Luxating Patella in Dogs: Signs, Grades & Treatment
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A luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its normal groove, most often in small and toy breeds. The tell-tale sign is a dog that suddenly skips or hops on a back leg for a few steps, then goes back to normal once the kneecap pops back in. Severity is graded 1 to 4. Mild cases are often managed without surgery, while more severe or painful ones — and those causing lameness or arthritis — may need surgical repair.
What a luxating patella is
The patella (kneecap) normally glides up and down in a groove at the end of the thigh bone as the knee bends. In a luxating patella, the kneecap slips out of that groove — usually toward the inside of the leg in small dogs. It can be present from a young age due to how the leg is built, or follow an injury.
Small and toy breeds are most affected — Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles and French Bulldogs among them — though larger dogs can have it too. It often affects both knees.
Signs to watch for
The classic sign is intermittent and easy to miss:
- A sudden skip or hop — the dog lifts a back leg for a stride or two, then carries on normally
- A brief "bunny hop" or shaking the leg to pop the kneecap back
- Stiffness after rest or exercise
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs in worse cases
- Persistent limping or a bow-legged stance when it's more severe
Because early signs come and go, many owners only mention it in passing. But over time a chronically luxating kneecap wears the joint and contributes to arthritis, so it's worth flagging to your vet.
How it's graded
Vets grade a luxating patella by how easily and how far the kneecap moves, which guides treatment:
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Kneecap can be pushed out manually but returns on its own; rarely causes signs. |
| Grade 2 | Kneecap luxates occasionally during activity and pops back; intermittent skipping. |
| Grade 3 | Kneecap is out most of the time but can be pushed back in; more consistent lameness. |
| Grade 4 | Kneecap is permanently out and can't be replaced manually; significant gait changes. |
Your vet diagnoses it by feeling the knee during an exam, often with X-rays to assess the joint and bone alignment.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the grade, the dog's signs, and whether arthritis is developing:
- Conservative management for low grades with few signs — keeping a lean body weight, joint supplements, controlled exercise, and pain relief during flare-ups as your vet advises
- Surgery for higher grades, ongoing pain, or worsening lameness — procedures deepen the groove, realign the attachment, and tighten supporting tissues
- Physical rehabilitation to rebuild strength and mobility, especially after surgery
The outlook after surgery is generally very good, particularly when it's done before severe arthritis sets in — another reason not to ignore that occasional skip.
Living with a luxating patella
Whether or not your dog needs surgery, day-to-day management protects the joint:
- Keep your dog lean — extra weight adds load to an unstable knee (see is my dog overweight)
- Provide traction with rugs on slippery floors and ramps to reduce jumping
- Maintain steady, controlled exercise to keep supporting muscles strong
Practical take: Noting how often the skipping happens and whether it's getting more frequent helps your vet judge whether to keep managing conservatively or consider surgery before arthritis sets in.
Track whether the skipping is getting worse
Tavi lets you log limping and skipping episodes, weight and joint supplements over time — so you can show your vet whether a luxating patella is stable or progressing. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of a luxating patella in dogs?
The classic sign is a dog that suddenly skips or hops on a back leg for a few steps, then returns to normal once the kneecap slips back into place. You may also see stiffness, a bunny hop, reluctance to jump, or persistent limping in more severe cases.
Does a luxating patella in dogs always need surgery?
No. Low grades with few or no signs are often managed conservatively with weight control, joint support, controlled exercise and pain relief during flare-ups. Surgery is usually reserved for higher grades, ongoing pain, or worsening lameness. Your vet decides based on the grade and your dog's signs.
How much does luxating patella surgery cost for a dog?
Cost varies widely by region, the dog's size, the grade, and whether one or both knees are involved, so ask your clinic or a surgeon for an estimate. Factor in rehabilitation and follow-up care, which are part of a good recovery, when budgeting.
Can a dog live with a luxating patella without surgery?
Many dogs with low-grade luxating patellas live comfortably without surgery when kept lean, given joint support and controlled exercise, and provided good traction at home. However, more severe grades or those causing pain and arthritis often do better with surgical repair, so regular vet checks matter.
What breeds are prone to luxating patella?
It's most common in small and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles and French Bulldogs, and it often affects both knees. Larger breeds can develop it too, sometimes after an injury. Many cases are related to how the leg is built from a young age.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS); American Kennel Club (AKC); VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual