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one restricted place controlling the
activity of the quadriceps muscle.
The entire system is constantly lubricated
by joint fluid allowing for the freedom of
motion between the structures.
LP can be congenital or trauma induced.
Females are one and half times more
likely to have LP than males, though it is
unknown why. LP is progressive and
worsens with age as repeat dislocation
of the patella causes permanent cartilage
damage which can lead to osteoarthritis.
Grades
Luxating Patella is a examination based
graded condition rated from 1 to 4.
Levels 1 and 2 being relatively minor and
manageable to levels 3 and 4 which are
more necessitating of surgical correction.
Grade 1: Upon physical examination the
patella can be luxated manually.
However, the patella does not luxate
much on its own generally staying within
the trochlear groove.
Grade 2: The patella is easily
manipulated during exam out of the
trochlear groove and luxations occur
when there is occasional spontaneous
lameness but the patella returns to
normal positioning. This is typically the dog
that occasionally carries a rear leg for two
or three steps on occasion but then puts
it back down and goes as if nothing was
wrong.
Grade 3: The patella doesn’t always
return to normal positioning when it is
deliberately pushed out of its groove
during a physical examination. Luxation
occurs often and the dog has a degree of
loss of function due to the luxation. They
have more frequent “skipping” episodes,
may not want to jump up onto things, and
they may have pain.
Grade 4: The leg can not be fully
straightened manually and/or the gait is stiff
legged due to the patella being
underdeveloped or permanently dislocated
and fixed in place outside its normal
position. The dog shows evidence of
chronic pain or disability, including poor
to no ability to jump. Luxations are painful
enough that the dog tries not to use them.
Symptoms include rear lameness, running
and screaming in sudden pain as the knee
cap dislocates, the holding up of the leg, and
the inability to bear weight on the knee.
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