Luxating patella — sometimes called a dislocated or “slipping” kneecap — is a common orthopedic condition in dogs. It occurs when the patella (kneecap) moves out of its normal place in the groove at the end of the femur. While some cases of patellar luxation are mild and rarely affect a dog’s daily life, others can lead to pain, lameness, or long-term joint issues if left unmanaged.
At the Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan, we help pet parents recognize early signs your dog may have a luxating patella. We can spot musculoskeletal problems and understand how physical rehabilitation can support dogs with this condition — whether they require surgery or ongoing therapeutic care.
What Is a Luxating Patella?
A luxating patella means your dog’s kneecap isn’t staying where it should. Instead of gliding smoothly in its groove, it can slip inward (medial luxation) or outward (lateral luxation), depending on the dog’s anatomy. This can happen in one or both knees and affects dogs of many breeds and sizes. Wikipedia
Common Signs of a Luxating Patella
Recognizing the early indicators can help you get your dog evaluated before the problem worsens. Signs may include:
Skipping or “Hopping” Gait
A classic sign is a sudden, temporary limp or lift in the hind leg as if your dog is skipping — then resuming a normal stride after a few steps.
Intermittent Lameness
Your dog might occasionally hold a leg up, limp, or appear to favor one side, especially after activity.
Reluctance to Jump or Climb
Dogs with luxating patella may avoid stairs, jumping on furniture, or other movements that stress the knee.
Unusual Stiffness or Discomfort
You might notice stiffness after rest, swelling, or changes in behavior like irritability when rising.
Clicking or “Popping” Sensation
Some owners report hearing or feeling a mild click when the kneecap slips.
When to See Your Veterinarian
If your dog shows any of the signs above, a vet exam is advisable. Your veterinarian can perform a physical assessment and may recommend x-rays to determine the patellar luxation’s grade, which ranges from mild (Grade I) to more severe (Grade IV), guiding the best treatment plan. PDSA
Early evaluation is important not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to rule out other causes of hind limb lameness.
Conservative Management vs. Surgery
Treatment largely depends on the severity of the luxation and how much it affects your dog’s quality of life:
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
For mild luxation (Grades I–II), dogs may benefit from:
- Weight management to reduce joint pressure
- Targeted physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
- Joint supplements and low-impact exercise
- Activity modification at home
In many cases, rehabilitation and exercise therapy can reduce symptoms and improve knee stability without surgery.
Surgical Correction
More severe luxations (Grades III–IV) often require surgical intervention to realign the kneecap and stabilize the joint. After surgery, structured rehabilitation is crucial to help your dog heal efficiently and reduce the risk of future issues.
How Rehabilitation Helps
Whether your dog is managed conservatively or follows surgery, rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery and long-term comfort:
Strengthens Muscles Around the Joint
Therapeutic exercises help improve quadriceps and hind limb muscle strength, which supports knee stability and reduces the frequency of patellar dislocation.
Improves Range of Motion & Mobility
Controlled movement and techniques like hydrotherapy — where water reduces weight on the joint while encouraging motion — help dogs build strength without stress on the knee.
Reduces Pain & Swelling
Modalities such as therapeutic laser, massage, and targeted exercises work together to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and manage discomfort.
Supports Post-Surgical Recovery
For dogs who do undergo surgery, structured rehab helps:
- Restore muscle function
- Prevent stiffness or scar tissue formation
- Speed a return to normal activity
- Minimize the risk of compensatory injuries
Take the Next Step for Your Dog
If you suspect your dog might have a luxating patella, or if your dog has already been diagnosed and you’re wondering how rehabilitation can help, we’re here for you. We can help you identify the signs your dog may have a luxating patella. Early intervention — whether conservative or post-surgical — can significantly improve comfort and long-term mobility.
At the Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan, our team builds personalized therapy plans tailored to your dog’s needs to help them live active, happy lives.
📞 Call us today to discuss your dog’s condition and explore rehabilitation options.