Health Condition

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is the dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause a range of mobility issues in affected dogs.

Detailed Description

Patellar luxation occurs when the dog's kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal location in the patellar groove of the femur. This can be due to trauma or congenital abnormalities. Small breeds are often predisposed to this condition. It can range from mild, with the patella luxating occasionally, to severe, where it remains out of position.

Common Symptoms

Abnormal gait
Lameness in the affected leg
Sudden skipping or hopping while walking

Management Options

Weight management
Physical therapy
Surgical correction

Frequently Asked Questions

Is patellar luxation painful for dogs?

Patellar luxation can vary in pain; some dogs may show discomfort when the kneecap dislocates, while others may not show any pain signs.

Can patellar luxation be corrected without surgery?

Mild cases of patellar luxation might be managed without surgery through weight management and physical therapy, but more severe cases often require surgical intervention.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Young adulthood

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Physical examination; X-rays

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Preventative Measures

Maintaining a healthy weight; Avoiding high-impact activities

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Related Conditions

Arthritis, Cruciate ligament rupture

Affected Breeds

Affenpinscher

Prevalence: 6.5% Severity: 3/5

Affenpinschers have a higher prevalence of patellar luxation compared to the general dog population, similar to other toy breeds.

American Eskimo Dog

Prevalence: 4.5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in American Eskimo Dogs than in the general canine population, typical for small breeds.

American Hairless Terrier

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in American Hairless Terriers than in the general canine population, particularly among small breeds.

Australian Terrier

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Australian Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation, with most cases presenting in young adults.

Bedlington Terrier

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Bedlington Terriers than in the general dog population, with most cases being mild.

Bichon Frise

Prevalence: 5.8% Severity: 3/5

Bichon Frises have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation, with both mild and severe forms observed. Early screening and selective breeding are important for reducing incidence.

Biewer Terrier

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is common in Biewer Terriers, with a higher prevalence than in many other breeds.

Bolognese

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 3/5

Bolognese have a higher risk than large breeds and similar risk to other Bichon-type breeds. Early skipping gait is a common sign.

Border Terrier

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Border Terriers than in some other terriers. Most cases are mild and can be managed conservatively.

Boston Terrier

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 3/5

Boston Terriers are in the top 10 breeds for patellar luxation, with a higher than average risk and frequent mild to moderate cases.

Boykin Spaniel

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Boykin Spaniels than in other sporting breeds.

Brussels Griffon

Prevalence: 9% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic issues in Brussels Griffons, with a higher prevalence than in many other breeds.

Bulldog

Bulldogs have a higher than average rate of patellar luxation due to limb conformation.

Cairn Terrier

Prevalence: 4.7% Severity: 3/5

Cairn Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation among small breeds.

Canaan Dog

Prevalence: 2.2% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation occurs at an average to slightly lower rate in Canaan Dogs compared to other breeds.

Cesky Terrier

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Cesky Terriers have a slightly higher than average risk for patellar luxation compared to similar-sized breeds.

Chihuahua

Prevalence: 30% Severity: 3/5

Chihuahuas are among the top breeds affected, with a significantly higher prevalence than average. Early onset and bilateral cases are common.

Chinese Crested

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 3/5

Chinese Cresteds have a higher prevalence of patellar luxation than the all-breed average, consistent with other small breeds.

Chow Chow

Prevalence: 3.3% Severity: 3/5

Chow Chows have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation, especially for lateral luxation due to their straight hind limb conformation.

Cirneco dell'Etna

Prevalence: 1.7% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is less common in Cirneco dell’Etna than in many toy breeds, but screening is still recommended due to occasional cases.

Croatian Sheepdog

Reported as occasional; not a major breed concern but screening is advised.

Dachshund

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is moderately common in Dachshunds, with a higher prevalence than the average dog according to OFA data.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Prevalence: 6.6% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is one of the most frequently reported orthopedic issues in Danish-Swedish Farmdogs, with a slightly higher prevalence than average for small and medium breeds.

English Toy Spaniel

Prevalence: 7.2% Severity: 3/5

English Toy Spaniels have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation, similar to other toy breeds.

Eurasier

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Eurasiers have a slightly higher than average risk. Occasional skipping or holding up a hind leg during play may be an early sign.

