10/15/2026
What is a Luxating patella?
A “patella” is the scientific name for kneecap, and patella luxation means “dislocating kneecap”.
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This can affect any breed of dog but is most common in toy/ small breeds. It can affect one or both knees and lead to arthritis.
When a healthy knee bends, the kneecap slides up the groove in the thigh bone, it should never slip out. When the kneecap dislocates, it stops the knee from bending, causes a limp and runs past the bone as it slips, which overtime can cause pain and arthritis. This varies from grade 1-4. Some dogs with mild patella Luxation don’t need any treatment but those with more serious problems often need surgery and physiotherapy.
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Symptoms:
•intermittent hopping/ skipping (usually lasts a few seconds until the kneecap has slipped back again)
•stiffness (from mild to severe)
Care:
•keeping your dog a healthy weight reduces pressure on the joints
•sensible exercise/ minimizing risk of injuries (best to avoid strenuous activities like chasing, jumping, running up & down stairs/ uneven ground).
•supportive therapy (massage, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy)
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