Patellar Luxation

Dog Health Problems - Categories of Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxations fall into several categories:

• Grade 1 - Medial luxation occurring in toy, miniature, and large breeds

• Grade 2 - Lateral luxation occurring in toy and miniature breeds

• Grade 3 - Lateral luxation occurring in large and giant breeds

• Grade 4 - Trauma induced luxation occurring in various breeds

The categories - Grades 1 - 3 - for Medial or Lateral Luxation are believed to be inherited and are also suspected of being inheritable.

Dog Health Problems - Types of Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation fall into several types:

• Intermittent patellar luxation

• Frequent patellar luxation

• Permanent patellar luxation

Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Patellar Luxation
There are varying degrees of patellar luxation that are graded depending on whether the patella is intermittently or constantly luxated. Symptoms may include:

Intermittent Lameness Consistent lameness Bow-legged stance Reluctance to walk Reluctance to jump Holding a rear leg out to the side when walking

Dog Health Questions - Ages of Dogs susceptible to Patellar Luxation
The most susceptible ages are as follows:

• Medial luxation occurring in toy, miniature, and large breeds - can occur at any age

• Lateral luxation occurring in toy and miniature breeds - usually occurs in dogs between 5 to 8 years

• Lateral luxation occurring in large and giant breeds - usually occurs in dogs between 5 to 6 months

Dog Health Information - Treatment of Patellar Luxation
The treatment of Patellar Luxation involves replacing the kneecap into the groove, and preventing it from popping in and out.