can occur in different degrees of severity. Its symptoms include lameness.
In the following, we will explain why dogs suffer from a patellar luxation and which breeds are particularly susceptible. You will also find out what symptoms you need to look out for in your four-legged friend and what treatment options are available to you.
Key facts at a glance
- With a patellar dislocation, the dog’s kneecap pops out of its normal position.
- A dislocation of the patella causes lameness and is most noticeable when walking on three legs.
- A patellar dislocation can occur in different degrees of severity and should definitely be treated by a veterinarian.
- Depending on the severity, treatment can be conservative or surgical.
Possible causes of a luxating patella in dogs
Dogs suffering from a luxated patella can have different causes. For example, an accident can cause the kneecap to pop out and possibly tear various ligaments in the affected knee joint.
In addition, weak connective tissue, misalignment of the hind legs, a lack of muscles and existing joint problems such as arthrosis or obesity can also contribute to a patellar luxation in dogs.
Apart from that, in many cases anatomical peculiarities, such as a very shallow gliding channel or kneecaps that are too large or too small, are the triggers for luxating the patella.
Certain dog breeds are particularly susceptible
In principle, a patellar luxation can occur in any dog. In most cases, however, small breeds are affected by popping of the kneecaps. A particularly high risk is known, for example, in miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Yorkshire terriers and Jack Russell terriers.
Different degrees of luxation of the patella in dogs
Just like in humans, the kneecap in dogs is flat and disc-shaped. It usually sits in front of the knee and is held in place there by various ligaments and tendons. If the dog’s kneecap pops out, it suffers a patellar luxation. A distinction is made between four different degrees of severity, which can have different consequences for the affected animals.
Patellar dislocation can occur in dogs with the following degrees of severity:
- Severity 1: The four-legged friend’s kneecap jumps out and then immediately slides back into its correct position.
- Severity 2: The kneecap does not spring back on its own after the dislocation, but has to be reset manually.
- Severity 3: The kneecap does not remain in its position after being set and quickly jumps out again.
- Severity 4: Manual correction is not possible, leaving the dog’s kneecap permanently dislocated.
Symptoms and diagnosis of a luxated patella in dogs
A patellar dislocation is very painful and inevitably leads to impaired mobility of the affected joint. If your dog develops a dislocated patella, the first thing you will notice is that the four-legged friend tries to walk on three legs in order to relieve the affected knee as much as possible.
If this is the case with your four-legged friend, a timely visit to the veterinarian is essential. The veterinarian can examine the dog’s affected knee to determine if the patella is actually dislocated and how severe it is.
Treatment of a luxated patella in dogs
The measures required to treat your dog’s luxating patella will depend primarily on its severity. While it is usually sufficient to manually set the patella in place and immobilize the knee joint for a period of severity 2, repeated dislocations often require surgical intervention.
Your dog’s kneecap is fixed in the correct position under general anesthesia to prevent it from jumping out again in the future. After that, the knee must be rested as much as possible for several weeks. Visits to the physiotherapist after the operation also help to strengthen the muscles and maintain the mobility of the joint.
Prognosis for dogs with luxated patella
The prognosis for dogs with a dislocated patella depends primarily on the severity. If your four-legged friend has suffered a patellar dislocation with a severity of 1 to 3, you can usually assume that a full recovery is guaranteed.
In the case of a grade 4 patellar luxation, however, it is not uncommon for affected dogs to have permanent problems and the functionality of the joint cannot be completely restored.
Irrespective of this, you can assume that early diagnosis and treatment contribute significantly to a positive prognosis. That being said, we strongly advise against setting your dog’s kneecap yourself rather than having a vet do it in view of the chances of recovery.
High treatment costs for dogs with luxated patella
If your dog suffers a luxated patella, this can quickly lead to high veterinary costs, especially if an operation is necessary. If you want to protect yourself against this, we advise you to take out health insurance for your dog as soon as possible.
With you can choose from three different tariffs for your dog health insurance and thus avoid high treatment costs in the event of a luxated patella or other health problems in the future.