Your dog is walking alongside you – and suddenly he’s hopping three steps on three legs. Then he walks normally again, as if nothing had happened. You think: “Was that serious just now?” Yes, you should take it seriously. Because that’s exactly how patellar luxation presents itself – the kneecap pops out briefly and then back in again.
At a glance
- Patellar luxation means: the kneecap slips out of its groove and pops to the side
- Particularly common in small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese
- There are 4 degrees of severity – not all of them require immediate surgery
- You can actively support your dog with targeted exercises, weight management and dietary supplements
What happens in patellar luxation?
Imagine the kneecap as a sledge gliding down a track. With every step, it slides up and down – guided smoothly. In patellar luxation, this groove is too shallow, too narrow or has grown crooked. The kneecap pops out. Sometimes briefly, sometimes for longer. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn’t.
The tricky thing is: at Grade 1, your dog hardly notices it. They hop briefly, shake their leg, and carry on walking. Many owners think: “They’re just playing.” But every time the kneecap pops out, it rubs against the cartilage. And cartilage doesn’t regrow.
The 4 grades – explained simply
Grade 1: The kneecap can be pushed out by hand, but pops straight back in. Your dog shows hardly any symptoms. Perhaps the occasional hop.
Grade 2: The kneecap pops out on its own – whilst running, playing or going up stairs. It also pops back in on its own. Your dog limps from time to time, especially after exertion.
Grade 3: The kneecap is usually out of place. You can push it back into place manually, but it doesn’t stay there for long. Your dog limps frequently and puts less weight on the leg.
Grade 4: The kneecap is permanently dislocated and can no longer be pushed back into place. The leg is often stiff, and the gait is noticeably altered. Surgery is essential at this stage.
Why does it affect small dogs in particular?
Large breeds struggle with hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Small breeds have their own joint problem: patellar luxation. In Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese, it is almost the norm.
The reason lies in genetics. In small breeds, the groove in which the kneecap runs is often too shallow from birth. Added to this are short legs, sometimes slightly bow-legged – this alters the pull of the tendons and pushes the kneecap inwards.
But medium-sized breeds such as Cocker Spaniels or Bulldogs can also be affected. And yes – even large dogs can develop patellar luxation, though it is less common.
Recognising the symptoms correctly
Not every dog limps obviously. Look out for these signs:
- Hopping on three legs: Your dog suddenly lifts a hind leg, hops 2–3 steps, then carries on walking normally
- Leg shaking: He stretches his leg out behind him and shakes it – as if trying to shake something off
- Avoidance: He no longer jumps onto the sofa, hesitates at stairs, or wants to turn back earlier on walks
- Stiffness after rest: After sleeping, it takes him a few steps to walk smoothly
- Sitting sideways: Instead of sitting upright, he lets one leg slide to the side – this takes the weight off his knee
If you regularly notice one or more of these signs: take him to the vet. A physical examination is often enough to make a diagnosis.
Surgery or conservative treatment – when is which approach best?
The big question on every owner’s mind. The honest answer: it depends on the severity.
Grades 1–2: In these cases, most vets initially recommend conservative treatment. This means: muscle building, weight management, dietary supplements and regular check-ups. Many dogs with grades 1–2 lead symptom-free lives – provided you actively support them.
Grade 3: A grey area. Some dogs manage with conservative treatment, whilst others need surgery. Here, you should draw up an individual plan with your vet. If the limping gets worse or your dog shows signs of pain, surgery is usually the better option.
Grade 4: There’s no getting round surgery here. The kneecap is permanently dislocated. Without surgery, the cartilage deteriorates rapidly and osteoarthritis develops.
The cost of surgery ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 euros per knee. Yes, per knee. And in many dogs, both knees are affected. This makes conservative management all the more important for grades 1–2.
5 exercises to stabilise the knee
The muscles surrounding the knee are the best natural stabilisers for the kneecap. Stronger muscles help keep the kneecap better within its groove. You can do these exercises every day:
1. Controlled uphill walking
Find a gentle slope (a grassy slope, not steps). Let your dog walk slowly uphill. This specifically strengthens the thigh muscles. 5 minutes, 2–3 times a week.
2. Sit-to-stand exercise
Let your dog sit down and stand up again. 5–10 repetitions. It sounds simple, but it specifically trains the muscles that support the knee. Like squats for dogs.
3. Cavaletti training
Place broomsticks or low obstacles on the floor. Your dog should step over them at a walking pace. This encourages conscious leg lifting and coordination. Spacing: about one dog’s length.
