Nursery Rhymes

Patellar Luxation

The Patellar, or kneecap, is a thick flat, triangular, movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee and protects the front of the joint.

Patellar Luxation is where the kneecap or "Patellar" has dislocated from it's correct position.

Picture of a Dog Skeleton

Dog Health Issues - Description of Patellar Luxation
The word Luxation originates from the Latin word luxare meaning to dislocate. The dislocation can relate to any anatomical part such as a bone at a joint or the lens of the eye. The two most common problems relating to dogs are Patellar Luxation where the patella, or kneecap, luxates, or pops out of place.

Dog Health Problems - Categories of Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxations fall into several categories:

  • Grade 1 - Medial luxation occurring in toy, miniature, and large breeds
  • Grade 2 - Lateral luxation occurring in toy and miniature breeds
  • Grade 3 - Lateral luxation occurring in large and giant breeds
  • Grade 4 - Trauma induced luxation occurring in various breeds

The categories - Grades 1 - 3 - for Medial or Lateral Luxation are believed to be inherited and are also suspected of being inheritable.

Dog Health Problems - Types of Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation fall into several types:

  • Intermittent patellar luxation
  • Frequent patellar luxation
  • Permanent patellar luxation

Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Patellar Luxation
There are varying degrees of patellar luxation that are graded depending on whether the patella is intermittently or constantly luxated. Symptoms may include:

  • Intermittent Lameness
  • Consistent lameness
  • Bow-legged stance
  • Reluctance to walk
  • Reluctance to jump
  • Holding a rear leg out to the side when walking

Dog Health Questions - Ages of Dogs susceptible to Patellar Luxation
The most susceptible ages are as follows:

  • Medial luxation occurring in toy, miniature, and large breeds - can occur at any age
  • Lateral luxation occurring in toy and miniature breeds - usually occurs in dogs between 5 to 8 years
  • Lateral luxation occurring in large and giant breeds - usually occurs in dogs between 5 to 6 months

Dog Health Information - Treatment of Patellar Luxation
The treatment of Patellar Luxation involves replacing the kneecap into the groove, and preventing it from popping in and out.

Dog Health Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.

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