Far Hills Animal Clinic Logo

Call Us Today

(937) 434-8224

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Staff
    • The Katie Fund
  • Services
    • Appointments & Services
    • Surgery
    • Outside Services
      • Referral Veterinary Hospital & Services
      • Boarding Facilities & Pet Sitters
      • Dog Behavior & Training Facilities
      • Pet Loss & Grieving
  • Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
    • Articles
    • Veterinary Resources
  • Online Store
  • Contact Us
  • Emergency
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Pet Health >
  • Orthopedics >
  • Luxating Patella

Luxating Patella

  • Created in Pet Health, Orthopedics

luxating patella

Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. Luxating patella is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities of dogs, but it is only occasionally seen in cats. It may affect one or both of the knees. In some cases it moves (luxates) towards the inside of the knee, and in other cases it luxates towards the outside of the knee. Luxation to the inside of the knee is the most common form seen; it is most commonly seen in the small or miniature breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Maltese, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas. Luxations towards the outside of the knee are seen less frequently. It can be present in many breeds, but is seen especially in Newfoundlands.

There are four grades of patellar luxation:

  • Grade I- the kneecap can be manually luxated but the kneecap returns to its normal position when the pressure is released.
  • Grade II- the kneecap can spontaneously luxate out of position with just normal movement of the knee.
  • Grade III- the kneecap remains luxated most of the time but can be manually reduced into the normal position.
  • Grade IV- the patella is permanently luxated and can not be manually repositioned

Dogs frequently start with a Grade I or Grade II and worsen over time to a Grade III or IV. Many people are not aware their pet is affected, but a luxating patella can cause pain. Owners may see the pet limp on a rear leg, or they may see them shake a rear leg to try to snap the kneecap back into place.

A serious consequence of patellar luxation is that it predisposes the dog to a rupture of a ligament inside the knee called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL ruptures are very painful, at least initially, and usually the dog doesn't bear weight on the affected leg. Surgery is indicated for any case that is causing lameness or pain. Owners may also elect corrective surgery as a way to prevent an ACL.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • New Clinic Location

    We have fully moved into our new location at 5583 Far Hills Ave.

  • New App

    We will be launching a new app on Friday October 28th. Stay tuned for more information.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Centerville Office

Monday:

8 AM - 6 PM

Tuesday:

8 AM - 6 PM

Wednesday:

8 AM - 6 PM

Thursday:

8 AM - 6 PM

Friday:

8 AM - 6 PM

Saturday:

8 AM - noon

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

    No testimonials found. Please add
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: National animal shelter appreciation week

    Looking for ways to support your local animal shelter? ...

    Read More
  • Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

    Wondering if microchipping is right for your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Bad Breath Can Indicate Your Pet Needs Dental Care

    Could bad breath mean that your pet has a dental issue? ...

    Read More
  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In