4. Underwater running
. If you have access to an underwater treadmill or shallow water: perfect. The water takes the strain off the joints whilst the muscles still get a workout. The best exercise for joint problems.
5. Balance training
: Let your dog stand on a cushion or a soft mat. The instability activates the deep muscles around the knee. Start with just 30 seconds and increase gradually.
Important: Avoid anything that puts strain on the kneecap – no jumping off the sofa, no sudden changes of direction, no stairs without support. A dog ramp for the sofa and car is not a luxury purchase for dogs with patellar luxation, but a form of therapy.
How dietary supplements can help
The kneecap glides on cartilage. If it keeps popping out, this cartilage wears away. And worn cartilage means: osteoarthritis. This is exactly where joint supplements come in.
Glucosamine and chondroitin provide the building blocks your dog needs to maintain cartilage. They cannot reverse the wear and tear – but they can slow it down.
New Zealand green-lipped mussels contain natural omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans. Both support joint lubrication and can help reduce inflammation in the knee.
MSM (organic sulphur) supports collagen formation – and collagen is the main component of cartilage and connective tissue around the knee.
Hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial fluid. It ensures that the kneecap can glide smoothly – provided it stays in its groove.
Veddelholzer Joint Tablets contain precisely this combination: green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid. They also contain devil’s claw and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This is a particularly useful component of the overall treatment plan, especially for grade 1–2 patellar luxation, where you’re looking for conservative support.
Weight – the silent enemy of little knees
For a 3-kg Chihuahua, half a kilo of excess weight accounts for almost 17 per cent of its body weight. Imagine carrying an extra 12 kilos on your shoulders all the time. Every step puts more weight on the kneecap. More weight means the kneecap is pushed further out of its groove.
Get your dog down to its ideal weight. You should be able to feel its ribs without having to press hard. For small breeds, losing just 100–200 grams is often enough to make a noticeable difference.
Living with patellar luxation – practical tips
- Non-slip floors: Tiled floors and parquet are a nightmare for dogs with patellar luxation. Rugs or non-slip socks help enormously
- No jumping: Use a ramp for the sofa and the car. Kneecaps don’t like landing
- Avoid stairs: Carry your small dog up and down the stairs. With a dog weighing 3–5 kilos, it’s no effort at all – but it takes a huge strain off the knee
- Warmth helps: A warm cherry-stone pillow on the knee before a walk makes the joints more supple
- Short and frequent: Three short walks are better than one long one. This prevents overexertion
Frequently asked questions
Is patellar luxation painful for my dog?
At grade 1, it often isn’t. Your dog feels a brief tugging sensation when the kneecap pops out, but gets used to it. From grade 2–3 onwards, it can be painful, especially as the cartilage wears away and inflammation sets in. Grade 4 is almost always associated with pain.
Can patellar luxation improve on its own?
No. The groove does not get any deeper and the kneecap does not become any more stable on its own. However, with muscle strengthening, weight management and dietary supplements, you can prevent it from getting worse. Many dogs with Grade 1 live with the condition without any symptoms.
How long do the results of patellar luxation surgery last?
The success rate is 90–95 per cent. Most dogs can walk normally again after 6–8 weeks. In rare cases (around 10 per cent), the kneecap may dislocate again, particularly in Grade 4 cases.
At what age does patellar luxation first appear?
The congenital form often becomes apparent within the first year of life. Some dogs hop as puppies, and the owner assumes this is just part of growing up. Therefore: have the kneecap checked at every puppy check-up.
Does a support help with patellar luxation?
Braces can provide short-term stabilisation, for example after surgery or during acute flare-ups. They are not suitable as a long-term solution – they prevent the muscle development your dog urgently needs. Muscle training is more effective than a brace.
Can I have my dog vaccinated despite patellar luxation?
Yes, vaccinations have no effect on the kneecap. The only exception: immediately after an operation, you should consult your vet to agree on the right time for the next vaccination.
When should I take my dog to the vet?
- Your dog is limping regularly or with increasing frequency
- Hopping on three legs becomes a permanent condition
- He puts significantly less weight on one hind leg
- You hear a crack or click in the knee
- He shows signs of pain when you touch his knee (flinches, whimpers)
- Following a Grade 1–2 diagnosis: check-ups every 6 months
- In the event of a sudden deterioration: seek treatment immediately
Patellar luxation is not an emergency – but it’s not something that will simply ‘grow out of itself’ either. The sooner you take action, the better the chances that your dog will never need an operation. Building muscle, managing weight and providing the right nutrients are your best tools.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.