OldieA luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its groove. In small breeds almost all luxations are to the inside of the knee, and the classic sign is a skipping gait: the dog holds a back leg up for a few steps, then carries on as if nothing happened1. Among 210,000 dogs in English practices, 1.3 percent had the diagnosis, with the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and French Bulldog at highest odds; most cases were managed medically, and about one in eight surgically2.
Signs usually begin young, but the knee pays for a lifetime of slipping with arthritis. In a senior small dog, stiffness after rest, a reluctance to jump onto the sofa, or a more persistent limp are the things to note1. Weight control and vet-guided pain relief help; surgery is sometimes still worthwhile in an older dog if the joint is badly affected2.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.
Sources
- Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.
- The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (O'Neill DG et al.). Canine Genetics and Epidemiology 3:4, 2016 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.