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Patella Luxation

This is a condition where the patella (kneecap) dislocates from the groove it normally sits in at the end of the femur. It is more common is smaller breeds of dog. eg poodles, fox terriers. When the large muscles of the upper leg (quadriceps) contract (to straighten the leg at the knee) they pull on a tendon which is attached to the top front part of the tibia, hence extending the leg. The patella is there to stop friction between this tendon and the end of the femur. Sometimes, and the reasons are many, the patella will slip out of it's groove and sit on the inside (most common) or outside of the knee joint. The dog will be unable to use the leg at this time and carry it. In many cases the patella will spontaneously pop back into place and the leg will appear normal again.  If you see your dog suddenly carry it's leg for a few or more steps then put it back down normally without any apparent pain the it may have a luxating patella.

Every time this happens it causes damage to the joint. Eventually the wear on the ridges that hold the patella in place may be so great that the patella stays luxated permanently. it is important to stabilise the patella to stop the onset of arthritis. To stop the patella leaving the joint surgery is often required. This may be simple surgery or very complex depending on the case. Your veterinarian assess each case individually and decide what is the best treatment - surgery or otherwise.

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