Luxating Patella in Dogs: What Puppy Owners Should Know

Luxating patella is a relatively common orthopedic condition in dogs, especially in small and toy breeds.

When explained accurately, it is important to understand that it is not always caused by poor breeding practices, and many responsible breeders actively screen, manage, and minimize the risk.

When bringing home a new puppy, it’s natural to want to understand everything about their health and development. One condition that is sometimes discussed during veterinary check-ups is luxating patella.

While the term may sound worrying at first, it is actually a relatively common and often mild condition in many dogs, especially smaller breeds.

At responsible pet shops and breeding programs, transparency and education are important so that puppy owners feel confident and informed.

What is Luxating Patella?

A luxating patella simply means the dog’s kneecap (patella) occasionally moves out of its normal position within the knee joint.

Normally, the patella sits in a small groove in the thigh bone and glides smoothly when a dog bends or straightens its leg. In some dogs, the kneecap may temporarily shift to the side before naturally returning to its proper position.

Luxating patella is one of the most common orthopedic findings in small dogs, and studies show it can occur even in well-bred animals.

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, patellar luxation is frequently diagnosed during routine veterinary exams and can be present without causing significant clinical issues.

Similarly, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals notes that patella luxation has multifactorial causes, meaning genetics is only one possible factor among several.

Signs That May Be Seen

Many dogs with mild luxating patella show little to no signs at all. Occasionally, owners might notice:

• A brief skipping step while walking or running

• A puppy momentarily lifting a back leg

• Normal movement resuming immediately after

  
  

In many cases, the kneecap simply slips back into place on its own, and the dog continues playing and running normally.

How It Is Graded by Veterinarians

Veterinarians classify luxating patella into four grades, which helps determine severity and whether treatment is necessary.

Grade 1

• Kneecap can be manually moved out of place by a vet but returns immediately

• Often no symptoms

Grade 2

• Patella occasionally slips out during movement but returns on its own

• Dogs may occasionally “skip” when walking

Grade 3

• Patella stays out most of the time but can be repositioned manually

Grade 4

• Patella is permanently luxated and cannot be returned to normal position

Most responsible breeders aim to produce dogs with Grade 0 or Grade 1 knees, and many dogs with Grade 1 live completely normal lives without requiring treatment.

Understanding the Causes

*Important: It Is Not Always Genetic

It is important to know that luxating patella is considered a multifactorial condition, meaning it can develop due to a variety of influences rather than a single cause.

Veterinary organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals explain that contributing factors may include:

• Natural body structure and bone alignment

• Growth and development during puppyhood

• Muscle positioning

• Minor injuries or strain

• Environmental factors such as slippery flooring

The American Veterinary Medical Association and American College of Veterinary Surgeons both describe patellar luxation as a developmental orthopedic condition, not purely a genetic defect.

Because of this, even dogs from excellent breeding lines may occasionally develop mild luxation as they grow.

Responsible Breeding and Health Care

Reputable breeders work hard to reduce the likelihood of orthopedic conditions by following responsible breeding practices. These may include:

• Selecting healthy parent dogs with good structure

• Veterinary health checks before breeding

• DNA and health screening where appropriate

• Monitoring puppies during early development

  
  

Many breeders also participate in health evaluation programs such as those managed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, which helps promote healthier breeding decisions over time.

While no breeder can guarantee that a living animal will never develop a health condition, responsible breeding greatly improves the overall health and wellbeing of future generations of puppies.

The Good News for Dogs

The outlook for dogs with luxating patella is generally very positive. Many dogs with mild cases:

• Live completely normal lives

• Remain active and playful

• Never require treatment

  
  

When intervention is needed, modern veterinary care offers effective options with very good outcomes, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

A Healthy Start for Your Puppy

Choosing a puppy from a responsible source means you are supporting careful breeding practices and ongoing veterinary care. With proper nutrition, regular check-ups, and a loving home environment, most puppies grow into healthy, happy companions for many years to come.

References

• American College of Veterinary Surgeons

• American Veterinary Medical Association

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals