Luxating Patella in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Surgery Options

Is Your Dog Skipping Steps? Understanding Luxating Patella and When to Seek Emergency Care

A dog that suddenly skips, hops, or limps during normal activity can raise concern quickly. While some limping resolves with rest, recurring or intermittent lameness—especially when it looks like skipping—is often a sign of an orthopedic condition known as luxating patella. This knee issue is especially common in certain breeds and can range from a mild nuisance to a serious, mobility-limiting condition. For pet owners, knowing when to seek help and what treatment options are available can make all the difference in long-term comfort and joint health.

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, emergency teams and specialty veterinarians work together to evaluate and manage orthopedic conditions like luxating patella, offering timely diagnosis and advanced treatment when pets need it most.

What Is a Luxating Patella?

A luxating patella refers to a kneecap that slips out of its normal position. Instead of gliding smoothly in the groove of the femur, the kneecap moves in and out, causing instability and discomfort. This condition can occur in one or both knees and is graded based on severity:

• Grade I: Mild dislocation that self-corrects
• Grade II: Occasional luxation that may require manual correction
• Grade III: Frequent luxation, typically causing visible lameness
• Grade IV: Permanently dislocated and fixed outside the groove

Small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians are especially prone to medial patellar luxation, where the kneecap shifts toward the inner leg. Larger breeds may experience lateral luxation, where the kneecap shifts outward. The condition and its severity are discussed in more detail in Patellar Luxations in Small Animals.

Causes and Risk Factors

Luxating patella is often genetic. Dogs may be born with shallow femoral grooves, misaligned limbs, or imbalanced muscle structures that increase the risk of dislocation. In other cases, trauma to the knee or degeneration from chronic wear can lead to luxation.

Breed and conformation are important risk factors. For more information on predisposed breeds and structural traits, review Breed-Specific Health Risks.

When Skipping Means Something More Serious

A momentary skip or limp may not seem like a medical emergency, but repeated episodes are not something to ignore. Frequent dislocations wear down cartilage, trigger inflammation, and lead to arthritis or more complex injuries like cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears. Over time, what starts as occasional instability can result in permanent joint damage.

Dogs with moderate to severe luxation may eventually lose full mobility in the leg. Early evaluation and a treatment plan are critical in preventing progression and improving long-term outcomes.

Signs That Warrant Veterinary or Emergency Evaluation

Some signs of luxating patella can be subtle, while others are more dramatic. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian or emergency hospital if they notice:

• Sudden or repeated skipping or hopping on one leg
• Difficulty rising from a lying position
• Avoidance of stairs, jumping, or exercise
• Audible popping or clicking in the knee
• Visible lameness that comes and goes
• Sudden refusal to bear weight on a limb
• Pain, yelping, or swelling after activity

For signs that occur after trauma, or when the dog refuses to put any weight on the leg, same-day care is recommended. Learn more about how to assess limping severity in Why Dogs Limp.

Diagnosis at an Emergency or Specialty Clinic

Evaluation typically begins with a full physical and orthopedic examination. A veterinarian will gently manipulate the knee to determine how easily the patella dislocates and grade the severity.

Depending on the findings, additional diagnostics may include:

• Gait observation: Watching your dog walk to assess lameness
• X-rays: Checking for bone alignment, joint space, and secondary arthritis
• Advanced imaging: CT or small animal MRI for surgical planning or complex injuries

Pet owners can help by bringing videos of their dog’s gait, especially if signs are intermittent or difficult to reproduce during the appointment.

Treatment Options: Non-Surgical and Surgical Approaches

Conservative Management

Dogs with lower-grade luxation (Grade I and early Grade II) may improve with non-surgical management:

• Weight management to reduce joint strain
• Joint supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3s
• Prescription NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
• Strengthening exercises guided by a veterinary professional
• Physical therapy – learn more: Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation
• Environmental adjustments like ramps and traction mats

Conservative care can be successful when paired with consistent monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, especially in smaller dogs.

Surgical Intervention

Dogs with moderate to severe luxation (Grade II–IV), or those not responding to conservative treatment, often benefit from surgery. Common surgical options include:

• Trochleoplasty: Deepens the groove that holds the kneecap
• Tibial Tuberosity Transposition: Repositions the patellar tendon
• Soft Tissue Reconstruction: Balances the tension of supporting structures

Recovery after surgery includes several weeks of crate rest, limited activity, pain management, and possibly rehabilitation.

What Happens Without Treatment?

Leaving a luxating patella untreated can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, muscle wasting, and secondary injuries. As the kneecap continues to dislocate, the body compensates by placing strain on other joints, increasing the risk of additional orthopedic damage such as CCL tears.

Delaying treatment can result in more invasive procedures and longer recovery periods. Managing the condition early offers the best chance for pain-free mobility and a return to normal activities.

Home Support and Long-Term Care

For dogs recovering from surgery or managing mild luxation at home, supportive care is essential.

Explore more dog enrichment ideas that support wellness during recovery or restricted activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luxating patella painful?
Yes. Even mild dislocations can cause inflammation and discomfort over time.

Can it be prevented?
While genetics play a major role, maintaining a healthy weight and supporting joint health can reduce the risk of progression.

How long is recovery after surgery?
Most dogs recover in 8 to 12 weeks with proper rest and rehabilitation.

Will my dog walk normally after treatment?
With appropriate care, many dogs return to full activity and enjoy improved mobility after surgery.

For further information on this condition, see Patellar Luxation in Dogs.

Next Steps for Pet Owners

Pet owners noticing a skipping gait, sudden lameness, or signs of knee instability should not wait. The earlier luxating patella is addressed, the more options are available for preserving comfort and mobility. Whether seeking emergency care or a referral for surgical consultation, the team at the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona is available to help with evaluation, treatment planning, and long-term orthopedic care. Reach out today to determine the right path forward.