The Patella (kneecap) should be located in the centre of the knee joint, the term ‘Luxating’ simple means that the knee cap moves out of place or is dislocated… A dog suffering from LP after several months or years of the abnormal movement of the Patella will find bearing weight on the effected leg, the dog may learn to kick and snap the Patella back into normal location, however, it will dislocate again easily…  Again, the degree of Luxation is graded form 1 to 4 depending the ease with which the Patella Luxates…sometimes a dog can have a luxating joint caused from an accident sustained torn ligaments etc so check with your vet

Medially LP

The Patella dislocates to the inside of the knee

Laterally LP

The Patella dislocates to the outside of the knee, in some cases the Patella Luxates both medially and laterally…

LP is congenital, the Luxation may not be present at birth but the structural imperfections that lead to it are there at birth…  Research suggests that LP is an inherited defect, thought he exact mode is not known, and it is advised not to breed from any animal with this problem…

Signs to look for include rear leg lameness, possible shifting form one leg to another, and an inability to fully extend the leg…  Early stages may show the dog hopping and skipping, this is due to the Patella Luxating while the dog is in motion, and thus giving a hop or a jump to extend the leg and replace the Patella to its rightful position, until the next time…  Grading: -

Grade 1 – The patella luxates only when pushed out of the socket

Grade 2 – The patella luxates on flexion of the joint and remains luxated until returned by external pressure

Grade 3 – The patella is permanently dislocated but can be reduced manually with the leg extended

Grade 4 – The patella is permanently dislocated and cannot be reduced

Some dogs can tolerate the problem for many years and not show many outwardly signs of having LP… Some go through all their lives with the owner never knowing their dog is suffering…  With advance in age the joint may become arthritic and painful…  Surgery should only be performed if your dog has persistent lameness or if other injuries occur to the secondary leg as a result of the Luxation…  If surgery is performed before the onset of arthritis the prognosis is excellent and you dog should regain full usage of the leg, however, if arthritis has already occurred the joint could still be painful especially in cold weather…