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Patella Luxation In Chihuahuas

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Patella Luxation In ChihuahuasHave you noticed your Chihuahua limping or holding one of their legs up when they walk? They could have a condition known as Patella Luxation. In laymen’s terms, it is a floating kneecap. It can progressively get worse as time goes by so it is something your veterinarian should check out.

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone, which normally sits in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh. The patella normally lies in a groove within the thighbone in the knee.

Patellar luxation or dislocation is a condition where the kneecap moves outside the femoral groove. It is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities in dogs. Patellar luxation is most common in Chihuahuas, as well as, in other toy and miniature dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers.

Here is a great video that explains it all very well:

Causes

Patellar luxation can occur after a traumatic injury to the knee or as a result of a genetic malformation of the stifle joint. Traumatic luxation is the result of disruption of soft tissues and forceful dislocation of the patella. Your Chihuahua will have a very difficult time walking on the leg as the condition is very painful.

If corrected early, your dog could have a good prognosis. Congenital or developmental patellar luxation can be associated with varying degrees of deformities of the hip and stifle joint, as well as the tight and leg bones.

Signs

The signs of patella luxation will vary depending on the severity of the condition and on the presence of concurrent degenerative arthritis. Your Chihuahua may exhibit some of the following signs:

• Prolonged abnormal hind limb movement
• Occasional skipping
• Hind limb lameness
• Sudden lameness
• Holding up the hind limb

There are different grades of severity for this condition. It goes from Grade 1 to Grade 4. In grade 1, you may not even notice your dog has a problem. The higher the grade number, the more severe the condition is.

Diagnosis

Your dog’s veterinarian may need to perform various tests including (ACVS):

• Palpation of the knee awake or under sedation.
• X-rays of the hind limb.
• Analysis of the synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates joints).
• Blood tests to administer medication or perform surgery.

Treatment and Management

You can do things to help your dog be more comfortable such as having stairs and ramps available for them. Vitamin and mineral supplements along with joint supplements can sometimes help too.

Although some dogs can live their entire lives with this condition and never have it progress, many of the cases will eventually need surgical treatment, which may consist of fastening the kneecap on the outside of the bone to prevent it from sliding towards the inside or deepening the groove of the thighbone so that it can better hold the kneecap.

 

Chihuahuas who also have degenerative arthritis may also need medical treatment, which may include chondroprotectants such as chondroitin sulfate. After surgery, your dog will need frequent low-impact exercises such as walking. Kneecap dislocation is genetically inherited; therefore, the breeding of affected dogs is highly discouraged.

Has your Chihuahua been diagnosed with Patella Luxation? Or do you suspect they may have it? Leave a comment and let me know your experience with this condition.

Click to find about other chihuahua health problems.

Cathy signature Chi
References:

American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Patellar Luxation. Retrieved on February 20, 2016 from: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations

Hettlich, B. (2014). Patellar Luxation. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

 

woman kneeling in front of a dog outside in snow

Paula Simons

DVM

This article has been reviewed, fact-checked, and approved by Dr. Paula Simons DVM. You can read more about her on our About page.

Tina

Monday 10th of July 2023

I have an 8 month old Chi and he is active like any normal puppy. He was retrieving a ball and slipped and started to limp. It happened again, an thought He may have twisted his leg, but after reading some of the health issues chis could have I now realize it may be medial patella luxation. I am definitely going to get the glucosamine and any other vitamin to help strengthen the leg. I will also have a conversation with the vet about my concern for my baby.

Cathy Bendzunas

Monday 10th of July 2023

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Let us know what the vet says.

Robin

Monday 30th of January 2023

I just came from the vet today and was told that BabyBear has this Luxating Patella and will need to see an Orthopedic. She is overweight, 11 lbs and is 9 yrs old. My deep concern is to afford the surgery which is not what I have. Is she going to have to be put to sleep? I have not been given anything. Her vet is Jody Akers of Mansfield ohio.

Cathy

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Is your dog having problems and is in pain? Many dogs live with this condition many years before needing surgery. Both my yorkies were born with it but get around fine. And if you can get her weight down, that may keep surgery at bay for years.

Nadia Walter

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

My pomchi just had a visit to the vet today because I felt a hard lump by her knee cap. She's had it a few weeks before and it went away but I noticed it again yesterday. The vet took a sample of the fluid and I'm hoping it's nothing serious. She's in great spirits and runs around like crazy, no skipping or limping. Is this a common thing for chihuahuas?

Cathy

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Lumps are not normal for chihuahuas but I have heard from a few others. Sometimes it's a cancerous tumor and sometimes just a cyst. My terri-poo had one of these and it turned out to be cancer. They removed it though and he didn't need any other treatment. He was about 12 at the time and lived another 6 1/2 years. Keep us updated of what the vet finds out.

Laina

Wednesday 27th of April 2022

Hello from a former UA resident, long ago patient of OSU's George Paulson. I have adopted a 7 year old, tiny Chihuahua. This one, as previous 'mother' told me has developed a problem the last few years. Sadly she's had nothing done to help correct it. If possible. His front legs/paws turn under. He's hobbling only on his 'knees'. The position feels stiff/fixed. I've not had him to a vet. I live in an area with several. (But personally had two bad M.D. experiences, so very hesitant to trust any to be able to help.) Wish I could send photos.

Cathy

Friday 29th of April 2022

Poor little guy! He definitely needs to see a vet and will probably need surgery.

frederick traceski

Wednesday 21st of April 2021

My chihuahua just had patella Luxation surgery two weeks ago he is a year old took him to get his stitches out the checked him on how the surgery went they said it failed, and they are wanting to do more surgery on him, is this a good idea? What will happen if I decide not to have another surgery done ???? Thanks Fred Traceski

Cathy

Wednesday 21st of April 2021

Wow Fred, that's really disheartening! I'm not a vet so I'm not sure what will happen to him if he doesn't get the second surgery. I think I would get a second opinion from another vet and see if what your options are.