Luxating Patella Surgery

Changes in how your dog moves are often the first sign something isn’t quite right. A skipped step, a limp or even starting to avoid jumping up on the bed can suggest they are experiencing discomfort in the knee, even if it comes and goes.

One common cause of knee pain, especially in small breeds of dog, is a luxating patella, meaning the kneecap does not stay in place as the pooch walks. Over time, this causes extra strain on the joint, impacting its stability. When this starts to cause pain or trouble moving, surgery can be an option.

As your local provider of luxating patella surgery, Plus One Vet is here with compassionate support, treatment and advice so you can feel confident in your pooch’s recovery.

Types of Surgery For Luxating Patella in Dogs

There are a few different approaches to surgery for laxating patella in dogs, depending on how often the kneecap moves out of place, how the leg is aligned and how much support the joint knees. During the procedure, we may:

Realign the tendon that guides the kneecap.
Adjust surrounding tissue to improve side-to-side support.
Deepen the groove in the knee joint to help the kneecap sit securely.

We may use one or more of these techniques combined to help improve stability and reduce the chance of any future problems. Dr. Leo or our team will explain the plan clearly and answer any questions before surgery so you can feel confident in your choice of surgery for your dog.

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Nundah

07 3707 5434

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Dog Skipping On Back Leg & Other Signs of Canine Patellar Luxation

While limping is a common sign of canine patellar luxation, it’s not the only symptom. Many dogs show signs only at certain times, especially early on. You may notice:

Skipping or hopping on one back leg.
Limping that appears and settles again.
Hesitation before they jump or use the stairs.
Stiffness after resting.
Briefly holding a leg up, and then walking normally.

Over time, repeated movement of the kneecap can irritate your dog’s joint, increasing the risk of arthritis. Which is why assessment is often recommended once signs become more frequent. Making sure your dog is keeping up to date with their annual checkups (or more regularly for older dogs) is important for monitoring any potential concerns.



Nundah

07 3707 5434

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Reviews From Some of Our Plus One Pet Parents

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What to Expect From Dog Patella Surgery

Once your dog is booked in for their patella surgery, we’ll perform a full assessment to confirm diagnosis and plan their procedure. This may include additional examinations, imaging and routine blood tests.

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia for your dog’s comfort. Then, the goal is to stabilise the kneecap so it stays in place during movement. Most dogs stay for monitoring before going home with pain relief and clear aftercare instructions.

Luxating Patella Surgery Recovery

Recovery after luxating patella surgery for dogs can vary a little depending on their specific condition and how they performed during surgery. However, most dogs recover well when post-operative instructions are followed, which typically includes:

Restricted activity while the knee heals.
Short, controlled walks in the early stages.
Gradual return to normal movement.
Follow-up visits to check healing.

Some dogs also benefit from physiotherapy or guided exercises to help rebuild their strength and to support the joint. However, we will discuss your options during their recovery based on their healing.

About Luxating Patella in Cats

Luxating patella can also occur in cats, although it is less common. The signs are often more subtle as cats hide pain and discomfort well, but may include stiffness, reduced jumping or changes to their movement.

Treating luxating patella in cats depends on how much it’s affecting their comfort and mobility. In mild cases, monitoring may be enough, and for severe cats, surgery may be an option. Dr. Leo and our team at Plus One Vet can assess, diagnose and make a treatment plan based on your cat’s needs.



Nundah

07 3707 5434

Book Online

Want to discuss your pet’s knee pain or discomfort? Book an appointment with Plus One Vet Today

If your pooch is limping, skipping or moving differently, an assessment can get to the bottom of any potential problems. Book an appointment with our vet surgeons today.