As Winter Bites, Pet Kneecaps Slip: The Hidden Threat of Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats

[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] As temperatures plummet, pet owners notice their dogs and cats moving stiffly, joints aching under the strain of cold. Veterinarians see a surge in visits for orthopedic issues, with one condition topping the list: patellar luxation, commonly known as a dislocated kneecap.

The patella is a small, rounded bone at the front of the knee that glides in a groove on the femur, stabilizing the joint between the thigh and shin. When it slips out of this femoral trochlear groove—medially in most cases or laterally in some—the knee buckles, triggering pain and instability. Left unchecked, this seemingly minor misalignment can erode articular cartilage, deform bone, and condemn a pet to chronic discomfort.

Patellar luxation ranks among the most frequent orthopedic disorders in dogs, particularly in small breeds like Maltese and Bichon Frises. Early signs are subtle: intermittent skipping or holding up a hind limb. Over time, however, cartilage wears down, bones remodel abnormally, and lameness becomes persistent.

Causes split into congenital and acquired. Genetically, some dogs inherit a shallow trochlear groove or bowed limbs that predispose the patella to escape. Acquired cases often stem from trauma—landing hard after a leap from furniture, for instance—or obesity, which amplifies load on the joint and accelerates displacement.

Veterinarians grade the condition from 1 to 4. Grade 1: The patella sits normally but can be manually luxated and spontaneously reduces. Grade 2: It luxates intermittently, causing occasional lameness; manual reduction is possible. Grade 3: Persistent luxation, with the patella reducible only by force. Grade 4: Fixed luxation, profound deformity, and near-total disuse of the limb.

Cats are not immune. A feline that hesitates to jump or limps after descending from a perch warrants immediate evaluation.

By Dr. Jung-Tae Choi, Director, Wiv Animal Medical Center, Gimpo, South Korea

Treatment hinges on severity. Early-stage management focuses on weight control, muscle strengthening, and slip-proof flooring. Beyond Grade 2, surgery is typically required: deepening the trochlear groove, realigning soft tissues, and sometimes performing tibial tuberosity transposition or corrective osteotomy to restore alignment.

Postoperative care demands strict rest. For two to three weeks, eliminate walks, jumps, and stairs. Gradual rehabilitation—physical therapy, controlled exercise, stretching—rebuilds strength and prevents recurrence.

Prevention is paramount, as luxation can recur even after successful surgery. Cover slick floors with rugs or mats. Install ramps or steps to curb high jumps. Maintain consistent indoor warmth in winter to keep joints supple and muscles relaxed.

Patellar luxation, if ignored, sentences a pet to lifelong pain. Any sign—limping in dogs, reluctance to leap in cats—demands prompt veterinary attention. Early intervention preserves mobility and quality of life. A guardian’s vigilance, from daily observation to environmental tweaks, is the surest shield against this insidious winter aggravator.

Lim Hye Jung / press@themedik.kr

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As Winter Bites, Pet Kneecaps Slip: The Hidden Threat of Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats

[Physician's Column] By Dr. Jung-Tae Choi, Director, Wiv Animal Medical Center, Gimpo, South Korea