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For the most part, Patellar Luxation, also known as Slipped Stifle, is a fairly common toy breed and genetic condition of small dogs. It can also be caused by trauma. It occurs when your dog’s “knee” joint, just above the hock on the rear leg, slips. Sometimes it corrects itself, sometimes your vet can put it back in the groove, and sometimes it may require surgery. Many veterinarians believe that if not surgically corrected, osteoarthritis will eventually develop.

What causes slippery knee?

It is believed to be a genetic deformity of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and knee joint (patella). Normally, the patella slides smoothly and safely in the femoral groove. In affected dogs, the groove is shallow and/or misshapen. The ligaments that hold the patella in place become weak, making the angulation between the femur and tibia irregular and unstable. When your dog runs, turns, jumps up or down, the kneecap slips out of the groove.

Another cause can be trauma, as it can also damage the joint, weakening the ligaments out of alignment.

Signs to watch out for:

It most often occurs when your dog runs amok around the yard, or jumps for a Frisbee ball. While in the air, they will yelp in pain, often spinning around biting their hind leg as they lift it off the ground. They will often walk with a limp for 10 to 30 minutes; then they return to normal.

You will notice:

Mood swings…can become abrupt when in pain

Grunts or snaps when you pick them up or touch their hindquarters.

walking on three legs

limping

Jumping

Skipping

Deals:

Even if your dog seems to be back to normal, you should have your vet examine him. They may suggest an anti-inflammatory or glucosamine, but eventually they will most likely recommend surgery to lower the risk of arthritis.

Since Slipped Stifle is inherited by a defective gene, affected dogs must be spayed or neutered, so as not to perpetuate the condition.

What you can do to help your pet:

short walks

weight control

Mild to moderate exercise

Limit strenuous exercise to less weight-bearing exercises, such as swimming

Physical therapy

Massage

Breeds predisposed to Slipped Stifle include, but are not limited to:

affenpinscher

american cocker spaniel

australian terriers

basset hounds

boston terrier

brussels griffon

chihuahua

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

english cocker spaniel

english toy spaniel

italian greyhound

jack russell terrier

kii leo

lhasa apso

Maltese

butterfly

Pekingese

Pomeranian

Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

Shih Tzu

manchester toy terrier

yorkshire terrier

It should be noted that larger breeds are not affected. Certain larger breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, are also prone to Slipped Stifle.

Bottom line: As your dog ages, the problem may become more prevalent and it may take longer to recover. Don’t wait until too much damage has been done to your joints.