At Your Family Vets in Knaresborough, we often see cases of limping or skipping in pets that turn out to be caused by patella luxation – a condition that affects the kneecap, particularly in small dog breeds and occasionally in cats.
What Is Patella Luxation?
The patella, or kneecap, normally sits in a groove in the thigh bone (femur). In animals with patella luxation, the kneecap slips out of this groove – either medially (towards the inside) or laterally (towards the outside) of the leg. This can cause anything from mild, occasional lameness to severe, ongoing pain and joint damage.
Patella luxation is most commonly congenital (present from birth), but it can also result from trauma. Over time, repeated luxation can lead to arthritis and reduced mobility if not corrected.
Signs Your Pet May Have Patella Luxation
You may notice:
- Skipping or hopping on one leg
- Sudden lifting of the leg while walking
- Difficulty getting up or jumping
- A clicking sound in the knee
- Pain or stiffness in the hind limb
Diagnosing Patella Luxation
At Your Family Vets, diagnosis is usually made during a clinical examination. Dr Philip Simon will perform a full health check, focused on the leg of concern, the assessment will include manipulating your pet’s knee to determine how easily the patella moves out of place and grade the severity from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 4 (severe and permanently out of place).
We may also recommend x-rays or advanced imaging to assess joint alignment and rule out other causes of lameness. These tests help us plan the most appropriate surgical correction.
How We Treat Patella Luxation
Surgery is often recommended for pets with persistent lameness or higher-grade luxations. There are several surgical techniques that can be used – and at Your Family Vets, we tailor the approach to each pet’s individual needs. Common procedures include:
- Tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT): Realigns the pull of the quadriceps muscle to stop the patella slipping out.
- Trochleoplasty: Deepens the groove of the femur so the patella stays in place.
- Soft tissue balancing: Adjusts the tissues around the knee to prevent future luxation.
These surgeries are often combined to give the best long-term outcome. Most pets recover extremely well and return to normal function within a few months.
Why Choose Us?
Dr Philip Simon holds postgraduate qualifications in surgery and has a wealth of experience correcting patella luxation in both dogs and cats. With advanced surgical skills and a gentle, caring approach, your pet is in expert hands.
From your pet’s first consultation to their last rehab check-up, our team will guide you every step of the way – providing exceptional care in a welcoming, family-run clinic.
What Does It Cost?
Surgical correction of patella luxation typically costs from £1,500. This includes:
- Pre-operative assessment including radiography (X-rays)
- Limited pre-anaesthetic blood test
- General anaesthesia, intravenous fluids and full monitoring
- The surgical procedure itself
- Pain relief and medications
- Post-op check-ups and aftercare
Every case is unique, so we’ll provide a detailed estimate after assessing your pet.
Get In Touch
If your pet is showing signs of lameness or you’ve been told they have patella luxation, we’re here to help.
📍 Your Family Vets
61 Wetherby Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8LH
📞 01423 900770
📧 hello@yfvets.co.uk
Let’s get your pet back on all fours again — comfortably and confidently.