A kneecap that slips out of place can cause intermittent skipping, persistent lameness, or progressive changes to the leg. BoneVet assesses the whole limb and tailors a treatment plan to your dog's signs, anatomy, and degree of luxation.
The kneecap is assessed alongside the alignment of the femur, tibia, and the surrounding soft tissues.
Luxation grade, discomfort, mobility, age, and skeletal alignment all help inform whether and how to treat.
Clear activity guidance and follow-up checks help support healing and a gradual return to comfortable movement.
The patella, or kneecap, normally glides in a groove at the lower end of the femur as the knee bends and straightens. With patellar luxation, it slips out of that groove. It most often moves toward the inside of the knee (medial luxation), but it can also move toward the outside (lateral luxation).
Some dogs briefly skip or hold up a hind leg before walking normally again. Others develop a persistent limp, discomfort, or difficulty using the leg. The effect depends on how often the patella dislocates, how easily it can be put back into the groove, and the shape and alignment of the bones.
Patellar luxation is graded from I to IV based on examination findings. The grade is useful, but it is only one part of the decision: a dog's symptoms, overall limb alignment, and daily function matter too.
Diagnosis usually starts with an orthopaedic examination, during which the patella is assessed through knee movement and the limb is checked for pain, stability, and alignment. Radiographs may be recommended to evaluate the bones and plan treatment. Further imaging or investigation may be appropriate in more complex cases or when another knee problem is suspected.
Not every dog with a luxating patella needs surgery, but most dogs with Grade 2 or higher will benefit from it. When a dog experiences persistent lameness, discomfort, or difficulty using the leg, surgery aims to restore smooth kneecap movement and correct the structural issues causing it to slip out of place. Recommending early surgery helps prevent ongoing cartilage damage, which occurs every time the patella luxates. Every surgical plan is customised to the patient, though nearly all cases require a procedure to realign the knee mechanism.
The tibial tuberosity is the attachment point for the patellar tendon on the shin bone. When its position contributes to abnormal tracking, it can be moved and secured in a more suitable alignment. This helps redirect the pull of the quadriceps mechanism across the knee.
If the groove at the end of the femur is too shallow to guide the patella reliably, a procedure to deepen or reshape the groove may be considered. The goal is to provide a more appropriate track for the kneecap during movement.
Soft tissues around the knee may be adjusted to help balance forces on the patella. Releasing incisions are often performed to relieve tension on the side of the knee joint to which luxation is occuring, while imbrication tightens the other side of the joint. If significant angular deformity of the femur or tibia is present, a corrective osteotomy may be considered as part of a more complex plan. These techniques are selected only when examination and imaging support their use.
A mild luxation with minimal signs is not the same as a persistently displaced kneecap with limb deformity. Your consultation is an opportunity to understand the grade, the relevant anatomy, whether surgery is appropriate, and what the proposed procedure would involve.
The recovery plan depends on the procedure performed and your dog's progress.
Activity is restricted while the tissues begin to heal. Short, controlled lead walks for toileting and a safe, confined resting area are commonly part of the initial plan. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions for stairs, jumping, and handling.
Recheck appointments allow the surgical team to assess comfort, limb use, and healing. Imaging may be recommended depending on the procedure and clinical progress.
Exercise is increased gradually when the surgeon confirms it is appropriate. Physiotherapy may be recommended to rebuild strength and support comfortable movement. Rushing activity can compromise recovery, so use your dog's individual timeline rather than a generic schedule.
Dr. Mark Tonzing BVSc(Hons) MACVSc(SA Surgery)
Operating out of Bardon Veterinary Hospital, BoneVet gives pet owners direct access to advanced orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures without the rigid overhead or referral bureaucracy of corporate centers. Dr. Tonzing brings decades of surgical experience and precision-focused technique to every procedure.
Learn more about Dr. Tonzing →Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal groove at the end of the femur. It may move toward the inside or outside of the knee and can range from occasional displacement to a kneecap that remains out of position.
No. The decision depends on your dog's signs, examination findings, luxation severity, age, and limb alignment. Some dogs with mild signs may be monitored, while persistent lameness, pain, or more severe luxation may lead to a discussion about surgery.
Surgical planning is individual. Depending on the anatomy, procedures may include deepening the femoral groove, repositioning the tibial tuberosity, balancing soft tissues, or correcting bone deformity. Not every dog needs every procedure.
Recovery varies with the procedures performed and the individual dog. It generally involves restricted, controlled activity, follow-up assessment, and a gradual return to exercise under the surgeon's instructions.
BoneVet accepts referrals from general practice veterinarians, and pet parents can also contact the clinic directly to discuss an orthopaedic consultation.
Arrange an orthopaedic assessment to understand the luxation, your dog's options, and whether surgery is appropriate.
