Patellar Luxation

Yes. Even if your dog doesn’t yelp, the instability and arthritis that develop over time are painful.

Up to 30–50% of dogs have MPL in both knees. We may stage surgeries several weeks apart if both sides need correction.

Age alone isn’t a barrier – many senior dogs recover well and are more comfortable after surgery.

Yes. Chronic instability from MPL can strain and eventually tear the cranial cruciate ligament.

Most dogs are walking comfortably within 2–4 weeks and return to full activity by 8–12 weeks.

It depends on location, practitioner, species, and disease. A typical range of fees for a single session of acupuncture will vary from $40 – $200.

Unfortunately, no. The kneecap will continue to slip out of place because the underlying bone and soft tissue alignment remains the same. Mild cases may not require surgery right away, but the problem itself doesn’t “heal” without intervention.

Severity varies. Mild (Grade I–II) luxations can cause only occasional skipping, while higher grades (III–IV) can cause persistent pain, deformity, and arthritis. Over time, even mild cases can worsen if untreated.

MPL is most common in small and toy breeds such as Poodles, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians, and French Bulldogs. However, large breeds like Labradors and Border Collies can also be affected, often with more severe alignment changes.

Untreated MPL often leads to chronic pain, cartilage wear, and early arthritis. The constant friction and instability can also increase the risk of tearing the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—a more serious injury that may later require major surgery.

Your dog will be under general anaesthesia and receive modern pain relief before, during, and after the operation. Most patients are surprisingly comfortable within a few days, especially with good at-home care and follow-up.

Costs depend on the severity, whether one or both knees are affected, and the type of correction needed. After examining your dog, we can provide a personalized estimate for your dog’s specific situation. Prices range from $4,500 to $10,000 per leg.

It’s possible, especially in small dogs or when both knees are equally affected. However, many surgeons prefer to stage the surgeries 4–6 weeks apart to allow one leg to support the other during recovery.

Recurrence is uncommon when the bone and soft tissue are properly realigned, but mild reluxation can occur in a small number of cases—especially in very active or growing dogs. Regular check-ups help ensure long-term success.

In young dogs, skeletal growth can change limb alignment over time. If surgery is done before growth plates close, some mild shifting can recur, but it’s usually less severe. Monitoring during growth is key.

Most dogs are weight-bearing within a few days, walk comfortably at 2–4 weeks, and return to full activity around 8–12 weeks, depending on the grade of luxation and type of surgery.

Yes. Strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles helps keep the patella aligned. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are especially helpful after surgery to rebuild muscle and stability safely.

No. MPL surgery is actually most common in small dogs. The techniques are refined for small-breed anatomy, and outcomes are typically excellent when performed by an experienced surgeon.

In most cases, yes. About 90% of dogs have major improvement or complete resolution of lameness. If arthritis or muscle loss was already present, a slight residual limp can remain, but the pain and instability are usually gone.

Not always. For low-grade, non-painful cases, conservative management (weight control, muscle strengthening, supplements) may keep your dog comfortable for years. We reassess regularly to see if surgery ever becomes necessary.

While genetics play a big role, you can help by keeping your puppy lean, avoiding slippery floors and jumping from heights, and focusing on controlled exercise to develop good muscle tone during growth.

Most studies show a success rate of 90–95%, with dogs returning to a normal, pain-free life. Long-term outcomes are excellent when weight, muscle strength, and joint health are well managed afterward.