Finnish Spitz

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 3/5

Finnish Spitz have a higher prevalence of patellar luxation compared to the general canine population. Early signs may include intermittent skipping or sudden lameness during exercise.

Flat-Coated Retriever

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is less common in Flat-Coated Retrievers than in small breeds, but still present. Early detection and management are important for quality of life.

French Bulldog

Prevalence: 6.1% Severity: 3/5

French Bulldogs are at higher risk for patellar luxation due to their limb conformation. Skipping gait and intermittent lameness are common early signs.

German Spitz

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in German Spitz (especially Klein and Mittel varieties) than in the general canine population. Early signs may include skipping or brief lameness during play.

Great Pyrenees

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is less common in Great Pyrenees than in small breeds but is present and should be screened for.

Havanese

Prevalence: 12.5% Severity: 3/5

Havanese have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation compared to the general canine population. The condition often presents as a 'skipping' gait during play.

Hokkaido

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Hokkaido dogs have a reported patellar luxation rate of 5–8%, higher than the all-breed average. Early detection and weight management are important for this breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Prevalence: 6.5% Severity: 2/5

Icelandic Sheepdogs have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation compared to similar-sized breeds. Intermittent skipping gait in young dogs is a common early sign.

Jagdterrier

Prevalence: 2.8% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is an occasional issue in Jagdterriers, with a prevalence similar to other terrier breeds. Sudden skipping or holding up a hind leg during exercise is a typical early sign.

Japanese Chin

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in Japanese Chin than in the general dog population, with most cases being mild to moderate.

Japanese Spitz

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 3/5

Japanese Spitz have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation among small breeds, with most cases being medial and congenital.

Kai Ken

Prevalence: 2.9% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is documented in Kai Ken at a low to moderate rate. Occasional skipping or holding up a hind leg during movement may be an early sign.

Keeshond

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 2/5

Keeshonden have a slightly higher than average risk for patellar luxation among medium breeds. Early detection and selective breeding are important.

Kishu Ken

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Kishu Ken than in the general canine population. Most cases are mild and manageable.

Kromfohrlander

Prevalence: 4.5% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is more common in Kromfohrlanders than in many other breeds. Early detection and selective breeding are important.

Lakeland Terrier

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 2/5

Lakeland Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation compared to the general dog population. The condition is often detected in young dogs.

Lancashire Heeler

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is moderately prevalent in Lancashire Heelers, with a higher risk than in many larger breeds.

Lowchen

Prevalence: 5.1% Severity: 2/5

Löwchen have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation compared to the general canine population. Early signs may include skipping or hopping during play.

Lhasa Apso

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Lhasa Apsos have a higher risk of patellar luxation than the average dog, consistent with other small breeds.

Maltese

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Highly prevalent in Maltese, with much higher risk than average and often presenting at a young age.

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

Manchester Terriers have a higher than average rate of patellar luxation compared to all breeds.

Manchester Terrier (Toy)

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is a recognized concern in Toy Manchester Terriers, with a reported prevalence of 4–6% in breed health surveys. The risk is higher than average for small/toy breeds.

Miniature Pinscher

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Miniature Pinschers are at higher risk than average, with patellar luxation being a common orthopedic issue in the breed.

Mudi

Prevalence: 2.2% Severity: 2/5

Mudi have a lower risk than the all-breed average. Intermittent skipping in otherwise active young Mudis may be an early sign.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje than in the general canine population, with both mild and severe cases reported.

Norfolk Terrier

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 2/5

Norfolk Terriers have an average to slightly higher risk compared to other small terriers. Most cases are mild and managed conservatively.

Norrbottenspets

Prevalence: 4.3% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is present but relatively uncommon in Norrbottenspets compared to toy breeds; slightly higher risk than some other medium spitz breeds.

Norwegian Lundehund

Prevalence: 4.7% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is moderately prevalent in Lundehunds, likely related to their unique limb conformation and hypermobility.

Norwich Terrier

Prevalence: 6.5% Severity: 2/5

Norwich Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation among terriers, with most cases being mild to moderate.

