Kneecap Dislocation

Kneecap Dislocation in Cedar Springs, MI

If your small dog suddenly skips a step, holds up a back leg for a few strides, then runs on as if nothing happened, a slipping kneecap may be the cause. Cedar Animal Hospital helps pets from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan with careful knee exams, honest advice, and surgical correction when it is needed.

Understanding Kneecap Dislocation

The kneecap, or patella, normally glides up and down in a groove at the end of the thigh bone. In a luxating patella, the kneecap slips out of that groove, usually toward the inside of the leg. It is especially common in small and toy breed dogs, often because of the way their legs are shaped, but it can also happen in larger dogs and in cats, sometimes after an injury.

Veterinarians grade the condition from 1 to 4, from a kneecap that only slips when pushed to one that stays out of place. Mild cases may only need monitoring, weight management, and exercise to keep the leg muscles strong. More severe cases, or pets with ongoing pain or limping, often benefit from surgery to deepen the groove and realign the kneecap. Dr. Lawrence Nauta focuses his continuing education on orthopedics, and our team will help you weigh the options.

What to Expect During Kneecap Dislocation Treatment

Here is how we evaluate and treat a slipping kneecap at Cedar Animal Hospital.

1. Knee Exam and Grading

Your veterinarian watches your pet walk and gently moves the kneecap to see how easily it slips and in which direction. This grading guides every next step.

2. Imaging

Digital radiographs show the shape of the leg bones and any arthritis. They also help us check for a torn cruciate ligament, which sometimes happens alongside a slipping kneecap.

3. Surgical Correction When Needed

If surgery is recommended, it is done under anesthesia with pain control in one of our surgical suites. The repair usually combines deepening the groove, moving the attachment point of the kneecap ligament, and tightening the tissues around the joint. We explain the plan and an estimate beforehand.

4. Recovery at Home

Recovery takes several weeks of restricted activity, short leash walks, and gradual return to normal play. We provide a clear home plan, pain medication, and rechecks to follow your pet’s progress.

Why Treating a Slipping Kneecap Matters

Not every slipping kneecap needs surgery, but every one deserves an exam and a plan.

Comfort and Steady Movement

A kneecap that stays in place lets your pet walk and run without skipping, catching, or pain.

Protecting the Joint

Repeated slipping wears on the cartilage and can lead to arthritis. Correcting higher-grade cases helps limit that wear.

Lowering the Risk of Other Injuries

An unstable kneecap can put extra strain on other parts of the knee, including the cruciate ligament.

Signs of a Slipping Kneecap

Watch for these signs, especially in small breed dogs:

• Skipping or hopping on a back leg for a few steps
• Kicking a back leg out to the side to pop the kneecap back
• Bowlegged stance in the back legs
• Limping that comes and goes
• Reluctance to jump or play as usual

If your pet suddenly cannot bear weight on a back leg or seems in a lot of pain, call right away. Our urgent and emergency team is available seven days a week.

Supporting Knee Health at Home

Keeping your pet lean, using ramps or steps to reduce jumping, and keeping up with regular exams all help support healthy knees, whether or not your pet needs surgery.

Practice Highlights

Cedar Animal Hospital is proud to care for pets from Cedar Springs and across West Michigan:

• Multiple Surgical Suites: Dedicated space for orthopedic procedures
• Digital Radiography: Fast, detailed images of the knee
• Urgent & Emergency Care: Available 7 days a week
• AAHA-Accredited: Caring for pets since April 1993
• Flexible Payment Options: Cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay