What is a Patellar Luxation?
Patellar luxation is a condition where a dog’s kneecap (patella) slips out of the groove it normally rides in at the front of the knee. Most cases are medial, meaning the kneecap slips toward the inside of the leg, and it is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, especially small and toy breeds. When it becomes painful or affects how a dog walks, surgery restores the kneecap to its proper track and keeps it there.
- Treats a luxating (slipping) kneecap, one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs
- Most often affects small and toy breeds, though large breeds are affected too
- Graded I to IV by severity; surgery is typically recommended for symptomatic grades II and up
- Orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia
- Recovery: about 8 to 12 weeks of controlled activity
- Performed by board-certified surgeons (DACVS)
- Locations: Nashville (Brentwood) and Memphis (Germantown)
Is Your Dog a Candidate for Surgery?
The classic sign is a dog that suddenly skips or hops for a few steps on a back leg, then returns to normal, as if nothing happened. Others hold a leg up intermittently, sit with a leg kicked out, or become bow-legged over time. Patellar luxation is graded from I (mild) to IV (severe). Mild, non-painful cases are sometimes managed without surgery, but when the luxation is frequent, painful, or affecting the way a dog moves, surgical correction is usually the best path, because a kneecap that keeps slipping wears the joint and can lead to arthritis and cruciate ligament tears over time. Your surgeon will grade the knee and confirm whether surgery is right for your dog.
What the Procedure Involves
Surgical correction is tailored to your dog’s knee and usually combines a few techniques in one procedure. The surgeon may deepen the groove the kneecap rides in (trochleoplasty), move the bony attachment of the kneecap tendon so the knee tracks straight (tibial tuberosity transposition), and tighten or release the soft tissues around the joint to balance it. Done together under general anesthesia, these steps return the kneecap to its proper track and hold it there. Most dogs go home the same day or the next and begin easing weight onto the leg within the first few days to weeks.
Why the Correction Matters
A kneecap that repeatedly slips does not simply cause a skip in the step. Over time, it wears the cartilage, drives arthritis, and raises the risk of a cranial cruciate ligament tear in the same knee. Correcting the luxation while the joint is still healthy protects it in the long run. For dogs with luxation in both knees, your surgeon will talk you through timing and whether to address one knee or both.
Recovery Timeline
Every dog heals at their own pace. Your surgeon’s instructions always take priority.
Weeks 0-2
Rest and incision care. Short leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Pain managed with medication.
Weeks 2-6
Controlled activity. Gradually longer leash walks. No running, jumping, or off-leash play.
Weeks 6-12
Rebuilding strength. Activity increases as the bone and tissues heal, guided by a recheck exam.
Follow-up
Back to normal. Most dogs return to a full, active life.
Meet Your Surgeons
Chase Atwood, DVM, DACVS-SA
Nashville (Brentwood). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University; surgical residency at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. Full bio here.
Mac Maxwell, DVM, MS DACVS-SA
For referring veterinarians
Apex is a referral-based surgical practice. If you have a canine patellar luxation case that would benefit from surgical correction, referral is simple and can be accomplished via email, phone, or through the referral form on our website. We keep you informed at every step and return your patient to your care for follow-up.
Refer a PatientFrequently Asked Questions
You can also check out the medically reviewed MPL article inside our blog.
How much does patellar luxation surgery cost?
Cost depends on your dog’s size, the grade of the luxation, and whether one or both knees are involved. Reach out, and we will give you a clear estimate before anything is scheduled.
Does a luxating patella always need surgery?
Not always. Mild, non-painful cases (often grade I) are sometimes monitored and managed without surgery. Surgery is usually recommended when the luxation is frequent, painful, or affecting how your dog walks, typically grade II and above. Your surgeon will grade the knee and give you a straight recommendation
How long is recovery?
Most dogs need about 8 to 12 weeks of controlled activity before returning to normal activity, guided by recheck exams along the way.
Can both knees be done at once?
Many dogs have luxation in both knees. Whether to correct one at a time or both together depends on your dog’s size, grade, and overall health. Your surgeon will walk you through the best approach.
What happens if it is not corrected?
A kneecap that keeps slipping wears the joint over time, leading to arthritis and a higher risk of a cranial cruciate ligament tear in the same knee. Correcting it early protects the joint.
Does my dog need a referral?
We are a referral-based practice. Your primary veterinarian can refer you, or you can contact us directly to get started.
NASHVILLE
1804 Williamson Ct, Ste 208
Brentwood, TN 37027
615.997.3960 – Office
615.861.0386 – Cell
MEMPHIS
2999 Centre Oak Way
Germantown, TN 38138
901.430.9997 – Office