Luxating Patella

What is Luxating Patella?

A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal groove within the knee (stifle) joint. This can cause pain, instability, abnormal movement, and over time may contribute to osteoarthritis and other orthopaedic issues.

Common orthopaedic condition in dogs
Most frequently affects small and toy breeds
Can affect one or both hindlimbs
May be congenital (present from a young age) or acquired following trauma
Severity can range from occasional skipping to significant mobility impairment

Severities

Grade 1

Patella sits normally most of the time
Can be manually luxated by a veterinarian
Returns to position immediately

Grade 2

Patella luxates intermittently
May spontaneously move in and out of position
Often associated with occasional skipping or hopping

Grade 3

Patella is usually out of position
Can be manually replaced but re-luxates easily
More persistent lameness and abnormal gait

Grade 4

Patella permanently luxated
Cannot be manually replaced
Significant limb deformity and altered movement
Often associated with advanced arthritis

Symptoms

Common signs may include:

Intermittent skipping or hopping
Sudden lifting of a hindlimb
Occasional lameness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Hindlimb weakness
Abnormal gait
Difficulty jumping
Stiffness after exercise
Muscle loss
Reluctance to use the affected limb

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve:

Veterinary examination
Orthopaedic assessment
Patella grading
Gait analysis
X-rays (radiographs)
Advanced imaging where required

Diagnosis is often made during a routine orthopaedic examination.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of luxation and clinical signs.

Options may include:

Physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Weight management
Exercise modification
Pain relief medication
Joint supplements
Surgical correction
Long-term arthritis management

Many Grade 1 and some Grade 2 cases can often be managed conservatively, whilst more severe grades may require surgery.

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapy plays an important role in both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation of luxating patellas.

The primary goals are to improve muscle strength, support joint stability, optimise movement patterns, and reduce the risk of secondary complications.

Managing Pain & Muscle Tension

Following a spinal injury, many dogs develop muscle spasms, tension, and compensatory discomfort. Manual therapies can help improve comfort and reduce secondary pain.

Maintaining Joint Mobility

Dogs on prolonged rest may develop stiffness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapy helps maintain flexibility throughout recovery.

Preventing Muscle Loss

Neurological patients can lose muscle mass rapidly. Targeted rehabilitation exercises help maintain and rebuild muscle strength as recovery progresses.

Improving Proprioception

Many dogs with IVDD lose awareness of where their feet are positioned.

Specific neurological exercises help retrain the nervous system and improve limb placement.

Re-Educating Movement Patterns

As neurological function returns, physiotherapy helps encourage more normal gait patterns and movement quality

Improving Balance & Coordination

Balance and coordination are often affected following spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation programmes focus on rebuilding confidence and stability.

Supporting Long-Term Mobility

Even dogs with permanent deficits can benefit significantly from ongoing physiotherapy to maintain strength, mobility, and independence.

Benefits of physiotherapy may include:

Reduced pain and muscle tension
Improved neurological function
Better coordination
Enhanced balance
Improved mobility
Increased muscle strength
Greater independence
Improved quality of life

How Hydrotherapy Helps

Hydrotherapy is an excellent low-impact exercise option for dogs with luxating patellas.

The underwater treadmill allows strengthening and conditioning whilst reducing forces through the joint.

Reduced Joint Loading

Water buoyancy decreases the amount of weight transmitted through the stifle joint, allowing dogs to exercise more comfortably.

Building Muscle Safely

Water provides gentle resistance that helps strengthen the quadriceps, gluteal, and core muscles without excessive impact.

Improving Range of Motion

Controlled movement within the underwater treadmill can help maintain joint mobility and flexibility.

Encouraging Normal Gait

Many dogs move more evenly in water than they do on land. This can help reinforce more normal movement patterns.

Supporting Recovery Following Surgery

Hydrotherapy is commonly used during rehabilitation following surgical correction to rebuild strength and restore function.

Long-Term Joint Health

By improving muscle support around the stifle, hydrotherapy may help reduce stress on the joint and support long-term mobility.

Benefits of hydrotherapy may include:

Increased muscle mass
Improved stifle stability
Better mobility
Enhanced fitness
Improved gait quality
Reduced joint loading
Greater confidence in movement

Further Information

Small Breeds Are Most Commonly Affected

Breeds frequently affected include:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Pomeranians
Chihuahuas
Yorkshire Terriers
Toy Poodles
Maltese
Jack Russell Terriers
French Bulldogs

However, luxating patellas can occur in dogs of any breed or size.

Not Every Luxating Patella Requires Surgery

Many dogs with lower-grade luxations remain comfortable with appropriate management and monitoring.

Treatment decisions should be based on clinical signs rather than grading alone.

Arthritis Can Develop Over Time

Repeated luxation can cause abnormal wear within the joint, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Early management may help support long-term joint health.

Weight Management Matters

Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on the stifle joint and can significantly improve comfort and mobility.

Early Intervention Can Make a Difference

Addressing weakness, instability, and compensatory movement patterns early can help maintain function and support long-term mobility.

We Can Help

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy Clinic, we provide personalised rehabilitation programmes for dogs with luxating patellas, helping improve strength, stability, mobility, and confidence whether managed conservatively or following surgery.