Kneecap Dislocation, also called “Patellar Luxation” is a disease animals are born with. Especially small dog breeds such as miniature and toy poodle, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Pekinese and other breeds of dogs and cats are more likely to have this disease. Patellar Luxation affects both knees in 50% of all diagnosed cases.

The kneecap may slip out of the tendon and then slip back. The severeness is graded from 1 to 4. One means an occasional, mild lameness. Over time the lameness becomes more frequent and eventually continuous. In young puppies a severe luxation can be identified by looking at the rear legs that often show a “bow-legged” shape. This condition worsens with growth.

Surgical corrections are normally very successful, as long as the luxation grades from 1 to 3.

Non-treatment of this disease causes deformity and disorder in the growth of the limb. It might even cease to function or cause other degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Early treatment is absolutely necessary, in most cases it will be done at the age of 6 months.