Dog Luxating Patella Surgery - What Happens, Is It Successful, What I Should Know?

Treatment for patella luxation is usually dependant on the severity and grade of the luxation. If you suspect that your dog has a luxating patella, it's important to have them seen by a vet who can assess the severity of the condition and advise a treatment plan.

For Grades 3 and 4, surgery is nearly always the recommended treatment.  If left over time, a luxating patella will erode cartilage and cause the development of osteoarthritis over time. Similarly, dogs who have medial luxating patellas are more prone to developing cruciate ligament disease. As with most things, the earlier a problem is addressed, the better it is for the dog in both the short and the long term.

There are a variety of surgical techniques which can be used, the choice depends on the individual case and the individual vet’s expertise.

Generally, surgery is very successful, with 85% of dogs having a good or excellent outcome. Post-surgical care is important. Ideally, you will restrict your dog to a crate for the first few weeks, with restricted exercise when out of their crate; no running, jumping, climbing stairs or playing is allowed. Recovery time post-surgery is usually about 12 weeks.

It's worth noting that a luxating patella can often be a progressive condition, and dogs with a history of luxating patella are at high risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint later in life. Regular monitoring and proactive management such as giving your dog a joint supplement, or applying a brace to give support to the joint, can help minimise long-term complications.

Read more about Luxating Patella Causes, Prevention and How to Help https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/patella-luxation-in-your-dog