What is a luxating patella?
The patella is the kneecap, which normally glides in a groove at the front of the knee. With a luxating patella, it slips out of that groove — usually to the inside — causing a brief skip or hop until it pops back. Over time the repeated movement can irritate the joint and contribute to arthritis.
Signs to look for
It’s often intermittent, which is why owners sometimes miss it for a while.
- An occasional skip or hop while walking or running
- Briefly holding a back leg up, then using it normally
- Sitting with a leg held out to the side
- Stiffness after rest in more advanced cases
Helping your dog at home
Mild cases are often managed conservatively, with surgery reserved for more severe grades. Supportive care helps comfort and protects the joint either way.
- Keep your dog lean to reduce strain on the knee
- A supportive knee brace where appropriate
- Non-slip flooring and ramps to avoid awkward twists
- Low-impact exercise over jumping and sudden turns
- Joint support as part of a long-term plan
Signs to look for
Skipping stepsHopping brieflyLeg held outStiff after rest
When to see your vet. See your vet if the skipping becomes frequent, your dog is lame or in pain, or the leg seems to be getting worse. They can grade the knee and advise whether management or surgery is best.
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