Patella Luxation

Patella luxation is an orthopedic problem in which the kneecap (patella) slips out of its groove at the front of the thighbone. This can occur because the groove is too shallow- an inherited problem. An accident or heavy blow at the side of the knee can also displace the patella. In the case of an accident, once this has occurred the kneecap is more likely to be displaced again.

If you see unexplained occasional limping, or if your dog stops now and again to stretch out the affected leg (which causes the kneecap to go back into place), it is possible your dog has a luxating patella. It is easy for veterinarians to diagnose this condition by manipulating the leg to see if there is sideways movement of the patella.

Veterinary orthopedic surgeons have devised a highly successful operation to correct patella luxation. In consists of deepening the groove in the femur so that the kneecap will not slip out. The symptoms of this condition may be noticed while the dog is still applying, and the sooner the operation can be done, the better the results. Later in life, the dog may have some arthritis as a result of the operation, but that is better than life with a knee that is crippling and painful.

Dogs with delicate legs are much more prone to this of problem, and in any case, a „chicken-boned“ Cavalier is not a pretty sight.