What is Luxating Patella?

The breeding programs that various canine breeds have been put through over the centuries have led to a wide variety of dogs that have various specialties and talents, strengths and quirks, but unfortunately these purebreds also suffer from a number of different disabilities, disorders, and challenges as a result of either the inbreeding they have been subject to in the past or simply the physical and mental traits given priority in their breeding, traits which are not always beneficial. One health issue affecting many different breeds of dog is the luxating patella, otherwise known as the floating kneecap.

The Floating Kneecap

For a dog, the kneecap is roughly in the same location as it is in a human; feel where it is on your leg and you have a pretty good idea of the anatomy of a dog’s kneecap as well. This kneecap helps what are called the quadriceps muscles move across the joint that lies between the lower leg and the thigh; this allows your dog to move about and use the part of their leg called the “shin.” This kneecap moves up and down in a space made for that movement, with patella ridges holding the kneecap in its place; while the ridges are deep in that space, the kneecap can function optimally.

However, there are dog breeds that flat patella ridges, meaning that the kneecap does not reside firmly inside the groove and, in fact, can come out either medially, to the inside of the kneecap, laterally, or to the outside. This varies depending on the size and breed of he dog.

Breeds and Answers

If you are considering adopting a dog into your family and are worried about luxating patella, here are the breeds that are most commonly associated with the disorder: miniature and toy poodles, maltese, jack russell terriers, yorkies, pomeranians, pekingese, chihuahuas, papillons, and Boston terriers – in other words, small dogs. Short-legged dogs don’t necessarily suffer from the condition, however, so basset hounds and the like are a safer choice as far as this condition is concerned.

Having a genetic predisposition towards this condition isn’t a sure thing, however! If you help your dog maintain a great body weight, get plenty of exercise, and take oral join support supplements, you can go a long way towards preventing this condition from becoming serious! Remember: be proactive and your dog will be happy and healthy for a long time to come!