Papillon

Prevalence: 6.3% Severity: 4/5

Papillons are among the toy breeds with the highest prevalence of medial patellar luxation, often presenting with a skipping gait during play.

Parson Russell Terrier

Prevalence: 3.3% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in Parson Russell Terriers than in the general canine population, with a prevalence of 3.3% based on OFA data.

Pekingese

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is common in Pekingese, especially medial luxation, due to their toy breed conformation.

Pharaoh Hound

Prevalence: 0.7% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is rare in Pharaoh Hounds but has been documented; screening is advised for breeding dogs.

Pomeranian

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 3/5

Pomeranians have a higher prevalence than average, with up to 10-15% affected. Early diagnosis and selective breeding are important.

Poodle (Miniature)

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Miniature Poodles are among the top breeds affected by patellar luxation, with a higher than average risk and frequent mild to moderate cases.

Poodle (Toy)

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 3/5

Toy Poodles have a significantly higher prevalence of patellar luxation than the all-breed average.

Portuguese Podengo

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation occurs at a low rate in Portuguese Podengos compared to many toy breeds, but screening is still advised.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 2/5

Slightly higher prevalence than average for small breeds; characteristic 'skip' in gait may be noted during exercise.

Pug

Prevalence: 7.7% Severity: 3/5

Pugs are at higher risk than many other breeds, with medial patellar luxation being most common.

Puli

Prevalence: 1.7% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is less common in Pulis than in toy breeds but is a minor concern. Early detection and selective breeding are important.

Pumi

Prevalence: 2.2% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is present in the Pumi breed but at a lower rate than in many small breeds. Screening is recommended for breeding dogs.

Rat Terrier

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Rat Terriers are among the top 20 breeds for patellar luxation, with a higher than average prevalence compared to most breeds.

Russell Terrier

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Russell Terriers are at higher risk than average for patellar luxation, with a notable prevalence in the breed. Early detection is important for management.

Russian Toy

Prevalence: 12.5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is a significant concern in Russian Toys, with prevalence similar to other toy breeds. Early screening and responsible breeding are emphasized.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is more common in Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonkas than in many other breeds, consistent with other toy breeds. Most cases are mild to moderate, but severe cases may require surgery.

Schipperke

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Schipperkes have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation among small breeds.

Shiba Inu

Prevalence: 5.2% Severity: 3/5

Shiba Inu have a higher than average risk among small breeds. Owners may notice a characteristic 'skipping' step during exercise.

Shih Tzu

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Shih Tzu are a high-risk breed for patellar luxation, with a prevalence higher than average.

Shikoku

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is slightly above average in Shikoku dogs compared to all breeds. Early signs may include occasional skipping or holding up a hind leg during activity.

Silky Terrier

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Silky Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation, with many cases presenting as a skipping gait in young dogs.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is a recognized orthopedic issue in SBTs, with a prevalence slightly above average compared to all breeds.

Swedish Lapphund

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 2/5

Patellar luxation is documented in Swedish Lapphunds but is less common than in toy breeds; most cases are mild.

Swedish Vallhund

Prevalence: 3.2% Severity: 2/5

Swedish Vallhunds have a higher-than-average rate of patellar luxation compared to the general canine population, though most cases are mild.

Taiwan Dog

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 2/5

Reported in Taiwan Dogs, particularly in those bred for smaller size or with less robust conformation; prevalence is average to slightly higher than other medium breeds.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Teddy Roosevelt Terriers than in the general canine population, similar to other small terriers.

Tibetan Spaniel

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Tibetan Spaniels are predisposed to medial patellar luxation, with a higher prevalence than average for small breeds.

Toy Fox Terrier

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 3/5

Toy Fox Terriers have a higher than average risk for patellar luxation among small breeds. A 'skipping' gait in young dogs is a common early sign.

West Highland White Terrier

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 2/5

Westies have a higher risk than average for small breeds.

Xoloitzcuintli

Prevalence: 5.2% Severity: 3/5

Patellar luxation is slightly more common in Xoloitzcuintlis than in some similar-sized breeds. Early detection and responsible breeding are important.

Yorkshire Terrier

Prevalence: 5.7% Severity: 3/5

Yorkshire Terriers are at much higher risk for patellar luxation than the general canine population.

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