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Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
What is Lateral Patella Luxation?
Being one of the most commonly diagnosed orthopedic conditions in dogs, patella luxation accounts for 75% to 80% of orthopedic conditions seen in small animal clinics, and affects 7% of puppies, as early as 8 weeks of age. Though it primarily affects small breeds, it can affect large and giant breeds. Lateral luxation is more common in giant breeds. More often both knees are affected, but it can be unilateral. Mild cases may never have a symptom in the affected limb, while more severe cases can result in pain and loss of function.
The patella is the kneecap, and it normally rests inside a groove within the thigh bone, or femur, inside the knee. Patella luxation is a condition where the kneecap is dislocated and moves away from the femoral groove when the knee is flexed. This dislocation can be medial or lateral, depending on which side the kneecap falls to. Lateral patella luxation refers to a dislocation away from body, while medial is a displacement closer to the body. As the kneecap dislocates more often out of the femoral groove, it erodes cartilage and exposes the bone, leading to instability, pain and arthritis.
Lateral Patella Luxation Average Cost
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Average Cost
$2,000
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Symptoms of Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
- Genu valgum stance, also called knock-knee, a seal-like stance
- Inability to stand
- Shaking of affected leg
- Extensions of affected leg
- Pulling up of affected limb for several steps
- Bow legged appearance in puppies
- Skipping gait, intermittent or continuous
- Lameness, occasional to continuous
- Pain
- Arthritis
Types
Luxation can be medial, or when the kneecap is dislocated closer to the body, traumatic when caused by a trauma or injury, or lateral, when the kneecap is dislocated away from the body. The two recognized types of lateral patella luxation are:
Lateral patella luxation of toy and miniature breeds - This is found in toy and miniature breeds, such as Boston Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahuas, miniature and toy Poodles, Pomeranians, Pekinese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Symptoms are often seen around 5 to 8 years of age.
Lateral patella luxation of large and giant breeds - This type is seen in large breeds, and has affected Akitas, Great Pyrenees, Chinese Shar peis, flat-coated Retrievers, Great Danes, St. Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, Labradors, Malamutes, Boxers, and Huskies. Symptoms often occur in puppies near 5 to 6 months old.
Causes of Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
This condition is a direct result of abnormalities in the structure and components of the hind limb. Causes of those abnormalities can include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Trauma or injury
- Shallow or absent femoral groove
- Abnormality in the overall alignment of the knee and leg, such as hip dysplasia
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Hormonal influences during growth
Diagnosis of Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
Lateral patella luxation is often found during a routine exam, and may present no symptoms. If symptoms are present, your veterinarian will start with a physical examination that includes palpation of the affected kneecap, sometimes under sedation. This can allow the veterinarian to grade the severity of the luxation, and can help to determine treatment. Additional tests can determine the severity of the luxation and any other associated conditions that may be present, and can include X-rays to evaluate the bones and look for signs of hip dysplasia, and a CT scan. Patella luxation can have symptoms that are similar to osteoarthritis and neurological conditions, and other tests may be administered to rule these out. Blood tests and a urinalysis may be taken before anesthesia is given.
Treatment of Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
Depending on the severity of the luxation and any concurrent conditions, treatment will vary. If the luxation is mild and devoid of symptoms, it only needs to be monitored and generally does not need surgical correction. If the luxation is more severe, surgery may be considered. Surgery is often more difficult in larger breed dogs, especially when other concurrent conditions are present.
Surgery attempts to modify the bony structures or soft tissues, or both, and may involve a reconstruction of soft tissues that surround the kneecap, create a deeper femoral groove to allow the kneecap to stay in its normal position, or correction of other bones, such as the tibial crest or femurs. These procedures are performed in accordance to each individual dog’s needs. Surgery is recommended for dogs with severe symptoms, or in puppies with growing bones.
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Recovery of Lateral Patella Luxation in Dogs
Over 90% of owners have reported satisfactory results after surgery. Recovery is less favorable in larger breeds, especially when combined with other conditions. Reoccurrence of the luxation is uncommon. In the rare case, the migration or breakage of implants used to keep corrected bones in position can occur. There is also a slight risk of infection. Monitor your dog’s habits to be sure his recovery is progressing, and report any leg issues or infections to your veterinarian. Prevent this hereditary condition by not breeding affected dogs.
Lateral Patella Luxation Average Cost
From 585 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Top
Lateral Patella Luxation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pug
Tonks
13 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cracking And Popping Sounds
I took my 13 month old pug to the vet because I could hear and also feel her hind legs popping and cracking. She was diagnosed with grade 2 luxating patella in both rear legs. The vet said it could possibly be grade 3 but difficult to tell given how tense she was. I then took her to another clinic for a second opinion (as I thought she might be more calm at a different place). This second vet graded one leg as grade 1 (and said to just keep an eye on it as it may progress later in life). The other leg was grade 2 and she should have surgery. Since then I have been giving her glycoflex supplements and I no longer hear or feel any clicking. She has never shown any other symptoms (no lameness, no holding up one leg etc.). So I am now unsure whether to go ahead with surgery when I no longer see any symptoms and when each vet had quite different opinions on the severity. I have pet insurance so the cost of surgery is not an issue, I just don't want to put her through that at this stage if shes actually pretty comfortable - Should I be putting her forward for surgery despite the lack of obvious symptoms (to prevent further damage and arthritis) or is it reasonable to leave it for now but to keep an eye on her and go for surgery if she starts to show any discomfort?
June 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
If Tonks has luxating patella's that are affecting her life, surgery would be the best option. It is unlikely that the glycoflex is actually resolving her patellar problem, but might be keeping her comfortable. Since you have insurance for her and cost is not a concern, it might be a good idea to have a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, as they specialize in bone and joint problems and would be able to give you a better idea as to the severity of her knee problems and more advice on whether surgery would be best for her.
June 17, 2018
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Cocker Spaniel
Pretty Face
14 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Some Slipping
14 week old cocker spaniel diagonised with lateral patella luxation--is there any hope she will grow enough to overcome some of the bone structer? she is moderate.
June 14, 2018
0 Recommendations
Some changes may occur during growth, but I cannot give you any assurances that there will be any improvement or resolution of the luxating patella once fully grown; it really is just a wait and see approach for now. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 15, 2018
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Lateral Patella Luxation Average Cost
From 585 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
